underwater dolphin kick

Question
Hi Ken again

I forgot to tell you that besides B) An underwater swim for swimming distance I also like to use it for A) Incorporate in a racing turn or start.

Thanks once again. Your reply is very much appreciated.

Sincerely

Eddie

Answer
Ed: here goes! When done correctly, the dolphin kick is a beautiful movement to behold! When you see cartoons of mermaids swimming, that's the kick they use. Watch tropical fish in a tank.The tail undulates as does its body giving it great speed and agility. A snake moves in similar fashion as it slithers across the ground. So we humans imitate that pattern of movement when we swim "butterfly."
I'm assuming you're swimming either in a pool or ocean in the region where you live. Am I correct? If both water sources R available, I advise ALL practice initially in a pool lane before the ocean.
To get the hang of the kick and its fluidity/beauty, I suggest you buy a good quality face mask, snorkel and fins.**At the start of this program, you're not swimming underwater/you're a surface swimmer like everybody else: With your face down, mask and snorkel in place, your head should be level with rest of your body, your eyes facing down, cycle-breathing thru the snorkel at all times. (1) with arms extended (in the water) make sure both legs, ankles, fins are as close together as  possible;think of yourself as a mermaid!(2) practice 4-8 laps just the kick! Arms are to remain extended alongside your ears/head. Practice sets of 2 dolphin kicks & a glide, 2 dolphin kicks and a glide, etc., etc., Oftentimes, the second kick might be a little stronger & deeper than the first kick. That's ok. Whatever feels most natural to you.(3)mask/snorkel still in place, Once comfortable with kick efficiency, add the breast-stroke arm pull, to butterfly  kick & glide.(at least 4-8 laps). Assuming you are moderately fit (remember I don't know or seen U swim) these 2 sets of exercises with mask, snorkel, fins should extend to at least 30-40 minutes or more. If not, have fun working up to these lap levels. As you get better and better, within the 30/40 minutes you'll be increasing your laps & dolphin kick, breathing, rhythm efficiency.Yes!!

The Third exercise change breaststroke arm pull to butterfly arm pull, again, 2 kicks to each arm pull (cycle). Continue the butterfly kick still with snorkel, mask/fins.

Final objective: replace facemask/snorkel with swim goggles;fins still can be used. Push off the pool wall, underwater, arms extended. Now it's FULL arm pull down to your hips, followed with 2 dolphin kicks (all underwater, eyes/head still down) repeat,repeat!repeat!You should be able to go at least half-way down the pool lane. SURFACE-then back under; repeat the stroke pattern till you reach far end of pool lane. Take breaks between each lap to prevent dizziness or oxygen deprivation/UNCONSCIOUSNESS. Ultimate Goal: to swim underwater using this kick-arm pulling combination to get from 1 side to other underwater & on one breath. Ed,I'm going to stop here.
I've "put a lot on your plate" for now. Get back to me approx. 4 weeks after starting this regiment/swim program. While it can get challenging, it should be invigorating and fun! If not, lighten up. Use your common sense. Again, I don't really know your true skill levels or stamina/cardi-vascular conditions or limitations. If you find you're having difficulty following this program, MODIFY! MODIFY! Eventually you'll reach the goal. You can report your progress or difficulties any time. I'm very interested in knowing what progress you're making. Ken