@darthshadowxxx - it is a nick game given to the modified side stroke. It used both arms - just the top arm fully pulls as in a freestyle stroke and the bottom arm pulls similar to a breast stroke
this is for special ops swimmers. It works very well when swimming with fins and does not make splashes like a crawl stroke would...if you are not in the military / SWAT teams there is really no need for you to learn BUT it is very efficient too...stew
Hello Mr. STew, is there some drill or specific procedure in order for a person to increase his capability to retain air underwater, I mean to keep his breath, ???, thanks.....
@emm589 there are things you can buy to help strengthen your lungs and increase your breath holding abilities. There are exercises you can do too as well I believe also just practicing holding your breath helps but some things ive found online are the powerlung it works great supposedly can help your abilites over 100% if not more Ive used it in the past and it does work pretty well
@emm589 : swim more efficiently. It should only take you 3-5 strokes to get across a 25m pool - that saves energy / oxygen use and you can swim longer...stew
last time i tried this was the first time i tried this stroke and i got a hugh muscle cramp in the middle of the pool i couldnt even put pressure or move my leg. it was the muscle between my ancle and kneecap how can i avoide this from happening again as im trying out for my school swim team
Cramps as a result of unfamilliar movement are often caused by neural fatigue in wich case your neuronal system just needs some time in training to adept to the new task. I don't know wich muscle in particular was cramping in your case but I expect it to be the musculus gastrocnemius. if so you can try to reduce cramps by strengthening it's antagonists the shin muscles some people in my training group dealing with cramps have found that to be helpfull.
...Also try to initiate your leg movements from the hip while following the impulse passively with your lower legg. Furthermore make sure you recieve enough electrolytes and carbohydrates through your diet.
And last but not least leave your body enough time to regenerate between training sessions,
Stew, I want to thank you for how you taught me how to swim w/ this stroke just from reading the technique in the Complete Guide to Navy SEAL Fitness in 2000. Moreover, reading that book & doing the 12-week evolutions helped me regain my lost self-confidence. Only God knows how far I could've gotten if I had read this book before I went in the Navy. As it is, I used the self-confidence to start a congregation in Panama & I owe most of it to your book, sir. Hoo-ya!
Anybody have trouble with their hips after doing the CSS for a long stretch. The other day when I finished my work out, 1000m(I know that isn't very far but I'm just starting to swim regularly lol), my left hip felt like it was torquing in it's socket. Im guessing that I may be kicking wrong or my legs just aren't used to it. Are you supposed to scissor kick more from the hip flexors or more force at the knees?
I'm not sure about the hip knees thing. The force feels pretty evenly dispersed to me. I would guess that your joints/muscles are still adjusting since you only just started. I had some pain in my shoulders and elbows for about the first 4 weeks. I just cut back when it started to hurt or took a day off. Now its gone.
I'd been practicing the CSS all summer, turns out I had been doing the kick wrong, not torquing my body back to center facing the ground. I'm right handed, so of course my right side is better, but my left side is just horrible. Anyone else have that problem?
I don''t do that as well. I swim for 2 miles or more at a stretch so after maybe a few laps, I just don't have it in me to torque my body back. I just sort of stay in the side position.
ya i know what you mean. I guess you just have to work up to it. also if you watch the video closely you can see Stew flutter kicking just a bit. are you training for SpecOps Ramsho?
Nah, just regular navy as an option(still not sure). I simply enjoy training combat swim stroke. It's definitely my favorite swim stroke since it involves the whole body, and the underwater recovery means my joints don't get stressed and I can swim for a long distance. I hit 2.6miles today(4.3k).
Ever try the Navy seal fitness challenge? One of their goals is 500yd swim in under 10min. To make that time I found I need better stroke. I'll try the rotation and flutterkicks more.
ya without the rotation you miss out on some extra propulsion that your core can give you. i learned left side first because i thought the leading hand was supposed to be the dominant one, but my right side is slightly better. I was able to develop ambidexterity by alternating sides on each lap and focusing on mimicking my strong side with my weak side.
Maybe I can help. When I started I was doing 10 or so, now I can smash into the wall at 4 (wouldn't recommend the smashing bit though). 1. Make sure you have a streamline glide off the wall. 2. Make sure you do the extra pull before you start the CSS. 3. Develop a strong scissor kick. 4 Glide just a little after each kick and pull. If your pulls follow too quickly your wasting propulsion. 5. use flutter kicks.
