Product Description
Experts agree that swimming is the best and most complete form of excercise. Here is the most authoritative and comprehensive guide to the sport. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

I learned the basics ofswimming using this book
I was 28 and did not know how to swim properly.I've gotten by with waving my arms and kicking.. you know, what you see in the olympics.

Picked up this book on recommendation and it clearly illustrated the strokes and gives a short history of strokes, the most impactful one being the crawl stroke.After a few weeks of re-reading the chapter of swimming and going back and forth from the gym reviewing the diagrams with what i was doing in the pool... I got the basics down.Signed up for an advanced swimmers lesson and the instructor said that I was the only one in 20 that actually belonged in the class.So they gave me special one on one instruction regarding my swimming technique.

Great start to learning to swim.

Covers all aspects of the swimming experience
In reading some of the complaints about this book from other reviewers, I would like to add that not all swimming books are created equal. Some are clearly devoted to technique, drills, and fine-tuning every little aspect of your athletic performance, and there are plenty of these instruction-type manuals to choose from.I tend to seek out swim books that address ALL of the aspects of the sport, the way Dr. Whitten does in this book and also Harvey Weiner does in "Total Swimming." As a swimmer who has spent many years in the pool with large gaps in-between of not swimming, I know if I turn to a book like Dr. Whitten's, the motivation to jump back in will be easily available to me.Recently this has been the case; I returned to swimming after 10 years out of the pool, and the author's statement that his book will motivate you is certainly accurate.

For those swimmers who want only to improve their performance, turn to the instruction-manual style swim books.And for all others, who don't mind some instruction/drills chapters but also like to explore the mind-body connection which occurs within the water experience, as well as learn about the health benefits research available to swimmers, there is Dr. Whitten's book.Enjoy!

this book is worthless
The first 86 pages do nothing but tell you why you should swim. If you didn't want to swim why would you have the book to begin with? I am starting triathlons and the only reason I want to swim is to get to T1. After a few moderately useful pages explaining the basic strokes (which you can find better descriptions and pictures on the web) the rest is MORE WORTHLESS FILLER. "How swimming improves your sex life"? Common, WORTHLESS, WORTHLESS, WORTHLESS.

Little about swimming, a lot about everything else
Why are swim book authors so lousy? This one is worse than the Total Immersion book. More pages are devoted to topics around swimming than swimming itself. There are chapters on health, diet, etc. etc. That's not necessarily bad, but I'd rather have a smaller, more focused book just about swim technique. In addition, the author gets carried away with love of his sport, asserting that swimming will lead to a better sex life, longevity, wealth, world peace. Well, many fitness regimes will improve your health. Buy it used and keep your expectations low.

The complete book of the excitement of swimming
This book is great for getting started. If your first thought is,"do I really wanna go all the way up to the pool, get in my swimming trunks and jump into the cold wet?", just open this book and you'll already be in the water. Dr. Whitten has so much enthusiasm for the sport, that he could probably even convince a cat to take up swimming. I bet there are better books for competitive swimmers, which have more complete work-outs or are more technical, but this book gives you a bit of everything and it also explains WHY you should take up swimming. ... Read more

Product Description
This new edition completely demystifies pool systems and their care. Readers will learn how to select and care for pool components and how to establish easy cleaning and maintenance routines.Amazon.com Review
This may not be the snappy tome you take with you to read onvacation, but if you have and maintain a swimming pool, it's a bookyou will want to have handy. It covers the basic construction of poolsof all kinds, cleaning routines, water chemistry and treatment, simplerepairs, caring for hot tubs and spas, and even pool safety. Alsoincluded are tips on water and energy conservation, a glossary ofterms, and a thorough index for quick reference. If you own a swimmingpool, you should own this book. --Mark Hetts ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Not for Above Ground Pool Owners
This is very thorough for in ground pools, but has little to do with above ground and certainly knows nothing about winterizing in the Norhteast.

Excellent for selecting and maintaining a pool
This is a book for people who know nothing about swimming pools and who are thinking of getting one or who need to maintain an existing pool.

The book starts with some basics - the types of pools that exist, water characteristics and treatment - and continues to explain the equipment that comes with a pool. This includes filtration systems, pumps and motors etc. The book closes discussing winterizing and opening up the pool as well as faces-lifts repairs etc. Of course, there is also a chapter on pool-safety.

I really liked the book, as it was well-written (easy to read) and seemed to cover all the essentials, getting me knowledgeable enough to handle the pool in my garden. The book is full of illustrations that help to explain the workings of the different parts that come with a pool.

As the book at every stage discusses the various types of pools and equipment that exist, the book can also be a real help when trying to decide what kind of pool to get.

So, if you are a pool-beginner (pro will need a different level), get this book! The cost are negligeable to those that you can incur from miss-managing your pool.

Excellent pool intro
I bought a house with a pool in the backyard and I had no idea what to do with it. This book really helped me become familiar with the general pool maintenance and how filters, pumps, chemicals, etc work. I still had to call in a pool company to help me open the pool for the first summer, but reading this book helped me understand what they were doing and ask the right questions.

I've also referred to this book a few times for troubleshooting information. While it isn't specific to my particular pool configuration, it points me in the right direction.

