Learn 8 different swimming strokes and styles

by Catalin Andries on September 24, 2019

Like with any other skill you want to learn, you have to be really interested in what you’re doing in order to get a good grasp of the techniques. If you’re not that into it, then learning the new skills required will just be a difficult and tiresome chore. In this Ninja Shark article, we’ll teach you some different strokes and styles that you can start practicing to diversify your swimmingskill set! So let’s get into it!

1. Freestyle or front crawl

The other name for freestyle swimming is the front crawl, and this is probably what most people imagine when they think of swimming. It’s called the freestyle because most swimmers choose to use front crawl in freestyle events because it’s the fastest way to swim.

To do freestyle, start by floating on your stomach and then propel yourself forward by using alternating arm movements in a clockwise windmill motion. Start by pushing your hands underwater and bringing them back up around you.

At the same time, kick your legs up and down in alternating movements while keeping your feet slightly pointed. As you move your right arm, look to the right, and vice versa with the left. Be sure to breathe in time with each stroke.

2. Backstroke

For backstroke you use similar movements to freestyle, but while laying on your back. This stroke is often recommended by doctors for patients with back issues as it’s a great way to exercise your back without putting any strain on it.

To do the backstroke, start by floating on your back and then alternating your arms in large circular motions to move your body backwards. Just like freestyle, you want your arms to first push into the water and then be brought back to the surface from behind you. Keep your legs engaged in a flutter kick like in freestyle, and your face above the surface of the water as you breathe.

3. Breaststroke

Breaststroke is the slowest swimming stroke, but one that is most commonly taught to beginners as it doesn’t require you to put your head underwater.

To do breaststroke, start by floating on your stomach while facing down. Let your arms move at the same time underneath the water’s surface in a half circle movement. At the same time, you want your legs to perform what’s called a ‘whip kick’.

A whip kick is kind of like the way a frog moves their legs. Start by having your legs extended straight behind you, then bring them close to your body by bending at both your knees and your hips. Move your legs out to the side, and then stretch them back out behind you.

4. Butterfly

Once you’ve mastered the first few strokes, you can attempt butterfly. This is an advanced swimming stroke, but boy does it give your body a great workout! You probably know butterfly as it’s a favourite of Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps. We won’t lie, butterfly is hard to learn and will tire your body out, so make sure you’ve developed enough muscular strength before you attempt this one.

To do the butterfly, you’ll want to start by floating face down on your stomach with your arms by your side. Bring your arms over your head at the same time, and then push them into the water to propel you forwards. Rinse and repeat! Essentially, your arms are serving as wings that move your body ahead in the water. While you move your arms, you want to also keep your head and shoulders above the surface of the water. Yes, difficult!

While you do butterfly stroke, you want your legs to be performing a ‘dolphin kick’. This involves keeping your legs together and extended straight, just like a dolphin’s tail.

5. Sidestroke

This is a lesser known stroke that’s not used as often as other swimming styles, but used a lot by lifeguards while rescuing someone. It’s a good stroke to learn for safety reasons as it lets you easily pull someone or something along with you as you’re swimming.

To do sidestroke, you will swim on your side, propelling your body forwards with a scissor kick and alternating arm movements. Sidestroke isn’t as difficult to learn as some of the other swimming styles out there, and can be a fun one to practice when you’re looking to change up your routine and try something different! Why wait until you actually have to pull something along to give it a go?

6. Elementary backstroke

This is just like the backstroke, but some consider it even easier (hence the name ‘elementary’). To do this movement, you’ll use a reverse form of the breaststroke kick while moving your arms simultaneously underwater. This is another swimming style that’s quite easy to learn and is often taught to new swimmers for that reason.

7. Combat sidestroke

If you want to swim like a Navy SEAL, this is how to do it! Combat sidestroke is learned by all US Navy SEALs and is super efficient while also helping you conserve your energy (useful when going long distances). The combat sidestroke is basically a mix of breaststroke, freestyle, and sidestroke, and makes you less visible in the water.

Want to learn how to swim combat sidestroke? Who are we kidding, we may be Ninjas but we’re not that pro! To get the full details – and we’ll be honest, they are complicated details – read up on combat sidestroke here.

8. Trudgen

Another stroke that evolved from the old sidestroke, this swimming style is named after famed English swimmer John Trudgen. To do this stroke you’ll be swimming on your side, lifting each arm alternately as they go out of the water and up over your head. Again, you’ll want to keep your legs engaged in a scissor kick for this stroke, but only kick with every second stroke. While you have your left arm over your head, spread your legs apart, and as your arm comes down, straighten your legs and snap them together.

The easiest way to learn how to swim is with a snorkel mask

When you’re trying to learn the proper movements and physical techniques for swimming, focusing on your breath can be a distraction that gets in the way.
That’s why snorkels are the best tool you can have to help you work on your swimming strokes.