Make sure you are accustomed to swimming with fins. A recommended training approach is 4 days a week one hour each day and 2 with fins and 2 without. Master the CSS stroke on one side prior to learning the movement to the other side. Master both sides and 1000m is a breeze. But you will still get smoked in 100m swimming with fins if you aren't accustomed to swimming with them. If you go with rocket fins you will need dive booties, UDT fins you can use barefoot.
my buddy met stew smith and went to his camp. he said stew was a cool guy. we train together for SEAL. we both have contract i ship april he ships feb. NICE JOB STEW> if you have the money his SEAL challenge thing is worth it. Hes located somewhere in virginia.
i would love to joint the swcc honestly do u guy think its really hard cause i do the first test just fine i have a little trouble after the pushups with pullups but i can do the test... in the times that they give u and i weigth like 215
This is a great stroke. I tried it for the first time today and it's just about as fast as freestyle, but not nearly as exhausting---it is far more efficient and stealthy.
I tried it also. I'm practicing for the US Air Force Combat Control screen test, 500 meters 15mins. I can do about 225 meters before I get pretty tired, still need more practice. But I can get out of the pool and run a good mile with no problems. Strange
Yea, see, that's the big difference. My first time I went for my PST, I didn't know what the combat side stroke (CSS) was, so I tried to do all 500 meters freestyle. Lol, I thought I was going to die in that pool, and I'm not even joking. I have a problem when I do freestyle; I don't breath. So I was tired after the first lap. Bad news, lol.
Then when I went to do my run, my legs and everything else were so tired I almost lost my breakfast. CSS uses way less energy, so the run isn't so bad.
I see. I told my recruiter about this and he told me to just practice scissor kicking in the pool with 1 arm stretched in front of me and the other arm sort of steering my body. He said this would help me.
I also asked if I could use a snorkel for my practice, and apparently I can because there's nothing in the books against it. I still don't know if a snorkel will help my time even though it will help my breathing.
Yes that is what he told me. I guess they are just wanting to see if I am comfortable in the water and have enough fitness to swim 50 meters per minute. WHich makes sense, but I just thought it seemed odd that snorkels are ok. I'm sure there will be plenty of practice iN CCT training for swimming although he said you don't swim that much in CCT. They do use the combat side stroke when swimming because of all the gear and M16 make it hard to freestyle.
Yea, I'm gonna go for SEALs in a few years. I'm actually joining the Air National Guard to get my college first though.
But I'm not so sure they will let me use a snorkel. I don't really mind though, I can breath fine on my CSS, it's freestyle that I have a hard time breathing on.
Actually, it might even be harder with a snorkel. The turning of the head for air is a big part of the stoke, and if you have to keep your head still it could fuck you up.
Yea I already know the CSS pretty well. And I'm trying to go into the ANG because rotc isn't very easy to get into. I mean, it's not exactly hard, but my recruiter said that it wasn't a for sure thing. Plus my uncle's in the ANG and he said it's easy to transfer out anytime you want. The only problem I've been having for the past year is my medical records, cuz MEPS needs them and my hospital lost them. So at the moment the military won't let me in.
by the way, I am currently a senior in h.s. in pennsylvania, and am shipping out september for boot camp. I will have my SEAL contract whenever I do my first PST.
Sorry about the age thing, must have been someone else... Bucks county?, I just looked a PA county map and you live just north of Philly. I live in Venango county, other side of the state about 45 minutes south of Erie, 1.5 hours north of Pittsburgh.
Well, my recruiter told me for the physical test I could. I'm not sure if he's misinformed, forgetful, or trying to trick me. I'm not saying you are wrong. I'm just trying to find out who's right. Is PAST the test I take after my ASVAB? Or is PAST what is done in Lackland?
The PAST is done at Lackland. If you are already in the AF you have to do the PAST with a Class 3 Physical in order to meet the prerequisites to be able to cross train into that AFSC. I have taken the test a few times and am waiting on the final portions of my labs to come back from my physical to finalize my paperwork so that I can get my class date.
Ok, the PAST is not what my recruiter is referring to then. I'm supposed to take the ASVAB, then go do a test with my recruiter (500 meter swim, 1.5 m run and calisthenics). Then that will mean I can go into BMT and then indoctrination course. But I'm practicing the CSS and breathing really isn't an issue anymore.
The PAST is the 2x20 meter underwater swim, 500 meter swim, 1.5 mile in under 10:30, followed by calisthenics. For the swim your are authorized AF PT gear and the use of goggles. Authorized strokes for the swim includes Freestyle, breaststroke, and sidestroke. Send me your email in a private message and i'll send you a copy of the test tonight when I get back from work.
Looks awesome. Great stealth. Think will try it bilateral in open water. Lake Michigan. So those pesky Chicago lifeguards will think I am a duck and leave me alone.
