Swim Meet Winter 2010

We have always emphasized that swimming is one of the the life skills that everyone should have, not to mention the benefits of whole body exercise when swimming.  Consequently, all of our kids go to local community swimming classes.  Classes are run through out the year.  Megan and Dillon have already finished all the levels and are now training to be a life guard, which will take years.  The life guard courses teach life saving skills (CPR, among others) and technique not found in regular swimming classes. These classes are typically very long and sometimes last up to three hours per session.  So, unless your kids really want to do it, it's not for everyone.

Initially, all our kids resisted swimming, but after a while, they started to enjoy it.  It's important to start when they are very young, and be persistent when they first start, and don't give up.

If swimming classes are not enough, one can joint the community swim teams. Swim team training normally runs longer than normal swimming classes and is more rigorous. The swim teams compete with other community teams typically twice a year. It's a good opportunity for the kids to learn sportsmanship and team work, as the competitions always have relay event that each team member would participate.

I shot the swimming event with a 1D IIn and 200mm f1.8L again.  Tried the Canon 1.4x converter for the first time with the 200mm f1.8L.  This makes the 200mm lens a 364mm f2.5, when factored in the 1D's 1.3x crop view but the one stop lost of light proved not practical for the very dim lighting of the swimming pool, the shutter speed was just not fast enough for the fast actions with the 1.4x converter.  The image quality is acceptable even wide open at f2.5 with very little loss sharpness.

William -- 1D IIn & EF 200mm f1.8L @ f2.0. Click to enlarge.

Megan -- 1D IIn & EF 200mm f1.8 with 1.4x Wide Open @ f2.5. Click to enlarge.

Ryan -- 1D IIn & EF 200mm f1.8L @ f2. Click to enlarge

Dillon -- 1D IIn & EF 200mm f1.8L @ f1.8. Click to enlarge.