from its neatness, nor lessen the admiration that this trick
always calls forth.
This work is often performed by experts, having their arms tied to their
sides or behind their backs. When performing in this manner, one must
swim on the back, and the legs only can be used for propulsion. In this
instance better progress is made, as it is much easier to swim on the
back with the hand and feet tied than it is to swim on the breast under
the same conditions. One of the main essentials in the performance of
this trick is ability to float. These performances, also, are much
easier in a tidal river or stream than in still water, as the body is
carried forward with the motion of the water, and less exertion is
necessary to remain on the surface.
OVER AND UNDER
[Illustration: OVER AND UNDER]
This is one of the prettiest exhibition tricks that can be accomplished
in the water. If performed by a lady and gentleman it never fails to
elicit great applause. The swimmers begin with floating alongside of
each other. Then one slowly paddles ahead of the other with his hands
until his toes are in line with the shoulders of the other. When in that
position, the first grasps the neck of the other with his toes. Then the
other slowly brings his or her arms back under water and catches hold of
the ankles of the first. After balancing for a moment, the other dips
his or her head below the surface, at the same time giving a strong pull
at the ankles of the first, which draws the first directly over him. The
first one allowing his arms to float straight behind him. While the
first is slowly sailing over the other submerged, the latter watches the
former, and when the neck of the first is in line with the feet of the
other, the latter raises his feet and grasps the neck of the former, who
allows his body to rise to the surface. The performance is then
repeated by the first grasping the ankles of the other, and continuing
as before.
These movements must be done slowly and gracefully, each swimmer
allowing the other time to inflate the lungs before the next pullover is
made. After these movements have been gone through about a dozen times,
and when in position for the final pull, the forward one should loosen
the grip on the neck and propel himself ahead to the side of the other
swimmer, when both can bend forward in unison, making a very neat and
graceful finale.
SWIMMING UNDER WATER
To be able to swim under water is quite an
|