There is no arbitrary rule as to which side you shall swim on, left or
right being a pure matter of choice; but while I think the left is
preferable, as it gives greater play to the right arm, the right is
the usual side "put on" by the majority. The great thing is to be able
to swim equally well on either, as this enables you to keep your face
to the breakers in a rough sea on whichever tack you lay your course.

When you have mastered this stroke you will seem to move forward
continuously, and not in a succession of jerks, as with the breast
stroke. The natives of the South Sea Islands, who are, to my thinking,
the best swimmers in the world, use this stroke for a long, steady
swim, and I have been surprised at the speed they make and the length
of time with which they can keep it up without a sign of fatigue.

RACING

The racing stroke is effective for speed, but it soon wears out all
but the strong, expert swimmer. In acquiring it you must remember that
pace is the great desideratum, and, consequently, rapidity of action
is requisite. To gain this you must combine two movements in one, by
striking with the propeller on whichever side you swim at the same
time as the feet, the sustainer acting in the same manner as before.
As the legs are brought up for the kick the propeller is lifted clear
of the water, the arm being slightly bent in a graceful curve, and
thrown forward in an arc to its fullest extent, the hand being held in
the scoop-like position it maintains in the water. Now kick, and bring
the propeller simultaneously downwards and backwards, with a bold and
vigorous sweep, until it reaches the thigh when the elbow is bent,
drawing the hand upwards to be thrown forward again. As this stroke is