What Color IS Your Swimming Pool?
I use this book as a training tool and give one to each of my customers in which I build a pool. New and perspective pool owners need to learn a crash course in pool care and maintenance to preserve the beauty of their investment. I have had a much easier job of educating my customers and in the end, they are much happier. This book is a must for all pool owners that care what water can do to their investment.

Not enough information on "How to".
As a new pool owner, with no prior experience in pool care, I did not findthis book to be particularly helpful. The book had a lot of information onwhat things were, and what needed to be done in terms of problem solving. Unfortunately the book neglected to share with readers how to do it. Iwould not recommend this book to new pool owners. ... Read more

Product Description
Ron O’Brien has produced more champions and coached more Olympic, world, and Pan American teams than any other coach in diving history. Now, in this definitive work, O’Brien brings his full experience and expertise forth so that today’s divers and their coaches can enjoy similar success at their own level of competition.

Springboard & Platform Diving covers all aspects of diving. From solid fundamentals to fine-tuned movements that add aesthetic appeal, O’Brien presents each type of dive with detailed descriptions and accompanying sequential illustrations. Mental preparation tips and physical training programs will give divers a competitive edge. A special boardwork checklist will help pinpoint any deficient skills.

Springboard & Platform Diving provides readers with inside information once exclusively reserved for the world’s best. This book is a one-of-a-kind blueprint for diving success, written by the greatest coach ever in the sport. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Worth it's weight in gold
I dive and I coach diving, and I've stopped calling this book by its title and started calling it the diver's Bible. Thanks to this book i went from being a slightly better than most diver to being a great diver. If you're looking to perfect your voluntaries or to learn how to do big optionals, this book is for you!

THE BEST!!!
This book is THE BEST for divers and coaches. It covers the basics carefully then builds on that information for more difficult and complex dives. The photographs and drawings are clear and well documented.Thank you Ron ... Read more

Product Description

From an Olympic medalist, a proven, step-by-step program for helping you swim your best

Endorsed by Olympic gold medalist Jenny Thompson and written by two-time Olympic winner Tracey McFarlane-Mirande, Championship Swimming brings Olympic-level techniques and training to intermediate swimmers who want to achieve their best.

With her proven program, McFarlane-Mirande takes you from 0 to 60 in just 30 days. This comprehensive manual features:

• Step-by-step drills for improved strokes and more enjoyable workouts
• Tips on how to eliminate "drag"
• Techniques for swimming more powerfully with less effort
• Dry-land exercises
• Easy-to-follow illustrations

From intermediate to competitive swimming, Championship Swimming is sure to improve the quality of every swim, whether for leisure, exercise, or going for the gold.

Customer Reviews (5)

Another General Swimming Book
There is not a lot to say about this book. It covers the basics, and more details on freestyle. There are some good hints/tips, but not very deep. Still a good book to read.

Good beginner's book
I've always had trouble with swimming form and getting past the boredom of laps. The instruction here is clear and easy to grasp and I really like the drills.

Excellentguide to technique and training
Great for beginners or anyone looking to increase efficiency and speed.I always enjoyed swimming and thought I had a decent command of freestyle and breastroke.I swam mostly for fitness - got in the pool and swim for 30-45 minutes and never payed attention to times, form, etc.My kids became involved competitive swimming and as a result I began taking it more seriously.This book served as an excellent guide and is suitable for all levels - even those that do not feel comfortable in the water. ( You will outgrow it however and I would recommend Breakthrough Swimming for the next level).Once I adopted the techniques outlined and then reinforced by drills,I increased speed and to a greater extent efficiency - important to a 40 year old.I now can swim all 4 strokes and enjoy swimming more than ever!

perfect practise
this book is full of valuable information how to improve ones swimming style. The central and often repeated sentence is: Not practise makes perfect, but perfect practise. I already have started to improve my swimming style.

breaking old habits
Though I've been a masters swimmer for a few years, this book and it's drills were helpful. By going through the prescribed program, week by week, the freestyle concepts of rotation, breathing on both sides,and stretching, start to replace old habits.I agree, it's important to drop back and work on technique, rather than reinforce poor body mechanics while keeping up in your lane. The freestyle and breaststroke chapters were the most helpful to me. ... Read more

Product Description
Hawaii offers underwater adventures for all, from snorkelers to divers, from the novice to the expert. Whether you're diving through wrecks or observing tropical marine life, this guide will take you to the best sites around the five dive regions - Oahu, the Big Island, Maui County, Kauai & Niihau, and Midway Islands.

In This Guide:

Detailed dive information to 67 sites.
Full-color photos throughout.
Maps of dive regions.
Guide to marine life.
Travel logistics and topside attractions.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great for divers
This book covers ALL the islands for diving and snorkeling. It would be perfect if you were going to be diving a lot there. It gave thorough information for many areas. We found that asking locals for great spots worked out better. The book did give us a great starting point and some info about parking and the beaches at locals.

