Swimming?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Naval Academy - Annapolis
21

<p>^^^ 10 meters is the top platform in Lejeune Hall and is the platform which they used to be required to jump from.</p>

<p>My understanding is the 10 meter platform is off limits due to some structural problem.</p>

<p>He must have meant that they have been on the 10 meter tower and have jumped from the 5 meter platform.</p>

<p>Just FYI: Diving Board Speak if you will:</p>

<p>The platform towers typically have three levels of platforms:
5 meter platform used in age group competitive diving
7.5 meter platform also used in age group competitive diving
10 meter platform it the top of the structure - used in Div I Diving when dive team is competing as a team, not with the swimming team - this may have changed over the years, age group and Olympic Diving</p>

<p>Spring Boards only come in 1 meter and 3 meters</p>

22

<p>I corrected my post -- I typed 10m but meant 5.</p>

<p>... the entire Yard has been buzzing about this incredibly important issue since July, I guess my mid hasn't heard. He probably got confused when he was ordered to the pool and told to jump off the first of three high boards and told that he'd be expected to jump off the next two.</p>

23

<p>I must confess that I have never understood why we needed to jump off the 10M platform. They always told us that we should "step up into the lifeboat" and that you're better on a big ship than a tiny lifeboat. </p>

<p>Of course, I do recognize that there may be situations where a ship is sinking quickly or burning, etc. where one might need to jump off the deck in a hurry. However, I believe that the alternative of imminent death would be enough to get me to jump regardless of whether I'd practiced. I also know that technique is important so that you don't break bones, etc., but technique can be learned from a lower level. I can say that, as someone who managed to master her fears and make the 10M jump (the one time our class was required to do it), it would NOT be easier for me to do it again today. </p>

<p>But, we had to do it. We did it. It's over.</p>

<p>Finally, does it really matter whether or not the 10M jump is required this year for anyone other than those graduating this year? Next year is a brand new year and who knows what will or won't be required. Come on folks, let's all play nicely in the sandpile.</p>

24

<p>Having never been in the other swimming facility, not sure the name but off the Mid Store parking lot - Is there an old short tower in there that they are using or are they still using the 5 meter platform in Lejeune even though there is some problem?</p>

25

<p>Still ...we seem to have no clear answer?</p>

<p>Does anyone who knows, know? :confused:Inquiring minds wants to know!</p>

<p>(I'm banking on the bumper sticker and sierra madre 2012! ;) )</p>

26

<p>I wish I could remember the exact skinny on why they stopped with the 10M.... something about it being too close.... to the pool edge??? liability issues??? something along those lines..... I know there was some issue that has it on hold right now- not sure how long the holding pattern is for, but will add that to the list of things to "ask".....</p>

<p>they do have to jump off the 5M platform-
and I believe most of '10 already "jumped" the 10M prior to the hold-
I know my Mid has gone off several times, and not always feet-first! :eek:</p>

27

<p>Welcome...</p>

28

<p>I'm going to be frank about my feelings here, so if you're inclined to be unkind, please just skip this post and move along.</p>

<p>Bill,</p>

<p>This board was helpful to me when my son (and subsequently "I") was going through the admissions process. I used it much more than he did, because he is self assured and confident and didn't need all the questions answered that I did. I had to check EVERY source of information about the academy that is available. </p>

<p>It was pretty exciting when he got in because it seemed like the opportunity of a lifetime.
Now he's there, and he loves it. He had some minor academic struggles the first semester, but he's got it figured out and is doing great. There was an Army/Navy related prank that he took some flack for, but he took his punishment without complaint and got on with things. There are so many aspects of Academy life that excite him, and I can't imagine there would have been a better environment for him anywhere -- it's just a terrific match for his personality and abilities.</p>

<p>I raised this boy alone from birth. For years it was "me and him against the world". We were so involved in the admissions process for so long that I forgot to think about the reality of him going away and when I dropped him off at the Yard last July, there was a shockingly abrupt ending to my parenting.</p>

