Rowdy Gaines for Endless Pools Swimming Machines

Bookmark This Page  |  Send To A Friend

Among the latest purchasers of an Endless Pool is Ambrose "Rowdy" Gaines IV, named World Swimmer of the Year in 1980 and among the most distinguished Americans in the history of competitive swimming.

To many, Gaines is best known for his performance in the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, when he broke two world records in the course of winning three gold medals. Stirring as that was, his career is as remarkable for its longevity and dedication to his sport. A 22-time NCAA All-American and winner of the 1981 NCAA Championships, Gaines has also been honored as Southeastern Conference Athlete of the Year, has won numerous national championships, and was awarded the 1982 McDonald's Spirit Award, one of swimming's highest honors.

Early indications are that Gaines will use his Endless Pool with characteristic vigor.

"In addition to my daily workouts, I intend to conduct swim clinics in my Endless Pool," he says. "Because the student swims in place against an adjustable current, it is easy for a coach to improve stroke mechanics. The current accentuates the advantages of good technique, and the underwater swim mirror provides instant feedback on your stroke technique and body rotation. It's a lot of fun."

Rowdy's Daily Workout Secrets for the Endless Pool

Use a kickboard while kicking against the current.
"Many swimmers, including me, lose power in their kick when their legs are out of the water, slapping the surface," Gaines says. "The Endless Pool is better than open water for correcting this deficiency because the current tends to keep the swimmer's legs submerged. You can't be lazy."

Another common problem Gaines cites is evident in open-pool lap swimming:
Swimmers are unable to stay in lanes because of a "cross-over" arm stroke that traverses the body's mid-line along the spine. "It can be the result of one-side dominance or of the way you breath in the water," he points out. "But the Endless Pool current forces you to be more streamlined in your stroke production. And if you concentrate, you can 'feel the water' for the proper alignment. Lose that focus, and you fall overboard, as it were."

View a short video of Rowdy discussing Kicks drill:

(Editor's note: The optional Endless Pool Swim Mirror can help greatly with monitoring and improving your swimming style.)

 

>>Next