Good general Hawaii dive guide
Since Hawaii has a number of islands, each with a ton of dive sites, this book only has general and somewhat limited information for specific areas.I would have preferred a Diving & Snorkeling MAUI guide, but as far as I know Lonely Planet doesn't make one.The Diving & Snorkeling Hawaii book would be fine if it was a bit longer (this one is pretty short), but then it would be a pain to pack. ... Read more

Product Description
"Swimming - Training Program" sets out the 300 swimming schedules and 115 weight schedules making up a single six-month training cycle, each week's program, which in most cases involves thirteen swimming schedules and five weight schedule, also includes a description of how the week's program is compatible with and contributes to Lydiard's training objectives. Chapters include the Aerobic Build Up period, the Transition period, then the Anaerobic Conditioning period and finally, the most important of all, Trials and Coordination race preparation period. This book is for the competitive swimmer, but also less experienced swimmers not yet able to handle the full Lydiard program will find tips on how to modify the schedules to bring them down to a volume that they can manage. This appeals to young athletes just setting out on their senior competitive careers or recreational swimmers who use swimming as part of their fitness program or triathletes who have to allocate training time to three disciplines or surf swimmers using pool work to prepare for their specialist sport. and Pan Pacific Games. ... Read more

Product Description
The parents guide to swimming, July 5, 2003 Reviewer: Rebecca Uhl- van Oostendorp from Oxford, MS United States As a past competitive swimmer and current USS swimming coach, I cannot expressenough gratitude to Dr. Arata for the invaluable asset he offers to parents,swimmers and coaches alike.? This bookis the answer to the question parents often ask: 'We don't know anythingabout swimming; is there anything to read?'? THIS is it!? Theinformation in this book will provide the security, comfort and knowledge forany new parent whose child is entering swimming.? Moreover, it enables them to understand, support and encouragetheir child in this wonderful lifelong sport.?I am buying and distributing copies to my team.? Thank you, Dr. Arata, for putting into thewritten word what ordinarily takes years to otherwise get across.The Handbook for all Parents of Swimmers, July 5,2003Reviewer: Roger W Rechsteiner from Lubbock TX This is a terrific book!? How I wish I'dhad it when my own swimming daughter was feeling 'burned out'.? Dr. Arata has great ideas on how to motivatekids past that stage so they have a chance to fulfill their potential.? A wonderful resource on training, diet ?everything!? Super A+!Great information for parents of competitive swimmers!,July 6, 2003Reviewer: Terre Christensen Parents' Guide to Swimming is a much needed tool for parents ofcompetitive swimmers.? In it I foundinformation on every topic an involved parent would need, especially a parentlacking a swimming background. ?Arata'sperspective on the role of parents and coaches is especially helpful.? He provides suggestions as to how parentscan help their children succeed in competitive swimming while leaving thecoaching to the coach.? A very worthyread packed full of good information on topics ranging from nutrition toflexibility to how to find a suitable program for your swimmer.? A must have!The Parents' Guide toSwimming isthe parents? manual for the mental, physical and practical aspects ofcompetiti ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

The Parents' Guide to Swimming
This book is outstanding.A must for any swimming parent.

Great information for parents of competitive swimmers!
Parents' Guide to Swimming is a much needed tool for parents of competitive swimmers.In it I found information on every topic an involved parent would need, especially a parent lacking a swimming background.Arata's perspective on the role of parents and coaches is especially helpful.He provides suggestions as to how parents can help their children succeed in competitive swimming while leaving the coaching to the coach.A very worthy read packed full of good information on topics ranging from nutrition to flexibility to how to find a suitable program for your swimmer.A must have!

The Handbook for all Parents of Swimmers
This is a terrific book!How I wish I'd had it when my own swimming daughter was feeling "burned out".Dr. Arata has great ideas on how to motivate kids past that stage so they have a chance to fulfill their potential.A wonderful resource on training, diet--everything!Super A+!

The parents guide to swimming
As a past competitive swimmer and current USS swimming coach, I cannot express enough gratitude to Dr. Arata for the invaluable asset heoffers to parents, swimmers and coaches alike.This book is the answer to the question parents often ask:"We don't know anything about swimming; is there anything to read?"
THIS is it!The information in this book will provide the security, comfort and knowledge for any new parent whose child is entering swimming.Moreover, it enables them to understand, support and encourage their child in this wonderful lifelong sport.
I am buying and distributing copies to my team.
Thank you, Dr. Arata, for putting into the written word what ordinarily takes years to otherwise get across. ... Read more

Product Description
Learn diving from the world's premier diving coach.

Ron O'Brien, head coach of the U.S. Olympic team since 1972, has produced more champions and coached more Olympic, World, and Pan American teams than any other coach in diving history. In 1982 his divers won all four World Championship gold medals--an achievement that no other coach has equaled. In 1984 and 1988, under O'Brien's coaching, Greg Louganis won four Olympic gold medals, accomplishing the rare feat of back-to-back double gold medals. His divers have won more than 350 medals in national and international competitions.

After honoring Ron O'Brien as Outstanding Coach of the Year every year from 1979 to 1988, U.S. Diving named him its first national technical director. O'Brien is also director of diving for the city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

O'Brien is renowned not only as a coach, but also as a diver. A two-time national champion himself, O'Brien was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1988.

Now O'Brien's experience and expertise are available to you. Ron O'Brien's Diving for Gold contains the comprehensive information that divers need to develop from beginners into champions. The book emphasizes the basic skills for the 1- and 3-meterspringboards and the 5-, 7-1/2-, and 10-meter platforms.

