1. Not Just for Beginners
The swim stroke known as the doggie paddle is sometimes derided as being the one stroke that beginners and non-swimmers practice the most. While it is a relatively easy way to move through the water, keeping up a doggie paddle for any length of time takes some endurance. The swim stroke, while easy to learn, offers a lot of physical benefits that you can't get from other strokes. Also, it can be done in a variety of venues in a variety of styles.
2. Do the dog
If you've ever watched a dog paddle through water, then you can get the idea of how to do a doggie paddle yourself. Just mimic the moves. Get in the water and lie face down. Lift your head and slap the water in front of you to keep yourself afloat. Kick with your feet and lower your hands so that you aren't splashing yourself in the face and you can get moving forward.
3. Add Pressure
You can do the doggie paddle at a slow, steady pace all day and enjoy the water or speed up your paddling and find that you can reach an aerobic state much quicker than with a regular over the head swimming technique. Race to the other side of the pool and try to beat your time each way. Do laps and don't stop until your heart is pumping for relief. Add pressure to your arms by not kicking. Rely solely on your arms to both keep your head out of the water and to propel you forward.
4. First Swim Move for Kids
Doggie paddling is a great technique to teach your children when you first get them into the water. Put a life vest on them and hold them forward in the water. Let them splash with their hands out front to get them used to getting their face wet. Slowly release your hold and tell them to work their arms faster in the water. They will be amazed at how easy and natural the moves will come to them. It will be easier to overcome any fears when your child knows he or she can keep themselves afloat with the doggie paddle when all else fails.
5. A Fallback Position
Since the doggie paddle is so simple and can keep you afloat with little effort when you do it slowly; it is a great fallback for long-distance swimmers to use as a resting technique in the water. When you're out in open seas swimming long distances, stop occasionally to give your arms and legs a rest and keep moving with the doggie paddle. Alternate floating on your back with the doggie paddle and you'll find you can go the distance much easier.
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