What to Do If You Get a Cramp While Swimming

What to Do If You Get a Cramp While Swimming

Cramps during swimming can stop your workout cold—but they don’t have to. Whether you struggle with foot cramps while swimming, calf cramps, or sudden toe spasms, this guide breaks down the causes and gives you practical, proven strategies to stop them. Learn what to do if a cramp strikes mid-swim, how to strengthen the right muscles on land, and how to boost mobility for smoother performance. Plus, watch two videos with exercises and foam rolling techniques to help you stay strong, mobile, and cramp-free in the water.

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Feel the Surge: What Propulsion in Swimming Really Means

Feel the Surge: What Propulsion in Swimming Really Means

Want to swim faster without just working harder? It all comes down to mastering propulsion. In this guide, Coach Dan Daly breaks down the science behind swimming propulsion, the difference between drag and lift forces, and how to improve your stroke for maximum speed. With targeted drills, smart use of training tools, and integrated dryland exercises, you’ll learn how to generate more forward motion with every stroke. Whether you're in the pool or open water, it’s time to feel the surge - and move smarter.

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Do Wetsuits Make You Faster? The Triathlete’s Guide to Speed, Warmth, and Efficiency

Do Wetsuits Make You Faster? The Triathlete’s Guide to Speed, Warmth, and Efficiency

Wetsuits do more than keep you warm—they can actually make you a faster, more efficient swimmer. Backed by research, this article breaks down how different wetsuit styles impact speed, buoyancy, and energy use. You’ll also learn how to choose the right wetsuit thickness based on water temperature, what to wear underneath, and when wetsuits are legal in races. Whether you're training for a triathlon or open water swim, this guide will help you select the best gear for performance, comfort, and confidence in the water.

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Join Me in the Open Water: Open Water Swimming Events 2025

Join Me in the Open Water: Open Water Swimming Events 2025

Swim with Coach Dan Daly for a season of unforgettable races across NYC and the Northeast — including the UrbanSwim: PRIDE and Liberty to Freedom swims, Lake George, and a solo 28.5-mile Manhattan Island Marathon. Whether you’re new to open water or looking to level up, these events offer the perfect mix of challenge, community, and coaching support. Explore the full race calendar, get inspired by past performances, and find out how to train smart and swim strong this season.

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Sculling Swimming Drills: How to Build Feel for the Water

Sculling Swimming Drills: How to Build Feel for the Water

Struggling to feel the water, even with solid strength and training? Sculling may be the missing link. In this guide, Coach Dan Daly breaks down what sculling in swimming really is, why it matters, and how to build it into your weekly routine. You'll learn proven sculling swimming drills — from front scull to catch scull — and get practical tips to improve your body position, stroke connection, and sensory awareness in the water. Whether you’re a high school swimmer or a masters athlete, it’s time to reconnect with your stroke.

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Vasa Trainer Pro Workouts: How to Boost Swim Strength and Endurance

Vasa Trainer Pro Workouts: How to Boost Swim Strength and Endurance

Struggling with swim endurance and strength? The Vasa Trainer Pro is the ultimate dryland tool to boost power, technique, and stamina outside the pool. In this guide, I’ll share proven Vasa Trainer workouts that I use with my athletes to develop swim-specific strength, improve efficiency, and build lasting endurance. Whether you're a competitive swimmer, triathlete, or fitness enthusiast, these structured workouts will help you train smarter. Plus, I’ll cover common mistakes to avoid and the best programming strategies for maximum results. Start training smarter today! Read more.

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Best Books About Swimming for Swimmers

Best Books About Swimming for Swimmers

Looking to sharpen your swim technique, build mental strength, or simply fall back in love with the water? This curated list of the best books about swimming covers everything from Olympic-level training to inspiring swimmer stories and cutting - edge coaching methods. Whether you're a competitive swimmer, a curious beginner, or a coach looking for fresh insights, these swimming books deliver motivation and practical takeaways alike. Dive in and discover new ways to elevate your performance - in the pool and beyond.

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How to Swim Long Distance with Better Technique

How to Swim Long Distance with Better Technique

Mastering long-distance swimming isn’t just about endurance—it’s about technique, pacing, and mental strength. As a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, I’ve coached athletes from local events to Olympic trials, refining their stroke efficiency, breathing patterns, and training plans. In this guide, I’ll share expert tips on improving body position, increasing distance per stroke, and building stamina through structured workouts. Whether you're preparing for a 5K swim or just want to swim farther with less effort, these proven strategies will help you conquer long-distance swimming with confidence.

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Perfect Your Backstroke Flip Turn: A Coach's Proven System

Perfect Your Backstroke Flip Turn: A Coach's Proven System

The backstroke flip turn isn't just a technical skill – it's often the difference between good and great in competitive swimming. In my 15 years of coaching, I've found the most common issue isn't physical – it's psychological. Fear of misjudging the wall or disorientation during rotation causes hesitation, robbing swimmers of efficiency. The good news? I've never met a swimmer who couldn't master this technique with the right approach. My 4-phase method breaks down this complex movement into manageable steps that build confidence and speed simultaneously.

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