Ron O'Brien's Diving for Gold also shows you the author's ground-breaking formula for constructing the forward approach. This formula will help divers of all sizes and abilities create approaches like the champions.

Get an inside look at what makes dives work in Ron O'Brien's Diving for Gold--the book for divers and their coaches.Amazon.com Review
Ron O'Brien, head coach of the U.S. Olympic team since 1972, has produced more champions and coached more Olympic, World and Pan-American teams than any other coach in diving history.In 1982 his divers won all four World Championship gold medals, and in 1984 and 1988 he coached Greg Louganis to back-to-back double gold medals.Now he shares his diving and coaching expertise in this book, which emphasizes the basic skills for the 1- and 3- meter springboards and the 5-, 7.5-, and 10-meter platforms.It also shows the author's ground-breaking formula for constructing the proper forward approach.This is the book forbeginning divers who want to be champions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A must for every diver and coach
Terrific fundamentals and explainations.My only question is about the teaching of back twisters which he shows in a different way in his videos.Most coaches teach the way in the videos, and most top divers do it that way.A terrific reference for the experienced and beginning coach.I've coached divers at all levels for 25 years and I still use it as a reference.

Have you ever not known what to tell your diver?
Well, if you answered yes then purchase this book. Even though it is written on an elementary level, Ron O'brien has the credentials to back even the most simple explanations of the sport.It is great for a beginneras well as an experienced coach because it shows the perspective of a trueexpert.I know from my own experience that diving coaches think they knoweverything, but if they took the time to study the sport on the mostelementary level their divers will certainly benefit.

Have you ever not known what to tell your diver?
Well, if you answered yes then purchase this book. Even though it is written on an elementary level, Ron O'brien has the credentials to back even the most simple explanations of the sport.It is great for a beginneras well as an experienced coach because it shows the perspective of a trueexpert.I know from my own experience that diving coaches think they knoweverything, but if they took the time to study the sport on the mostelementary level their divers will certainly benefit.

great, but I didn't read it.
I wanted to read, so just read and I wanted to find imformation for my reseach, but I couldn't read this. If I want to read this book on internet, then what i should do.. tell me, please. ... Read more

Product Description

20 sites, including inland, coastal and offshore sites. Dive highlights: Oil rig platforms, lakes, shipwrecks, Flower Gardens National Marine Sanctuary. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Handy Little Reference Manual
This guide is a quick reference for lots of interesting places to dive in Texas. It provides a nice table at the beginning of each entry giving depth, visibility, water conditions, ease of entry, nearest place to get tanks refilled and suggested dive ability.

Color pictures, both in and out of the water, are provided for practically every dive site listed.

On the strength of this guide, I'll be buying guides from the same publisher to other dive destinations. ... Read more

Product Description
Make your swimming program the best with the help of the sport’s essential coaching reference. Coaching Swimming Successfully covers a full range of topics that determine who excels in the pool:

·Improve stroke technique and efficiency in all four strokes.
·Teach the new underwater dolphin kicking technique.
·Develop and apply an effective coaching philosophy.
·Motivate swimmers to achieve record-breaking times.
·Create practice plans for more productive day-to-day training sessions.

·Prepare for and run successful swim meets.
·Evaluate swimmers’ performance and make proper adjustments for future races.

Author Dick Hannula brings more than 50 years of coaching experience, knowledge, and achievement—including coaching 323 consecutive meets without a loss—to this special book. Coaching Swimming Successfully will show you ways to motivate your swimmers and build a confident and winning team. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Useless
The book is somewhat outdated, refers to freestyle as the "crawl stoke". Nothing is this book will help a first time coach.

Excellent source of information
This book is a great source of information and ideas for coaching swim.
Currently I coach on an age-group YMCA swim team and I am always looking for new ways to create effective practices.This book is written in an easy to search format and it gives examples that translate easily to 10 year olds!I recommend this book for age group swimming!

Mixed reaction
This book had some nice ideas in it, but as a first time coach for young swimmers, this book was not terribly helpful to me, since the whole book is geared towards coaching adult swimmers.It covers just about everything else to do with coaching, but not in terrific detail.All in all, it's ok, it has good ideas in, and is probably good for a first book for an adult coach, but you will need more.

Helpful
I found this book to be very helpful to a first time coach for first-time-on-a-swim-team swimmers.

Not for coaches
This is NOT a useful book for coaches, although it can be helpful for people without a coaching education or a good swimming background. Unfortunately, this book lacks every form of depth and I don't understand why all the reviews until now were extremely positive. Dick Hannula was a great coach, but this isn't a great book. I guess the readers were lead by pride instead of objectivity.
Coaching Swimming Successfully has an attractive title, but is somewhat misleading. While reading, you do get some new thoughts about coaching, but it will not make you a coach successfully.
The book is written with a first-person narrator and would be more interesting if it wasn't, since you will get annoyed after a while by every self-glorification of the writer and his successes. Besides, it's mainly focused on the American swimming school (planning and preparation, club swimming vs. high school swimming, yard pools, etc.) and it lacks some ability for extrapolation for other swimming countries.

The `Coaching Stroke Technique' part is redundant if you are a qualified coach and you still have your textbook from the course.

