The Swim Types system is a way of understanding your individual swimming by identifying six fundamental stroke styles all the way from beginner to elite competitor. Identify your type and we can give you highly tailored individual advice to improve your swimming - neat.
As Swim Smooth Head Coach developed this unique system of coaching through 2008 and 2009 he also noticed something else, something fascinating. Each of the six types tend to have distinct personality traits unique to them. And the idea of that being possible - that how you move might be related to how you think - is a bit more controversial.
If you are someone who doesn't believe in this connection then that's fine, that bit of the system wasn't for you. Please ignore the rest of this post.
But if you do 'get it' and understand your Swim Type then you could gain an important insight into how your head might be holding you back in the water. Or as a coach, how your swimmers might need different coaching styles to best meet their needs.
There's aspects of Swim Type personalities that relate direct to swimming but here at Swim Smooth we also like to enjoy some of our lighter observations about them. These might not have any bearing on swimming but they are interesting to see none the less. (If any of this seems a bit nuts, remember it's just for fun)
Our observations:
The Arnie/Arnette
- May arrive late for sessions and in a bit of a fluster.
- Often shortens their name as much as possible (e.g. Robert becomes Bob, Rachel becomes Rach).
- May use their partner's email address and type with caps-lock on.
- Has a tendency to say "yes... yes... yes..." or "yip... yip... yip..." to hurry along conversation.
- Tends to see the coaching relationship as transactional.
- Drives a large 4x4 vehicle.
The Bambino
- The first thing they say about their swimming is "I'm really not very good".
- Values the coaching relationship for its own sake.
- Gets a huge buzz from small improvements.
- A strong sense of community.
- Generally warm and open personality.
- Likes stripey tops (we told you this was left field!).
The Kicktastic
- Quite quiet and may appear aloof.
- Facebook profile picture may be a nice view or a wild cat.
- Often wears ankle bracelets or foot jewellery.
- Often turns up late for swim sessions.
- Likes taking notes (can anyone explain why this is...?).
- May be a bit earthy or hippy.
The Overglider
- Dresses for function rather than appearance.
- Prefers the use of their full name (e.g. Jonathan instead of John), this is the opposite of the Arnie.
- Explains their definitions when debating.
- Immediately speed tests new internet connections.
- May drive an Audi.
- May start counting from zero rather than one (why waste a perfectly good number?).
The Swinger
- Lives "in the now" and likes to get on with things without undue discussion.
- The first on the pool deck dying to get in the water.
- Dislikes clutter in their houses.
- If they don't feel useful then they feel useless.
- Likely to say exactly what they are thinking.
- Unconventional - gets frustrated with the system and wants to improve it.
The Smooth
- Likes to lead the lane and have clear water.
- May have dimples.
- Can turn on the charm any time they like.
- Conventional - good at using the system that exists.
- Likes to enter the pool by jumping in feet first and diving forward straight into their freestyle.
- Have great hair and commonly a quiff (once you see this you won't stop seeing it!).
We are currently conducting a big reconfiguration of our websites - the full Swim Type website is down right now - we'll be introducing something new and very exciting to replace it very soon.
Swim Smooth!