Here’s why learning to swim with a snorkel mask is the easiest and best method:

Wearing a snorkel lets you keep your head still so you don’t have to worry about how and when to breathe,
With your head straight, you’ll have less stroke imperfections that are usually caused by your head moving around a lot. This will help you swim straighter and perfect your alignment,
With a snorkel mask on you can keep your back and spine completely straight and avoid putting strain on your neck or lower back,
It also keeps your hips higher in the water so that there’s less resistance, making swimming easier to master,
Focusing on your body roll is easier when wearing a snorkel mask, giving you faster, stronger, and more powerful strokes,
You can also watch your hands as they move underwater, helping you generate more power, speed, and minimise the risk of injury.

And once you’ve mastered the strokes and can do them like second nature, then you can worry about how and when to breathe.

What kind of snorkel should I use when learning how to swim?

The best snorkel to use when learning to swim is a full-face snorkel mask that lets you breathe naturally, the same as you would above the water.

FAQ:

1. What are the 8 different strokes in swimming?

Freestyle or front crawl

Backstroke

Breaststroke

Butterfly

Sidestroke

Elementary backstroke

Combat sidestroke

Trudgen

2. What is the easiest method to learn how to swim?

When you’re trying to learn the proper movements and physical techniques for swimming, focusing on your breath can be a distraction that gets in the way. That’s why snorkels are the best tool you can have to help you work on your swimming strokes.

Wearing a snorkel lets you keep your head still so you don’t have to worry about how and when to breathe. With your head straight, you’ll have less stroke imperfections that are usually caused by your head moving around a lot. This will help you swim straighter and perfect your alignment.

How many people dream of snorkelling but don't feel comfortable wearing a snorkel mask?

The answer is: too many! Traditional snorkel masks can be uncomfortable and scary for many people, so the beauty of snorkelling goes undiscovered and unexperienced. Whether it's breathing difficulties, choking on sea water, or foggy goggles, there's a lot that prevents people from enjoying the wonderful sport of snorkelling. And that thought makes us sad.

We think everyone should be able to enjoy the underwater world - safely, comfortably, and easily. That's why we created Ninja Shark and our revolutionary line of full face snorkel masks. They're designed to be super comfy, easy-to-use, and make snorkelling accessible for all. Because nobody should miss out on discovering what's under the sea.

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NINJASHARK is the sound of a revolution in snorkeling. Whereas other water equipments companies are constantly adding poor quality products, we listen to your feedback and constantly improve our products to fit for all of your needs. 

While other water equipments companies offer just a way to look under the water, NINJASHARK wants to create an amazing experience for water enthusiasts. That's why we listen to your feedbacks and we develop products based on them.

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The Ninja Shark full face snorkel masks makes your experiences the best they can be. They are exclusively sold on the Ninja Shark website.

The Ninja Shark full face snorkel masks comes equipped with advanced Anti-Fog technology, automatic drainage, no CO2 Buildup with improved uni-directional valves, and a revolutionary breathe flow system so you can breathe through both your nose and mouth.

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“If you thought we’re just here to sell you products, think again. You’re part of the Ninja Shark family, and your feedback matters! We’re constantly working to improve our products and deliver the full face snorkel mask that exists only in our dreams!”

What customers are saying about us…

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Loved the complete set. I even used the waterproof phone pouch to take photos and videos underwater. It made my Fiji experience so much better than using the free snorkel set that hurt your face after 2hours and leaving a sun/mask mark. The ninja leaves no marks and gives great vision under water in comparison. It did take some getting used to but it definitely paid off! Only frustration is that the tightening straps are quite basic; they should be much simpler to loosen and tighten both in and out of water.” – Jock

Try our line of snorkelling and swimming gear
by Ninja Shark! You’ll love it.

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We care about making our products safe and healthy for you—and our planet.

That’s why the Ninja Shark Full Face Snorkelling Masks are made from a non-toxic and environmentally friendly anti-allergic medical grade silicone, that’s not only safer for your kids but safer for you too.

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While travelling in Timor leste l met a fellow snorkeller. We snorkelled for 10 days together the food was shit but the water was stunning. The friend was using Ninja Shark fins and mask mine were steaming up, letting in water and heavy. On arriving back in Australia l ordered straight away.
I was a little bit anxious on receiving my order as the mask was quite different to my old one and the fins were short and adjustable ( l wanted them to be my size ! ) well to my luck the weather was beautiful ( yes mid winter in Mackay ) and perfect for boating so off we scooted to Cockermouth ( don't laugh it's a real place ) jumping in and WOW I'm now a mermaid 🧜‍♀️ the mask and fins felt like part of me. I actually cried as not only was the equipment allowing me to explore as l wanted but the reef was STUNNING. So lm indepted to Ninja Shark for making me the mermaid l always aspired to be 🧜‍♀️

Took it to Tahiti

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I do love my full face snorkel.. the freedom of nose breathing under the water.. the meditative and relaxative effect of this snorkeling is unexpected and great. Fits so well.. comfy to wear for long time.. highly recommend

Package : Air Adults (Mask + Fins + Bag)

Super quality & fit

So happy we got Ninja shark, perfect for Great barrier reef snorkel day.
Flippers, mask, dry wallet, carry bag (good quality bag), anti fog spray, happy days.