How hard is this to learn as I am a great vertical swimmer but really struggle with horizontal swimming. Is it also true you use the least effort on this one. Cheers for the vid by the way.
This stroke is quite easy to learn. It is all about timing. I am by no means perfect at it and swam my 500m PAST test in 8:59 using this stroke with realative ease. Their is a video on my page of my swimming the PAST using the CSS (this stroke).
Your stroke is not the same as the CSS - your freestyle arm pull would disqualify you if you tried out for BUDS. THe CSS is a underwater recovery stroke not what you are doing. The CSS is fast too - Most of my guys get between 6-7 minutes and I personally do 6:40. This pace above is an 8:20 pace...Stew Smith
omg! Thats awesome that you reply to us nobodys stew! You are the man...i have all your books and do them religously! I want to be a SEAL sooo bad! With your help i know i can be the best of all the badasses like you out there!! Thanks stew! Looking forward to future books!!
@stew50smith Were these times that youre quoting performed using fins? I go full bore in the pool for my 500m and I cant get faster than 9:30. Im sure theres something, if not multiple things, that im doing wrong.
Is this the same swim I will be evaled on for Pararesuce (USAF) for the "fin" swims? They say the stile is prone glide position with one arm locked out in front to act as a guide the other arms trails or can be used in a side stroke fasion for a recovery stroke.
You could pause for a second while you recover your arms BUT if you streamline your recovery you can keep on kicking. Fins are major units of propulsion when swimming the CSS and the arm pulls are mainly a tool to get your breathing in sync - though I like to pull hard with my top arm too...Stew
Thanks man... Though I am not applying for SF, I do this stroke now when I need to catch my breath while swimming instead of stopping... Havent tried it in open water yet though.
I noticed that with fins, you keep on finning non-stop... Wont it be more efficient that you only kick when your arms are in the streched position? I mean isnt it a waste of energy to kick whilst your body is at its least hydrodynamic shape? (arm pull completed and is being recyled forward to do another)
i love this video man i love it. thx for making it. im trainning in doing the combat swim and this vid is really helping me to perfect the css. oh and thx for showimg me the css with flippers. great vid great vid
I have seen guys do this in under 6:00 using 3-4 strokes per 25m. It is very efficient. I do it in under 7:00 still and use 5 strokes per 25m. Then you still have plenty of juice left for the remaining parts of the SEAL PST
stew i have seen that competitive scores are 8:00 in the 500m...does this have any signifigance if you don't get this time? or is this just a gauge to compare with others that have had success in passing BUD/s
@stew50smith Hi, I'd like to know how to swim it near those numbers in the 6 to 7 minute range right now im in the mid to high 8's and seem to of hit a plateau in my time. I have been to BUD/S before a while ago and don't remember anybody doing it that fast but we ddin't spend much time doing the screening test once we got there. I was wondering if there are any videos showing it this fast or of Terry Laughlin showing the technique and how to improve at it? Thank you very much Jim
If you want to go fast, use a flutter kick and fast arm pulls. Don't extend and glide very much on the pull, instead do a quick recovery. I don't know why they preach using as few arm pulls as possible. Practice kicking a lot both with and without a kickboard. Also, don't neglect to use fins. They will increase your speed which will help point out inefficiencies in your body posistion and stroke due to the increase in water flow (increase resistance) against the body.
Actually - IF you want to ONLY go faster in the 500yd swim test...sure you can crank out more strokes if you can hang with a high stroke count.
BUT if you are wanting to take the SEAL PST - you should get across as fast, BUT as efficient as you can in order to save energy to max test scores of pullups, pushups, situps, and 1.5 mile run in boots. My whole method for teaching CSS is for the ENTIRE test...not just a 500yd swim
at any rate i have 2 years till i get my degree so i have plenty of time to practice the css before leaving. i can do a 45-50 sec/lap pace for a few laps before burning out. should improve over time. I'm sure i speak for everyone when i say thanks for EVERYTHING, the routines, the tips etc.
but one thing, while bringing your top arm out of the water during the PST will make your time better, i think in a combat situation it would be better to keep the top arm underwater to minimize surface disturbance. thats how another frogman taught it to me. but yeah on the PST i will definitely use smiths method
It is OK to have your arm come out of the water like this...your head has to come up to breathe too you know. Having your elbow out of thw ater is not going to matter ...in fact you would more than likely be underwater on a re-breather if you were tactical...NOT swimm in...
Not a flutterkcik but a rotational kick to help with twisting of the torso before / after the pull
That makes sense. thanks a lot. hey are those PT demonstrations you posted done in your house? hehe nice place man. Thanks for the help i'll be sure to write you from the teams
Hey stew if that is really you, your programs have been a great help, i max out around 33 pullups after 6 months of your pre-buds routine (week 6 of the bud/s warning order).