<p>There is great comfort in knowing that he is in the right place for him. And if I do say so myself, I have done an exemplary job of letting him go, turning him over to the Academy to become the best man he can be. He's very good about keeping in touch and sharing with me what he can. And I never, ever make him feel bad about going on to the next stage of his life without me.</p>

<p>Some days I think about him a lot and try to imagine what his life is like now. And I get on my computer and look for ways to be connected to him or ways of better understanding his environment. And I end up at this board, because there are people here who have gone before us and lived our story.</p>

<p>And sometimes I try to share some little detail of his life now, because it makes me, in some small way, connected to it. And somehow it always gets turned into a negative. So I learn, once again, that this is not a place to go for support or to assuage my feelings of loss that are so mixed with my feelings of hope and pride in my son.</p>

<p>So I go away for a few months. And then I have a morning like today when I miss him a lot, and I come back and see all the hopeful kids trying to get in there where my son is so very lucky to be. And I think it will be different this time. And it never is...I guess because people's need to be perceived as strong or masterful or superior is stronger than their need to be a sane, giving member of a community.</p>

<p>I just think it's sad that all the smart people here are not committed to making this board a healthy place that reflects well on the Academy.</p>

<p>Off topic, or what?!</p>

29

<p>For those who haven't seen it, there's a BIG crack in the tower. Until it's repaired, no jumping, or at least, that's what my Plebe told me.</p>

30

<p>
[quote]
but guess I'll just say that regardless that the entire Yard has been buzzing about this incredibly important issue since July, I guess my mid hasn't heard.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Perhaps a bit overstated- it is more of an issue for the handful of 2C Mids that have yet to complete this requirement during the 08-09 year, who have gotten a most unexpected (and no doubt well appreciated) reprieve. The 5M and 7.5M platforms are still in play, and let’s hope there is no more jumping from the Academy Bridge, which can land them with a ton of demerits if caught. Mother B does not appreciate her Mids exposing themselves to that type of risk on the taxpayer’s dime, nor the publicity from those that get caught. Having said that, it is quite a jump!</p>

<p>
[quote]

For those who haven't seen it, there's a BIG crack in the tower. Until it's repaired, no jumping

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Thanks 2012 for clarifying- while I noted at the time it was a structural-and liability- issue, I did not take note of the specifics. There was talk about extensive repairs, even the possibility of having to replace the entire thing- guess we will find out soon enough.</p>

31

<p>Navy 2010 and Bill510 -</p>

32

<p>PM- ... I had tears in my eyes by the time I finished reading your last post, and fully appreciate the sentiments you shared- I think many, many of us have felt exactly the same way!</p>

<p>Not sure if you have joined your local USNA parent club, but I have found ours to be a great source of support and comfort- especially if and problems arise on the yard that leave parents doing Hail Mary's double time. I realize Rochester is a long way from Long Island, but our club reaches well into NYC, Staten Island, Westchester, Dobbs Ferry, and we even have 2 families just south of you that attend our functions. There is an Albany branch that is most likely closer, but you are welcome to come down our way as well- consider this a personal invite to our Dark Ages party, which is coming up in 2 weeks. We don't get to have our Mids there, but we have a ton of fun, lots of "trivial persuit" and jeopardy for anything Navy, (will spare you the cheating that goes on- we all aspire to be high achievers!!! LOL!!!)- you would be surprised at what a free dinner-for-2 down in Annapolis does to bring out the competetive side in all of us! The Dads are BY FAR the worst..... caught one thowing out a life-line to his Mid (who was studing in Nimitz at the time) trying to get the answers texted to him on his blackberry- too funny- he was "found" too!!!! :) Heck, you can even enjoy a cigar with a few of the others - only we limit them to a spot out on the deck so bring a warm coat! ;)</p>

