A perfect analogy for Vietnam, as it seems everyone in Vietnam can ride a bike. Swimming and bike riding both have several things in common:

1. You have to overcome your fears when you start
2. Your body has to learn to balance
3. You have to learn basic rules in order to be safe
4. Fundamental skills are required before you can think about sporting competitions
5. Both are skills for life

You have to overcome your fears when you start

In swimming there are several fears: the fear of drowning, the fear of getting my face wet, the fear of going under just to name a few; with riding a bike the fear of falling off, how to stop, help I’m going too fast etc. Overcoming your fears is an important part of learning, but be aware of becoming overconfident. Having a healthy respect for your environment will help keep you safe.

Your body has to learn to balance

The ability to balance is the most essential skill for riding a bike, this can be assisted with stabilisers when we first start. Similarly with swimming, finding your balance in water is an important part of learning, which is why learning to float is so important. Buoyancy may be used to assist you – our water stabilisers.

You have to learn basic rules in order to be safe

The rules of the road when riding a bike, the safety and hygiene rules at the pool when swimming and basic water safety knowledge when going out and about.

Fundamental skills are required before you can think about sporting competitions

Unlike other sports riding a bike and swimming require the learning of fundamental mind and body skills before you can consider the sporting options that are available, which are many in both disciplines.

Both are skills for life

Especially in Vietnam, where riding a bike, motorised or otherwise is the main mode of transport and drowning is one of the country’s big problems.

Conclusion

The skills and mind-set required to achieve this are similar to that required to learn to swim. If you can ride a bike you can learn to swim. Now is the time to take the challenge, you are never too old to learn!

Garry Seghers
Technical Director