Skipper, what was the time on this swim? This is Great! I'm trying to break 9:00; my average is 3-3.5 strokes a 25yd lap, my goal is to build that consistantly, and after studying this I figured a few things out.
PS - If you want to save victims from drowning the elementary sidestroke is best for that. For speed / endurance / stealth in the water - this combo stroke of FREE (top arm pull) SIDE (scissor kick) and BREAST (bottom arm pull - both arm recovery) works very well and fast. I have seen 500yds in 5:40 in this stroke and only 3-4 strokes per 25yd pool. Most people get about 8:00 500yd in the CSS.
as a swim coach and WSItrainer of 30 years.. Was interested in why you found the bio mechanics of this faster? Will participants be carrying victims or equipment? A participant would have to very coordinated to preform this skill. What other strokes have you compared it to?
The lady in the number 3 lane is admiring at :27.
bigpipestyle 3 months ago
Why is it called combat stroke and uses one arm? thank you :)
darthshadowxxx 9 months ago
@darthshadowxxx - it is a nick game given to the modified side stroke. It used both arms - just the top arm fully pulls as in a freestyle stroke and the bottom arm pulls similar to a breast stroke
stew50smith 1 month ago
This helps a lot much appreciated!
DANIAC262 1 year ago
this is for special ops swimmers. It works very well when swimming with fins and does not make splashes like a crawl stroke would...if you are not in the military / SWAT teams there is really no need for you to learn BUT it is very efficient too...stew
3Rosie27 1 year ago
Comment removed
jsmith2113abc 1 year ago
Hello Mr. STew, is there some drill or specific procedure in order for a person to increase his capability to retain air underwater, I mean to keep his breath, ???, thanks.....
emm589 1 year ago
@emm589 there are things you can buy to help strengthen your lungs and increase your breath holding abilities. There are exercises you can do too as well I believe also just practicing holding your breath helps but some things ive found online are the powerlung it works great supposedly can help your abilites over 100% if not more Ive used it in the past and it does work pretty well
nobodynoth55 1 year ago
@emm589 : swim more efficiently. It should only take you 3-5 strokes to get across a 25m pool - that saves energy / oxygen use and you can swim longer...stew
3Rosie27 1 year ago
Stew-
a flutter kick is not a disqualifying factor is it?
Are there a set of rules out there that i could find for this stroke?
Thanks!
zachly350 1 year ago
@zachly350 : No but it is more tiring than gliding. This will affect your run if doing a SEAL PST
stew
3Rosie27 1 year ago
You're looking at a pro. Good work, Stew!
webmindset 1 year ago
Comment removed
rippedtothebone66 1 year ago
I just ordered the DVD. Hope I get it soon.
Would like to try to join CCT in the Air Force, but I'm 25 yrs old so I have to hurry.
jgq85 1 year ago
how do i know if im even doing it right and wont get disqualified? do they teach you this in navy basic training?
0100110101001011 1 year ago
last time i tried this was the first time i tried this stroke and i got a hugh muscle cramp in the middle of the pool i couldnt even put pressure or move my leg. it was the muscle between my ancle and kneecap how can i avoide this from happening again as im trying out for my school swim team
classical193 2 years ago
Cramps as a result of unfamilliar movement are often caused by neural fatigue in wich case your neuronal system just needs some time in training to adept to the new task. I don't know wich muscle in particular was cramping in your case but I expect it to be the musculus gastrocnemius. if so you can try to reduce cramps by strengthening it's antagonists the shin muscles some people in my training group dealing with cramps have found that to be helpfull.
Lurchbuster 2 years ago
...Also try to initiate your leg movements from the hip while following the impulse passively with your lower legg. Furthermore make sure you recieve enough electrolytes and carbohydrates through your diet.
And last but not least leave your body enough time to regenerate between training sessions,
Lurchbuster 2 years ago
Yes - Terry Laughlin and I did this video and show two different methods of how to swim it...and then show it with fins...
stew50smith 2 years ago
Stew, I want to thank you for how you taught me how to swim w/ this stroke just from reading the technique in the Complete Guide to Navy SEAL Fitness in 2000. Moreover, reading that book & doing the 12-week evolutions helped me regain my lost self-confidence. Only God knows how far I could've gotten if I had read this book before I went in the Navy. As it is, I used the self-confidence to start a congregation in Panama & I owe most of it to your book, sir. Hoo-ya!
paoolyrebecca 2 years ago 2
how long is this pool?
cdlfernandez 1 year ago
@cdlfernandez 25yd pool
stew50smith 1 month ago
Is this the DVD where you teamed up with Terry Laughlin?