<p>Anyway, the invitation stands- PM me for the details, we would love to have you join us. It's a great opportunity to meet the other 2012 parents from the extended NY/LI area, or at least our part of it! We also have a fairly decent network to get our Mids home- carpooling can get your Mid at least up to Manhattan if you ever need- and someone is always going down if there is a need to get something large delivered, like skis, snowboards, golf clubs, etc. As long as there is room in the car/SUV, we make it happen.</p>

<p>For plebe moms and dads everywhere-
Another day done, and another day closer to Herndon. It's Saturday, the snow has stopped, the ice is melting on T-Court, and the sun is out on the Severn. Life is good.</p>

33

<p>Hope they don't close the Ho Chi Minh Trail for spirit runs. Loved those stories. The Bridge isn't that high.</p>

34

<p>Hello, I have a question about the 40 year swim. Are you allowed to swim longer/faster than 40 minutes as long as you pass the minimum distance?</p>

35

<p>^^^^</p>

<p>In my day, your grade was based on the distance you covered, measured in (circular) laps around the pool. Someone counted for you -- you had to do some minimum number to pass and every extra one improved your score.</p>

36

<p>It's all good. My roommate is an aqua rock and he's doing pretty well.</p>

37

<p>How well must you swim before you arrive? heh Im not a swimmer but I can "not drown" as I like to say it</p>

38

<p>same here^^^ but maybe a little better. Swim lessons once a week from 1st to 5th grade at the local Y. But I will swim some more to get it back before I-day</p>

39

<p>I'll try to provide some insight on the "40 year" swim.</p>

<p>
[QUOTE]

Are you allowed to swim longer/faster than 40 minutes as long as you pass the minimum distance?

[/QUOTE]
</p>

<p>Yes and no. You only have 40 minutes and you MUST swim (or stay afloat) for the entire time. Once time expires, the number of laps are recorded (counted by the PE instructors). Even if you could swim for an hour, you only have 40 minutes to complete the test. Fortunately, in my day, if you finished 3/4 of a lap (i.e. in a 50m pool, you were over half-way coming back), the lap counted even if you didn't make it to the wall.</p>

<p>Talking about walls. You cannot touch the walls or lane lines at any time. They have buoys at both ends and you have to turn around them. Thus, you can't push off the walls. You also will have about 3-4 others swimming in the same lane, making it difficult sometimes to maneuver around everyone. </p>

<p>The minimum distance to pass and earn a "D" is 10 laps (1,000m) and I believe it went up 5 point increments for each lap completed. For the swim, it must be done in the CNT Khaki Uniform (both trouser and blouse). The uniform does produce quite a bit of drag! It also makes you chafe -- use body glide.</p>

<p>If you aren't in shape, the swim might be a problem. But to put it in perspective, I was not a swimmer in high school, but I would consider myself a decent swimmer. On the first day of 2nd Class swimming, everyone gets a chance to validate the 40-year swim. On that day, I struggled. I couldn't do freestyle for more than 3 laps and I was doing backstroke and butterfly. If I was allowed to finish the swim (they started pulling people if they didn't think you would validate -- 80% or better), I would of probably just passed (10 laps). Throughout the 7-8 weeks of swim class, I definitely got in better swim-shape. During the actual test, I swam freestyle the whole time (and felt strong) and ended up with a "B." I wouldn't rely on the swim class to get you in shape if you are not a good swimmer. The 40-year IS a challenge for a lot of MIDN.</p>

40

<p>Jadler03 --</p>

<p>Good to know some things haven't changed -- much. We didn't swim in lanes -- about 40 of us all swam around the pool in LeJeune in a big circle, more or less. The hardest part for many was trying to pass your classmates, some of whom were moving very slowly, floating, etc. So, it was dodge-ball meets lap swim. I also don't recall "body glide," but maybe I was just one of those not using it. </p>

<p>In retrospect, I think the 40-yr swim teaches you not to panic in the water when you know there is nothing to hold onto and no place to "stop." You have confidence you can not only stay afloat for 40 mins but can move a decent distance.</p>