Non-traditional Swim Events That Could Add a Little Fun to the Meet Lineup
As swimmers, we all wish the 100 IM and 50s of strokes would last forever. How cool would it be if our sport offered non-traditional events in fun-filled meets, like the 50 underwater, 100 doggy paddle, or the 200 kick with fins? Read along to see what other events would be fun to compete in at your next swim meet!
50 Underwater Dolphin Kick
Are your underwaters game-changing? Do you like holding your breath? If so, then this event is for you! Underwater dolphin kick is commonly referred to as swimming’s “fifth stroke.” This race comes with a start off the block, underwater turn and no 15-meter rule to worry about. How fast do you think you can go?
Kick with Fins
Photo Courtesy: Instagram, @swimoutlet
Who doesn’t like using fins? The best part about wearing fins is how much faster you can move in the water. Whether you choose to use a board or kick on your back, this event is perfect for your team’s strongest kickers and fin enthusiasts. Show off that leg power.
Pull with Paddles
If there is going to be a kicking event, there has to be a pulling event, too. Typically, swimmers are either stronger at kicking or pulling, but rarely both. A 200 or 500 freestyle pull would be the perfect event for mid-distance freestylers.
Resistance Races
Adding resistance events into the meet lineup would definitely keep things interesting. Not many swimmers can say they love wearing parachutes or DragSox, but wearing one of them would certainly make a fun and challenging event at a swim meet, and to entertain the fans. How fast can you move with drag? There’s only one way to find out.
T-Shirt Relay
Building off of the resistance races above, a t-shirt relay would be another fun twist to the meet lineup – and one that conjures up summer-meet fun. Swimmers could compete in a medley t-shirt relay or a freestyle t-shirt relay. Hey, sometimes it’s about having fun.
25s, 75s, 150s
All swimmers train 25s, 75s and 150s during practice, so why not race them, too! Some swimmers find themselves stuck between the 100 and 200 events. Having the 75 and 150 as event options would help a lot of athletes find their perfect distance to race. Actually, some of these off-distance events are held every once in a while, including in annual matchups between Cal and Stanford.
Doggy Paddle
Doggy paddle, the first “stroke” that almost every swimmer learns. Remember the days of having to doggy paddle to stay afloat in the water? This unique event would be a fun way to bring it back to your childhood.
What other non-traditional swim events would you like to see in a swim meet? Which event would you like to compete in?