The book is easy to read, gives some new thoughts and can therefore help you coach more successfully, but it is too superficial and limited for a swimming coach. ... Read more

Product Description
Prepare for each underwater adventure and its challenges. Diving Science will help you anticipate, recognize, and respond to the physical, physiological, and psychological stresses encountered in sport diving.

Written by two experts in diving physiology and medicine, this comprehensive resource will help you manage each stage of a dive more safely and successfully. Whether you’re on the surface or bottom, in the descent or ascent, you’ll know exactly what to do and when to do it. With information on everything from on-gassing and off-gassing to first response interventions for medical problems, Diving Science is as essential as a wetsuit for your next dive.

Use the book’s diving-specific fitness specifications to learn how to make diving safe and enjoyable at any age. And apply the detailed equipment recommendations to prepare properly for each dive.

Diving Science provides a wealth of information useful to all divers. Tap into this treasure chest before each dive to ensure it is your best and safest yet. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Simplistic, irritating.
What this book does well is the section on the physics of diving - maybe because it hasn't changed much over the years. But the standard training manuals from BSAC, NAUI, PADI etc do a good job of this too, so (unless you don't have your course materials) it's not worth spending $[...] for redundant information.

I had high hopes for this book, based on the other Amazon reviews. And when I started to write this, my intent was to ultimately recommend it too. However when I realized how outdated the bibliography was, I changed my mind.

Specifically...

1) The large font (seems to be a feature of Human Kinetics Press - the otherwise excellent 'Scuba Diving Safety' from HKP is the same) immediately reminded me of those large print books for old people. No harm in that, but the prospective reader of this is likely to be young and fit with good eyesight. Perhaps the real reason is to pad out the text to make it big enough to publish?.

2) The silly anecdotes. For example the 'Diving Scenario' on page 16. Are we trying to rescue the victims before the explosion? In which case they're not victims (needing rescuing) yet. Or perhaps we're meant to rescue them after the explosion? But they've just had a free cremation courtesy of the negligent chamber operator...so not much point. This could have been a plausible example of the universal gas law with sensible editing.

Another silliness? From page 12: 'Archimedes described the principles of buoyancy over 2000 years ago, and they are as valid today as they were then' Why wouldn't they be? Scientific principles don't have expiration dates...

3) The typos. Normally totally forgivable, but the faults with the rest of the book make them stand-out. For example, Table 1.1 on page 6: 'inches of mercury' are not 'mmHg'

4) The irrelevant anecdotes - page 19. 'Tragically, an explosion occurred in the Apollo 1 space capsule. .. The caspule was pressurized to 1.2 ATA .. All the astronauts in the cabin were immediately incinerated'. It's true, and it's tragic - but what's it got to do with anything sub-aquatic? More padding?

5) The mistakes: Page 79 - aspirin does NOT prevent red blood cells from sticking together: it's platelets that are affected by aspirin. (To be fair, the authors get this right 50 or so pages later).

6) Out of date material. Some history is always a good thing, but I was astonished to see the citations in the scientific bibliography are mostly from the 1940's, 1950's, 1960's and 1970's. The most recent citations are: three from the 1980's, one from 1991 and one from 2000 (this is just a general physiology text).

In summary this book feels like a 1970's PhD thesis that's been rewarmed for publication. I know most of my criticisms are just pedantic - these should have been fixed by the editor. The authors are clearly passionate about diving - I've no doubt they are professional, diligent and expert physicians who I'd want treating me if I were bent. But they've been badly let down by Human Kinetics Press who failed to edit the book professionally.

The real problem is the accumulation of these irritations - on the stuff I know about - is enough to make me unsure of the stuff I don't know anything about - do I believe it or not?

If you need a good text on underwater science and medicine, there're several to choose from. The 2nd edition of 'Deeper into Diving' for example. Though it's pricy - and I had to order it from Australia - is a much better bet.

PS - to the authors: Feel free to counter-attack - I can be reached at [...]

Far more than the minimum required to learn to dive yet does not require a medical degree.
While still in dive class this was my first dive book. I am reasonably intelligent with a medical background yet deficient in grasping the concepts of science. This was exactly what I was looking for to explain dive physiology on a level far above the lowest common denominator yet I could grasp the relationships in this unique and alien environment. I recommend it every opportunity asked and feel Conrad H. Blickenstorfer review has captured the essence extremely well.

Disappointing
Poorly organized content as well as scarce and bland illustrations make this book not worth its money. In addition to following a totally unintuitive and strange organization, the information presented is superficial and, if I had to guess, 20 years outdated in many places. Also, the authors completely dropped the ball on providing references in the text, an oversight that is inexcusable in such a dynamic and ever-changing field as dive medicine. The only reason I gave two instead of one stars is that the chapters do include real-world examples of the material covered, mostly in the form of diving incidents and accidents. However, when I wanted to learn the latest and greatest about nitrogen narcosis, for example, the entry on wikipedia turned out to far outperform the chapter in this book. Personally, I would not buy this book again and don't recommend it.

Great, but too advance medical stuff book
In summary, book is great, rich with original information not so common to find in similar literature. It's intended for far too advanced readers, it's a good repository to have it if you are a medical doctor or so, or doing some research on the subject, it's great for learning and for references. It's generaly not for sport divers. I myself like it very much for all the data I found in it, becouse it feeds my couriosity.