tdo79 2 years ago
Anybody have trouble with their hips after doing the CSS for a long stretch. The other day when I finished my work out, 1000m(I know that isn't very far but I'm just starting to swim regularly lol), my left hip felt like it was torquing in it's socket. Im guessing that I may be kicking wrong or my legs just aren't used to it. Are you supposed to scissor kick more from the hip flexors or more force at the knees?
tmax1014 2 years ago
I'm not sure about the hip knees thing. The force feels pretty evenly dispersed to me. I would guess that your joints/muscles are still adjusting since you only just started. I had some pain in my shoulders and elbows for about the first 4 weeks. I just cut back when it started to hurt or took a day off. Now its gone.
warriorpoetmailcom 2 years ago
That's my theory. Thanks for the input.
tmax1014 2 years ago
I'd been practicing the CSS all summer, turns out I had been doing the kick wrong, not torquing my body back to center facing the ground. I'm right handed, so of course my right side is better, but my left side is just horrible. Anyone else have that problem?
helfer088 2 years ago
I don''t do that as well. I swim for 2 miles or more at a stretch so after maybe a few laps, I just don't have it in me to torque my body back. I just sort of stay in the side position.
Ramshobraja 2 years ago
ya i know what you mean. I guess you just have to work up to it. also if you watch the video closely you can see Stew flutter kicking just a bit. are you training for SpecOps Ramsho?
warriorpoetmailcom 2 years ago
Nah, just regular navy as an option(still not sure). I simply enjoy training combat swim stroke. It's definitely my favorite swim stroke since it involves the whole body, and the underwater recovery means my joints don't get stressed and I can swim for a long distance. I hit 2.6miles today(4.3k).
Ever try the Navy seal fitness challenge? One of their goals is 500yd swim in under 10min. To make that time I found I need better stroke. I'll try the rotation and flutterkicks more.
Ramshobraja 2 years ago
ya without the rotation you miss out on some extra propulsion that your core can give you. i learned left side first because i thought the leading hand was supposed to be the dominant one, but my right side is slightly better. I was able to develop ambidexterity by alternating sides on each lap and focusing on mimicking my strong side with my weak side.
warriorpoetmailcom 2 years ago
It is so difficult for me to get across 25yd in under 10 strokes. I do have smaller feet, so I wonder if that plays a role.
Ramshobraja 2 years ago
Maybe I can help. When I started I was doing 10 or so, now I can smash into the wall at 4 (wouldn't recommend the smashing bit though). 1. Make sure you have a streamline glide off the wall. 2. Make sure you do the extra pull before you start the CSS. 3. Develop a strong scissor kick. 4 Glide just a little after each kick and pull. If your pulls follow too quickly your wasting propulsion. 5. use flutter kicks.
warriorpoetmailcom 2 years ago
Flutter kicks? That'll be tough to incorporate. Will try it though.
Ramshobraja 2 years ago
what kind of fins?
rockmerewoodsman 2 years ago
Make sure you are accustomed to swimming with fins. A recommended training approach is 4 days a week one hour each day and 2 with fins and 2 without. Master the CSS stroke on one side prior to learning the movement to the other side. Master both sides and 1000m is a breeze. But you will still get smoked in 100m swimming with fins if you aren't accustomed to swimming with them. If you go with rocket fins you will need dive booties, UDT fins you can use barefoot.
Steveo989 2 years ago
Pretty much. You better do some fin swimming before BUD/S.
rockmerewoodsman 2 years ago
25m
Derohulk 3 years ago
does anyone know how long is one way?
KTeuHSkip 3 years ago
actually it's probably 25 yards
rockmerewoodsman 2 years ago
my buddy met stew smith and went to his camp. he said stew was a cool guy. we train together for SEAL. we both have contract i ship april he ships feb. NICE JOB STEW> if you have the money his SEAL challenge thing is worth it. Hes located somewhere in virginia.
danielwa2 3 years ago
i would love to joint the swcc honestly do u guy think its really hard cause i do the first test just fine i have a little trouble after the pushups with pullups but i can do the test... in the times that they give u and i weigth like 215
enriquecarloslopezsi 3 years ago
Keep in mind that the goal isn't just to beat the minimums that they give you. To be competitive, you have to exceed the minimums.
SourceFilmStudios 3 years ago
They should add this stroke to the Olympics.
jgq85 3 years ago
he's a machine. my technique must be flawed because i sure as hell aint that fast.
angelicupstartt 3 years ago
This is a great stroke. I tried it for the first time today and it's just about as fast as freestyle, but not nearly as exhausting---it is far more efficient and stealthy.
