We recently published an article on arm coordination and performance level in 400-m front-crawl swimming in Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport (Schnitzler, Seifert, & Chollet, 2011). The index of coordination (IdC) was used to quantify interarm coordination. Our results showed that expert swimmers exhibited lower IdC than recreational…

In a recent article by Schnitzler, Seifert, and Chollet (2011), they used an index of coordination (IdC) to quantify arm synchronization in swimming, which has become a practical standard to measure gaps (negative IdC) and overlaps (positive IdC) in arm propulsion. Their previous work supported an increase in IdC as swimming velocity and…

All "friluftsliv," or "open-air living," is to some degree a "quest." This certainly applies to paddling the big, open waters, although William James (1981) originally used the term to deepen the understanding of the Canadian soul during expeditionary travel on the great northern rivers. James was inspired in his task…

The aim of this paper is to discuss the development and evolution of particular personas adopted by researchers in the quest for rich exchanges within the social field. It analyses my role (the principal author) as a female ethnographer (and the sole female) in the world of elite male rowing. Data are drawn from personal notes, reflections and…

Misao Dean (2006) discusses the canoe as a celebrated icon of Canadian culture in her critique of the Centennial celebrations of 1967; as part of the Centennial, the Canadian government organized the longest canoe race ever held. This author believes that the canoe has become a universal symbol of Canada and that all Canadians have the right to…

The lake is blue black and deep. It is a glaciated finger lake, clawed out of rock when ice retracted across Nova Scotia in a northerly direction during the last ice age. The lake is narrow, a little over a mile long, and deep, 90 to 190 feet in places according to local lore, off the charts in others. The author loves to swim there, with a sense…

Sailing, a harnessing of wind with canvas to propel a sailboat across distances of water, in winds shaped by landforms, airflow and temperature, requires constant renegotiation by skipper and crew in response to the wind's changeable presence. In a choreography of movement, sails secured by sheets are loosened or reined in by hand to allow wind…

In this article, the author talks about his personal experience and the lessons he learned from failing in his endeavors. He further emphasizes that testing a hypothesis and putting oneself on the line require an emotional readiness to take a fall. The most important skill students can develop is the willingness to put themselves on that line…

This article presents an explanation of the benefits of exercises done in the water and describes several water fitness programs implemented by an Oklahoma YMCA center. Water walking is described, and guidelines and cautions are given to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks of this form of exercise. (IAH)

A lawsuit has challenged the safety of the tables widely used in scuba diving. Other concerns also have emerged: A condition known as patent foramen ovale may increase the risk of decompression sickness, and studies are raising questions about the long-term effects of diving. (Author/JD)

Describes plastic surgery techniques used to irrigate, debride, and close lacerations caused by surfboards. Head lacerations and nose fractures are the most common injuries. According to a survey, lacerations may be deeper than expected from their surface appearance and wounds may contain surfboard fragments. Injury prevention is discussed. (SM)

In this article, the author uses a personal story to challenge the definition of success--introducing Ann, who comes in last in a swimming competition, but wins after all. He has drawn on his years as a swim coach to generate a series of stories exploring the emotional side of learning and the role of compassion in teaching that too often lie…

Recreational watercraft paddlers are susceptible to problems ranging from simple contusions and blisters to drowning. Most of these problems can be prevented by simple precautions, such as proper technique, good warmup, carrying first-aid kits, wearing personal flotation devices, and respecting the environment. (Author/SM)

Three guiding principles provide the planner of aquatic exercise programs with a model that helps to ensure an effective program: principles of resource availability and allocation; the principle of fit, which involves matching instructor leadership style with program objectives; and the principle of attitude and perception modification. (IAH)