Diving Science
I purchased this book to give me more information on the science of scuba diving for my Dive Con and Dive Instructor courses.

The book give detailed information on the various theories, gas laws and how theyinteract with the human body.Examples of real life stories are also given.

If you are interested in get truly advanced knowledge of the effects of scuba diving on the body, I would highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Located to the north of Venezuela, Bonaire is a paradise for divers and snorkelers of all levels. This guide describes the best sites to explore, from beautiful reefs to sunken wrecks.

In This Guide:

Detailed dive information to 92 sites.
Insipiring full-color photos throughout.
Easy-to-read maps of dive regions.
Guide to marine life.
Island dive operations and topside attractions.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Good Deal
This little book is great: up to date info, good pics, details, easy to read.

Almost, but not quite so 4/5
Notice how the title of the book is "LP Diving AND SNORKELING Bonaire?"Well, let's just say that Tim needs to: 1) update the book - it's from 2006; and 2) get some additional info in here about the phenomenal snorkeling opportunities (or change the title.)I understand it's primarily a diving guide, and that's fine, but if you add the bit about snorkeling, well, then my expectation is that it will contain plenty of information about snorkeling opportunities.It doesn't.Nevertheless, I give kudos to a well done book because if you combine this info with the tourist guides/maps from Bonaire you'll find everything you need.The reality is that the Bonaire Tourist Center in downtown Kralendijk will have EVERYTHING that you need and it will do a better job of highlighting the snorkeling spots, and you'll save the $16 or whatever I paid for this book.

The bottom line:could be better, but works quite well as a supplemental guide book.Once you're in the water you'll understand why the dive sites are so popular.I happened to be pretty impressed with the snorkeling and IMHO, the book falls a bit short in that department.In case you're wondering, no - I don't dive.But you don't have to dive to appreciate the incredible marine life in the waters of Bonaire - it is an amazing place - and is by far the BEST snorkeling my wife & I have ever encountered.Forget Grand Cayman, or St. John, or Cozumel - I could live out the rest of my life on this underwater paradise.

Recommended, but you don't have to buy it since you can get everything that is inside the book elsewhere, for FREE.

THE PHOTOS ARE NICE - DIVE DESCRIPTIONS COULD BE BETTER
I HAVE BEEN USING THE BONAIRE SHORE DIVING MADE EASY book for several years.I found the overall dive descriptions (shore entries, conditions, etc) to be better in this book than in the diving & snorkeling Bonaire book.

The diving & snorkeling Bonaire book also contains some misleading medical advice.For example - the Sea Urchin paragraph states that you should avoid contact with sea urchins (very true).It then states that you should treat by administering CPR until the pain subsides.Interesting advice!

The photos are the best part of the book.

Far 2nd Place
This book comes in at a far away 2nd place to Susan Porter's "Bonaire Shore Diving Made Easy""BSDME"

Good book for shore diving
This book does have good descriptions on the various dive sites (shore and boat) in Bonaire - we read the summary the book had before our 25 dives last trip.Only thing that is lacking is some good overall Bonaire info, like resturants, places to stay, and map. ... Read more

Product Description
Competitive swimmers know that even minor flaws in stroke technique can mean the difference between first and last place. Swimming Drills for Every Stroke gives swimmers the edge.

Author Ruben Guzman presents 91 essential drills for reaching perfect form in the backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle, and butterfly. Accompanied by helpful coaching tips and focus points, these drills enable swimmers to develop more efficient technique for faster times in every event.

Swimming coaches and swimmers at all developmental levels can use this handbook for all four strokes as well as for starts and turns. Swimming Drills for Every Stroke will make practices more productive and competitions more successful. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Swimming Drills for every Stroke by Ruben J. Guzman.
I learn swimming from The Total Immersion way(I bought books and DVDs and I was impressed.)I learned that all streamline, body rotaion etc....but I don't know the strokes well. Then I went to library to borrow this book.It helped me a lots.Basiclly the author's concept is pretty match to the TI way and he gave more details on the drills.Anyway, I like this book very much.So I bought the book and fellow the drills for my every day swimming.

Excellent
This book herlped me in teaching swimming lessons and being a swim team coach.

A great beginning swimming book
I was looking for a book for me to use to help teach my kids (5&7) to swim the various strokes.This book is absolutely perfect.It breaks down each stroke into individual components and allows your child to practice each portion before putting all the pieces together and swim the "real" stroke.I was trying for weeks to help my 7 year old with her breast stroke, then I got this book and saw a dramatic improvement in just one lesson.This book is perfect for a parent or a coach to help teach beginning swimmers how to correctly swim each stroke.

One piece of advice.Your child will never learn to swim well by doing lap after lap.They need specific instruction on how to execute each stroke, otherwise they will just reinforce bad habits.

One more thing, the other book I have is Total Immersion, which I think is great.However, you need a book like Guzman's to get the basics of each swimming stroke.I do some of the drills in TI, but I need Guzman too.Plus, TI only talks about freestyle.

Old fashioned
This books seems to be directed at beginning swimmers.It's too basic for more experienced swimmers.Addtionally, many of the drills seem a bit dated.I may be a little biased since I am an advocate of the the Total Immersion style of swimming.