C420sailor 3 years ago
I tried it also. I'm practicing for the US Air Force Combat Control screen test, 500 meters 15mins. I can do about 225 meters before I get pretty tired, still need more practice. But I can get out of the pool and run a good mile with no problems. Strange
jgq85 3 years ago
Yea, see, that's the big difference. My first time I went for my PST, I didn't know what the combat side stroke (CSS) was, so I tried to do all 500 meters freestyle. Lol, I thought I was going to die in that pool, and I'm not even joking. I have a problem when I do freestyle; I don't breath. So I was tired after the first lap. Bad news, lol.
Then when I went to do my run, my legs and everything else were so tired I almost lost my breakfast. CSS uses way less energy, so the run isn't so bad.
bigpyoopypants 3 years ago
I see. I told my recruiter about this and he told me to just practice scissor kicking in the pool with 1 arm stretched in front of me and the other arm sort of steering my body. He said this would help me.
I also asked if I could use a snorkel for my practice, and apparently I can because there's nothing in the books against it. I still don't know if a snorkel will help my time even though it will help my breathing.
jgq85 3 years ago
So wait, you can use a snorkel for your PST? Damn, that'll make it a lot easier for ya. ;)
bigpyoopypants 3 years ago
Yes that is what he told me. I guess they are just wanting to see if I am comfortable in the water and have enough fitness to swim 50 meters per minute. WHich makes sense, but I just thought it seemed odd that snorkels are ok. I'm sure there will be plenty of practice iN CCT training for swimming although he said you don't swim that much in CCT. They do use the combat side stroke when swimming because of all the gear and M16 make it hard to freestyle.
jgq85 3 years ago
Yea, I'm gonna go for SEALs in a few years. I'm actually joining the Air National Guard to get my college first though.
But I'm not so sure they will let me use a snorkel. I don't really mind though, I can breath fine on my CSS, it's freestyle that I have a hard time breathing on.
Actually, it might even be harder with a snorkel. The turning of the head for air is a big part of the stoke, and if you have to keep your head still it could fuck you up.
Good luck either way. ;)
bigpyoopypants 3 years ago
dont worry about freestyle, you will never use it in BUD/S. focus on the CSS. instead of air national guard, why not do r.o.t.c. thru the navy?
rockmerewoodsman 3 years ago
Yea I already know the CSS pretty well. And I'm trying to go into the ANG because rotc isn't very easy to get into. I mean, it's not exactly hard, but my recruiter said that it wasn't a for sure thing. Plus my uncle's in the ANG and he said it's easy to transfer out anytime you want. The only problem I've been having for the past year is my medical records, cuz MEPS needs them and my hospital lost them. So at the moment the military won't let me in.
bigpyoopypants 3 years ago
did you say you were in about 10th grade? if so, then you got a while. keep working hard, it's rare in kids your age.
rockmerewoodsman 3 years ago
by the way, I am currently a senior in h.s. in pennsylvania, and am shipping out september for boot camp. I will have my SEAL contract whenever I do my first PST.
rockmerewoodsman 3 years ago
Who me? I graduated in 07. I've been trying to get into the military for the past year and my medical records are the only thing holding me back.
I'm from Bucks county btw. ;)
bigpyoopypants 3 years ago
Sorry about the age thing, must have been someone else... Bucks county?, I just looked a PA county map and you live just north of Philly. I live in Venango county, other side of the state about 45 minutes south of Erie, 1.5 hours north of Pittsburgh.
rockmerewoodsman 3 years ago
Yea, you're pretty far away, lol.
bigpyoopypants 3 years ago
awesome, i might see you at the Pre-BUDs thing, i ship out August 12th, stay froggy
demonjosh16 2 years ago
The date actually changed. It is now July 9th.
rockmerewoodsman 2 years ago
oh, well either way, good luck man, still might see ya there
demonjosh16 2 years ago
You are not aloud to wear a snorkel when you do the PAST. It will tell you authorized gear on the directions and the PAST paperwork. Sorry man.
wejasvecna 3 years ago
Well, my recruiter told me for the physical test I could. I'm not sure if he's misinformed, forgetful, or trying to trick me. I'm not saying you are wrong. I'm just trying to find out who's right. Is PAST the test I take after my ASVAB? Or is PAST what is done in Lackland?
jgq85 3 years ago
The PAST is done at Lackland. If you are already in the AF you have to do the PAST with a Class 3 Physical in order to meet the prerequisites to be able to cross train into that AFSC. I have taken the test a few times and am waiting on the final portions of my labs to come back from my physical to finalize my paperwork so that I can get my class date.