Ninja Shark Kids Mask

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Even better than expected!

I saw the kids full face snorkel masks online, and thought they looked pretty cool. I ordered two for Christmas, for my 3 and 6 year olds. Wow, did they have a great time with them!

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They can't wait to get back to the water!

Highly recommend this product :)

Longer Tube Full Face Snorkel Mask for Kids (3-11 Years)

mask swimming

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Great way to swim

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Love it

Bought these for myself and my husband after getting the full face masks for the kids, and they were so good we’re getting them for the rest of the extended family for Xmas. The fact u can dive down and not get water down ur snorkel is a brilliant bonus! Makes our family holidays much easier and better without snorkel dramas!

This made our holiday

The product itself was amazing, but the service we received allowed us to get our 2 sets of masks for our cruise. We took them with us and used them multiple times for snorkelling on our cruise to Nouméa and New Caledonia. It was amazing snorkelling and being able to breathe easily, and the fins were the most comfortable I've ever used. I've got size 13 feet, and not only were they completely adjustable, but they were THE most comfortable fins ever invented. A massive shoutout to Colleen Zamora from your support staff who helped me out and made it possible to take our gear on holidays! Thanks Colleen!
The photo is us snorkelling off Amadee Island looking for turtles!

Package: Equaliser PRO (Mask + Fins + Bag)

<3 em

So, I had the old type standard snorkle set I saw the add on tiktok thought I would give it a go. ONG I love them!!! They are so comfortable easy to get on and off and very very good to snorkle with I can see perfect clear thru them and doesn’t fill up with water! A very happy camper

Equaliser PRO Full Face Snorkel Mask for Adults

My kids love them

I’ve got three of these masks for my younger kids, however the oldest wants one too as the young ones rave about how good the are.

Summer Family Fun

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Air Adults - Full Face Snorkel Mask for Adults

Lifetime warranty

Glad I have but haven’t needed to use .. yet

Great Mask

Love this mask. Kids find it so much easier snorkelling with the Ninja Shark. The snorkel mask is super clear and doesn’t fog up. The adjustable straps are great and easy to loosen and tighten. Very happy that we made the decision to get these for the kids.

A must for snorkelers!

Recently purchased the Equaliser Pro Mask, Finns and bag. 🤿 🐠🐡🐟🦈 Had an amazing time snorkeling off Fitzroy Island, the Pro mask allowed me to explore for over 7 hours. Higly recommend! Planning must next snorkeling trip! 🤿💦🌴☀️

awsome

we used our new masks over the weekend. they were amazing, my daughter barely had her head out of the water all day.

life warranty

This is great! More stores should do it!

Fantastic snorkel!

Our 5 year old has never snorkelled. Put it on and was snorkelling no problem straight away! Easy for him to put on and off by himself. We bought the full package with flippers (also amazing and he can put them on by himself) and the two wet bags. The foldable snorkel is so handy for storing while we are travelling. And the lifetime warranty gives us great comfort that we can use it for future trips! We are so impressed with this product I’m going to get mum and dad one too!

Kids snorkel

It is a lot easier for the younger children to have fun and snorkel without worrying about their nose breathing. My 6 year old swims confidently and happily.

Air Kids - Full Face Snorkel Mask for Kids

Good clear vision

The first time I tried the mask, I felt I’d made a mistake to buy one!
But with a bit more trial and error and a few more readjustments, I managed to settle into using it.
Each time I went for a snorkel, there was always the need to readjust because you don’t necessarily get the mask on in exactly the same position as it was in the last use. The mask always kept water from entering the eye area, but at times I couldn’t completely seal the mouth area and small amounts of water would seep in, but not stop me from breathing! I never managed to breath with my nose, only with my mouth.
On a big plus, I never had issues with fogging up and you get good clear area of vision. I also wear multi focal glasses, so to solve the problem of poor vision in a snorkel mask, I bought very cheap and ugly pair of glasses with large lenses! I then took the arms off the glasses and carefully placed them inside the eye area of the mask and kept them in place with a piece of blu tac!! 😆 It worked beautifully for my distance vision which is is used the most when snorkelling! I might try an old pair of prescription lenses next time, and then I might be able to read the underwater camera settings as well!
The mask can be a bit fiddly at times, and awkward to get into the right place, but with some patience it did really well, and I never resorted to going back to use my ‘normal’ mask and snorkel. We snorkelled in both calm and choppy water successfully. 🤓🐠🐟🐡🦀🐙
Thanks Ninja Shark!

Kids loved them!

We bought two long tube masks for the girls as a Xmas present, they first tested them in the bath!! The next trip was the beach, they spent hours in the water, my 3yr old son wanted to use the masks too. He loved it as well, he'll be getting one for his birthday. 😊

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