Too Basic for the Common Coach
Though fundamentally strong, this book is extremely simplistic.Anyone who considers themselves a somewhat experienced coach should bypass this title and begin looking elsewhere for a decent drill guide/idea book. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (9)

Great gift for a diver
I know nothing about diving, but I know a diver. For her birthday, I gave her this book, not as a substitute for experience, but as a stimulus for trip ideas. She loved it, and I can tell, not because she told me, but because when I go to her house, I see the wear on a book that's clearly being enjoyed over and over again.

If you like Diving
Diving: The World's Best SitesI gave this to my husband for a Christmas gift.He loved it.I don't dive but he loves it.He just got certified last year and this book gives him a lot of ideas on where to go for good diving.This book is only useful to someone who dives.Not for a vacation guide.

Don't ask questions-just buy it....
Read it cover to cover Christmas day-and over and over since

Very nice pictures and summaries
This is a good book for divers.It lists all the pertinent info about each site (i.e. water temp, sites to see, best time to visit, etc).I would definitely recommend buying this book.The pictures are awesome!

a great book
A really good book with great pictures. A source of inspiration if you're planning a diving trip. Obviously written by someone who really enjoys diving and knows what he's talking about. A lot of practical advice too. Amust for divers! ... Read more

Product Description
The Complete Diving Guides to scuba diving in the Eastern Caribbean, including descriptions of ALL dive sites, dive stores and operators. Island maps show the location of dive sites and stores. Dive sites are illustrated by underwater maps and photographs.

Volume 1 gives you everything you ever need to know about scuba diving on these fantastic Caribbean islands: Dominica, Martinique, St Lucia, St Vincent & Grenadines, Grenada, Tobago & Barbados. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Great Reference Guide
A very good book.Picked it up to check it out and was impressed at how comprehensive it is in regards to specific dives spots and charter outfits.I thought it was so useful that I am trying to find Volume 2.

A bit of a let down
Earlier dive guides I have used have come from the Globetrotter series - who do not have a guide for Barbados, which is what I was looking for. Coming to the "Complete Diving Guide" after the high standards of Globetrotter is something of a disappointment. There is nothing wrong with the book in terms of the content it is providing - it gives information on the sites, some (though by no means all) dive schools, and a little background on the islands. However, the writing style is very narrative - think "what I did on my diving holiday this summer" type essays. The presentation is also a bit dated. It is not a bad guide by any means, but if Globetrotter do get around to publishing on the area, it is almost certain to be a better bet.

winston reed
July 2001 I dove several of the sites reviewed by ms Ryanand Mr Savage
and found their profiles of the dives to be very accurate and
helpful.I hope she and Brian Savage will do a "complete
DG of the Bahamas,I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

Needs more vacation details
I found this guide pleasant to look through, but not half as helpful as Best Dives of the Caribbean by Hunter Publishing, which gives a lot more detail on the dive sites, places for kids to snorkel, hotels and everything I need to plan a vacation.

This is the book the Experts Use.
It is always interesting to see which books are used by the local Dive Guides at the sharp end and this is how I was first introduced to this particular book just over three years ago in Grenada. Since then I have put it to good use on a number of assignments in the Caribbean and I have yet to find it lacking in any way.

The opening introductory chapter is well written and includes plenty of general information on diving, facilities, climate, sea, regulations, boats, cruise liners, resorts, hotels, flora, fauna, shipwrecks, photography and safety.The book then commences with Dominica in the north and moves southwards to include Martinique, St. Lucia,St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Tobago and Barbados before concluding with a Glossary, Bibliography and Accident and Emergency Information.

The relatively few photographs are all of a good quality - but this is book that concentrates on providing all the relevant and peripheral information that any Scuba Diver will want to know before and during a trip to any of the Caribbean Islands covered.The maps and diagrams are particularly useful - and very easy to follow insitu.

On first sight, however, the book cover lacks impact and might easily be overlooked as the prospective purchaser gets side-tracked by something a little more flashy.Do not be tempted away from this one - it is a straight forward, no nonsense guide containing everything you will want to know.

Altogether, almost 400 pages packed with information - although that does include a small number of one-page advertisements.

In summary, any book claiming to be "A Complete Guide" has to include an awful lot of information.This one has achieved just that and will not disappoint the purchaser.

NM

... Read more

Product Description
This is a unique series of exercises developed over many years to enhance enjoyment in the water, aimed at both mother, father and child. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Good Book
I didn't get all the way through it, but this was a great first guide. My daughter did everything they said she would. I would recommend it (and have) to anyone.

Excellent Guide
I bought this book as a gift for my sister who is expecting a baby anyday now. I used the older version of this book to teach our nephew how to swim. We started when he was only 4 months old and did the things in the book in addition to a local swimming class focused on water enjoyment. If I could do anything differently I would have started even younger! He loves the water, and sometimes cries when we leave the pool. The book provides a lot of information to assure parents and caregivers that swimming is a safe and natural activity for babies. Not only is the step by step instruction and reassurance easy to follow, the photos cannot be beat! My sister is looking forward to using the book with her new baby, particularly because she knows about the positive experience I had with our nephew. I recommend this book to any parent or caregiver that wants to be actively involved in introducing their child to the water and swimming!