wejasvecna 3 years ago
Ok, the PAST is not what my recruiter is referring to then. I'm supposed to take the ASVAB, then go do a test with my recruiter (500 meter swim, 1.5 m run and calisthenics). Then that will mean I can go into BMT and then indoctrination course. But I'm practicing the CSS and breathing really isn't an issue anymore.
jgq85 3 years ago
The PAST is the 2x20 meter underwater swim, 500 meter swim, 1.5 mile in under 10:30, followed by calisthenics. For the swim your are authorized AF PT gear and the use of goggles. Authorized strokes for the swim includes Freestyle, breaststroke, and sidestroke. Send me your email in a private message and i'll send you a copy of the test tonight when I get back from work.
wejasvecna 3 years ago
Have you seen "US Navy SEALs Combat Swim" from justdfactsmaam? The timing seems to be just a bit different. How does that stroke compare with this?
paneerdog 3 years ago
Looks awesome. Great stealth. Think will try it bilateral in open water. Lake Michigan. So those pesky Chicago lifeguards will think I am a duck and leave me alone.
overflite 3 years ago 7
Nice dude.
Siua1 3 years ago
I can't seem to get any momentem from my scissor kick. Any advice? Thanks
quinnymac 4 years ago
In his book on Seal fitness he advises that you perform 6-12inch flutter kicks between scissor kicks.
calibansfury 3 years ago
thanks for the video joing in 2010 and go navy!
echocompany540 4 years ago
How hard is this to learn as I am a great vertical swimmer but really struggle with horizontal swimming. Is it also true you use the least effort on this one. Cheers for the vid by the way.
Rockhopper1 4 years ago
This stroke is quite easy to learn. It is all about timing. I am by no means perfect at it and swam my 500m PAST test in 8:59 using this stroke with realative ease. Their is a video on my page of my swimming the PAST using the CSS (this stroke).
IanJamesMullins 4 years ago
Your stroke is not the same as the CSS - your freestyle arm pull would disqualify you if you tried out for BUDS. THe CSS is a underwater recovery stroke not what you are doing. The CSS is fast too - Most of my guys get between 6-7 minutes and I personally do 6:40. This pace above is an 8:20 pace...Stew Smith
stew50smith 3 years ago
omg! Thats awesome that you reply to us nobodys stew! You are the man...i have all your books and do them religously! I want to be a SEAL sooo bad! With your help i know i can be the best of all the badasses like you out there!! Thanks stew! Looking forward to future books!!
bobithink 3 years ago
@stew50smith Were these times that youre quoting performed using fins? I go full bore in the pool for my 500m and I cant get faster than 9:30. Im sure theres something, if not multiple things, that im doing wrong.
1984chupacabra 1 year ago
slow is smooth, smooth is fast.
191125 4 years ago
interesting stroke, somewhere between freestyle and breast stroke. Must be pretty stealthy.
hooliganwasportbike 4 years ago
When I do my scissor kick, I dont really go anywhere, what am I doing wrong
coolcasper66 4 years ago
Bring your knees up closer to your body and bend your leg...then snap it and you should generate some decent power.
drizown 4 years ago
I notice you switch sides each lap.
How long do you swim in open water before alternating?
superfisto 4 years ago
Is this the same swim I will be evaled on for Pararesuce (USAF) for the "fin" swims? They say the stile is prone glide position with one arm locked out in front to act as a guide the other arms trails or can be used in a side stroke fasion for a recovery stroke.
IanJamesMullins 4 years ago
You could pause for a second while you recover your arms BUT if you streamline your recovery you can keep on kicking. Fins are major units of propulsion when swimming the CSS and the arm pulls are mainly a tool to get your breathing in sync - though I like to pull hard with my top arm too...Stew
stew50smith 4 years ago
Thanks man... Though I am not applying for SF, I do this stroke now when I need to catch my breath while swimming instead of stopping... Havent tried it in open water yet though.
juki009 4 years ago
I noticed that with fins, you keep on finning non-stop... Wont it be more efficient that you only kick when your arms are in the streched position? I mean isnt it a waste of energy to kick whilst your body is at its least hydrodynamic shape? (arm pull completed and is being recyled forward to do another)
juki009 4 years ago
i love this video man i love it. thx for making it. im trainning in doing the combat swim and this vid is really helping me to perfect the css. oh and thx for showimg me the css with flippers. great vid great vid
andyvilla89 4 years ago
(\_/)
(="=)
(")_(")
cyborggrievous 4 years ago
I think this great info..Thank you for posting this video for people who can't to well.
