Basic Swimming, in the context of Aquawareness

Giancarlo De Leo’s approach to “Basic Swimming” is essentially an unlearning process. He argues that traditional swimming schools often distract users with “pre-packaged” techniques and gear (goggles, fins, boards) that disconnect the person from the water’s true nature.
Following De Leo’s specific suggestions, here is how you would approach the “basics”:
1. The “Passivity” Phase (The First Step)
De Leo suggests that the most important thing to do when you enter the water is… nothing.
* The Goal: To listen to the water rather than trying to command it.
* The Action: Enter the water without goggles or a cap if possible. Remain physically passive. Let the water move your limbs. This “listening” is the aquatic equivalent of a conversation—you must hear what the water is doing to your body before you can respond.
2. Archimedean Feedback (The Biological Scale)
De Leo uses the Law of Archimedes not just as physics, but as a mindfulness tool.
* Lung Volume Awareness: He points out that water is a perfect biofeedback partner. If you inhale deeply, you rise; if you exhale, you sink.
* The Exercise: Practice “static” awareness. Notice how the smallest change in your breath immediately alters your position. This teaches you that you don’t need “effort” to float—you need volume management.
3. The “Egg Position” (Proprioceptive Refinement)
To develop “Aquawareness,” De Leo often suggests eliminating voluntary propulsion to focus on balance.
* The Drill: Curl into a ball (the egg position). Instead of trying to swim, focus on how your center of gravity shifts.
* Why: This helps you rediscover your vestibular system (the 6th sense of balance) in a liquid environment where “up” and “down” feel different than on land.
4. Deconstructing the Stroke: “Creative Slips”
Once you start moving, De Leo moves away from “The Freestyle” and toward Natural Swimming:
* Basic + Natural: This means reducing movement to the essential.
* The “Slip”: Instead of a “pull,” think of it as a “glide” or a “creative slip.” You are looking for the path of least resistance.
* Sensory Monitoring: You should be able to feel the water flow between your fingers and along your skin. If you can’t feel the water’s texture, you are moving too fast or too tensely.
De Leo’s “Aquawareness” Checklist
If you go to the pool today, try to follow his “Essential Webgraphy” principles:
* [ ] Strip the Accessories: Try at least a few minutes without goggles to feel the water on your eyelids and face (reconnecting with the “amniotic” memory).
* [ ] Slow-Motion Sculling: Move your hands just enough to feel the pressure change, but not enough to move your body.
* [ ] Dual Awareness: Can you feel the water against your back while you are thinking about the movement of your toes?
> “Primum vivere, deinde philosophari” (First live, then philosophize).
> — Giancarlo De Leo’s guiding motto for water safety.
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