fl305 4 years ago
I have seen guys do this in under 6:00 using 3-4 strokes per 25m. It is very efficient. I do it in under 7:00 still and use 5 strokes per 25m. Then you still have plenty of juice left for the remaining parts of the SEAL PST
stew50smith 4 years ago
stew i have seen that competitive scores are 8:00 in the 500m...does this have any signifigance if you don't get this time? or is this just a gauge to compare with others that have had success in passing BUD/s
jroszman30 4 years ago
@stew50smith Hi, I'd like to know how to swim it near those numbers in the 6 to 7 minute range right now im in the mid to high 8's and seem to of hit a plateau in my time. I have been to BUD/S before a while ago and don't remember anybody doing it that fast but we ddin't spend much time doing the screening test once we got there. I was wondering if there are any videos showing it this fast or of Terry Laughlin showing the technique and how to improve at it? Thank you very much Jim
nobodynoth55 1 year ago
@stew50smith are those times for a 500m swim?
maxpowers04 7 months ago
@maxpowers04 - 500 yd swim - not much difference
stew50smith 1 month ago
Hey Stew, I just wanted to say thanks for keeping so much of your stuff free. Its all a really big help, keep up the great work!
GNRDKM 5 years ago
Is there a difference between doing the sidestroke as opposed to the css?
jroszman30 5 years ago
If you want to go fast, use a flutter kick and fast arm pulls. Don't extend and glide very much on the pull, instead do a quick recovery. I don't know why they preach using as few arm pulls as possible. Practice kicking a lot both with and without a kickboard. Also, don't neglect to use fins. They will increase your speed which will help point out inefficiencies in your body posistion and stroke due to the increase in water flow (increase resistance) against the body.
wetwash 5 years ago
Actually - IF you want to ONLY go faster in the 500yd swim test...sure you can crank out more strokes if you can hang with a high stroke count.
BUT if you are wanting to take the SEAL PST - you should get across as fast, BUT as efficient as you can in order to save energy to max test scores of pullups, pushups, situps, and 1.5 mile run in boots. My whole method for teaching CSS is for the ENTIRE test...not just a 500yd swim
stew50smith 4 years ago
at any rate i have 2 years till i get my degree so i have plenty of time to practice the css before leaving. i can do a 45-50 sec/lap pace for a few laps before burning out. should improve over time. I'm sure i speak for everyone when i say thanks for EVERYTHING, the routines, the tips etc.
skyd171 5 years ago
but one thing, while bringing your top arm out of the water during the PST will make your time better, i think in a combat situation it would be better to keep the top arm underwater to minimize surface disturbance. thats how another frogman taught it to me. but yeah on the PST i will definitely use smiths method
skyd171 5 years ago
stew are you using a flutter kick after the glide phase
skyd171 5 years ago
It is OK to have your arm come out of the water like this...your head has to come up to breathe too you know. Having your elbow out of thw ater is not going to matter ...in fact you would more than likely be underwater on a re-breather if you were tactical...NOT swimm in...
Not a flutterkcik but a rotational kick to help with twisting of the torso before / after the pull
stew50smith 5 years ago
That makes sense. thanks a lot. hey are those PT demonstrations you posted done in your house? hehe nice place man. Thanks for the help i'll be sure to write you from the teams
skyd171 5 years ago
Hey stew if that is really you, your programs have been a great help, i max out around 33 pullups after 6 months of your pre-buds routine (week 6 of the bud/s warning order).
skyd171 5 years ago
This pace is an easy 8:15-8:20 pace. If you want to build up speed to get under 9:00. Shoot for 25yd per 25 seconds...yd / sec pace...will = 8:20
StewSmith
stew50smith 5 years ago
hooyah
amersurfcrwn 5 years ago
Skipper, what was the time on this swim? This is Great! I'm trying to break 9:00; my average is 3-3.5 strokes a 25yd lap, my goal is to build that consistantly, and after studying this I figured a few things out.
amersurfcrwn 5 years ago
PS - If you want to save victims from drowning the elementary sidestroke is best for that. For speed / endurance / stealth in the water - this combo stroke of FREE (top arm pull) SIDE (scissor kick) and BREAST (bottom arm pull - both arm recovery) works very well and fast. I have seen 500yds in 5:40 in this stroke and only 3-4 strokes per 25yd pool. Most people get about 8:00 500yd in the CSS.
stew50smith 5 years ago
Notice how much he doesn't disturb the top water...Covert operation is crutial as well as preserving energy
mikeyd1980vt 5 years ago
as a swim coach and WSItrainer of 30 years.. Was interested in why you found the bio mechanics of this faster? Will participants be carrying victims or equipment? A participant would have to very coordinated to preform this skill. What other strokes have you compared it to?
Swimcoach606 5 years ago
Thanks for this post. I think it will help alot of people learn this stroke.
Uchiha199 5 years ago