Wonderful book!
Don't let the size of this book fool you! I wasn't sure what book to buy to learn about teaching my baby to swim, but I'm so glad I picked this one. The photos are absolutely beautiful and the book is quality enough to place on a coffee table. I was greatly inspired. The exercises are simple and clearly explained. I was able to remember many of them after only skimming it when I took my baby to the pool for the first time - which, thanks to this book, went much better than I expected. My five month old took to the water very well. The author also clearly stated many safety issues to be aware of - for which I was very thankful.

This is a great book. I highly recommend it. ...even if you only buy it for the pictures!

Excellent How-To Book
This book is conversational yet concise, and packed with important information for how to safely swim with your baby from newborn into toddlerhood. The many photo illustrations are detailed, clear and beautiful. The author answers important frequently asked questions about water safety and learning to swim. After reading this book and viewing the images, I feel confident taking my 4-month-old into the water for his first swim, and being able to expand his lessons if he likes it. ... Read more

Product Description
A complete perspective on the past, present, and future of competitive swimming. Colwin, a swimming coach for over 45 years, offers a storehouse of swimming science and history, plus practical advice for today's coaches and swimmers. 225 illustrations. 30 photographs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Good Book
Book is well written and to the point.It will help you swim better.

For a newer, updated version with more technique information
Try Colwin's new book, Breakthrough Swimming. Swimming Into the 21st Century is going out of print, but Colwin's new book is even better.

Swimming Into The 21st Century a Dynamic Compendium
Cecil Colwin has produced an encyclopedia of information about competitive swimming, and he has presented it in such a readable format that anyone interested in the sport will find challenging ideas, well-documented and engagingly illustrated, on almost every page.The book is a treasure!

excellent compendium of history, theory, and style
this may be by far one of the most in depth volumes on swimming available.It not only covers strokes, but history of them, evolution, training tips, science & research and more!there is so much information in here, and so well documented, it would take weeks to assimilate it all.highly recommended... and i give it a 9 only because there is no suc thing is a 10 ... Read more

Product Description
An enlightened approach to pool design, The Swimming Pool matches superb aesthetics with the best of today’s most innovative building materials for the ultimate guide to building your backyard retreat. Renowned landscape designer Martha Baker explores four popular styles—Romantic, Modern, Classic, and Rustic—and details the key elements that help to create a complete look. She provides ideas for personalizing elements to match your individual taste and accommodating practical needs. Leading you on a guided tour of exclusive international locales featuring pools with many different looks and styles, she offers a wealth of advice on:

•Identifying the right design style to complement your property

•Siting your pool and selecting the best pool shape

•Creating poolside cooking and dining areas

•Choosing furniture that epitomizes the art of relaxation

•Landscaping to integrate your pool with your home and property

•Pinpointing the best accessories to pull it all together

Reminding us that pool design should be infused with a blend of fantasy and reality, Martha Baker features a seductively elegant romantic pool that conjures the image of a Spanish courtyard; an infinity pool that takes its cue from island traditions, perched on a hillside overlooking a tropical harbor; and a highly sophisticated modern pool topped with playful, oversized sculptures. Authoritative and packed with more than 250 gorgeous photographs, The Swimming Pool opens up a world of unprecedented pool design. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Coffee Table ho-hum
While the book is titled The Swimming Pool, I think it is more about the "outdoor room"The "Classic" pools are still more lavish than will be helpful to the average pool owner.A good book to use for a few weeks from your public library.

Pool Owner [...]

More Than JustBeautiful Photographs of Pools
Martha Baker's THE SWIMMING POOL is a coffee table book of some of the most beautiful pool around the world, but it is much more than that.Written with an easy style but always a poignant conciseness that makes every paragraph count, this book gives visual and conceptual ideas for creating the home swimming pool.

Baker is careful not to just limit the text and photographs to the water container in which the swimming takes place: Baker gives as much attention to the logistics of pool layout, landscaping, lighting, and vantage points that make the pool an integral part of the landscape and garden.

Whether the reader is actually planning the addition of a swimming pool to the home, or is more interested in viewing the myriad possibilities of adding water to the garden, this book is an elegant and satisfying resource - as well as a beautifully designed art piece!Grady Harp, June 06

Packs color photos with tips on how to compliment a property with the right design
Martha Baker's The Swimming Pool: Stylish And Inspirational Ideas For Building And Decorating Your Pool is for you. From assessments of popular contemporary styles and materials to discussions of key elements which blend for a unified look, The Swimming Pool packs color photos with tips on how to compliment a property with the right design - up to and including furniture, poolside cooking and dining options, and landscaping.

Pools that belong on the Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous
I am so disappointed that I wasted my money on this book. I had hoped for the amount of money spent that it would have had practical ideas for how to landscape around an average pool.Unfortunately, it is more of a coffee table book that shows glamourous pictures of pools from international locations.The majority of the landscaping tips it does give cover extravagant and costly enhancements and not anything that someone with a normal budget could afford. For an average pool owner, with an average pool, this book does not give any practical advice whatsoever.Furthermore, in the opening pages of the book the author cautions against buying a kidney-shaped pool because she feels they are old-fashioned and reminiscent of the 50's and 60's.To me, it seemed very pretentious to say.We have a kidney-shaped pool and it's absolutely beautiful, as are other kidney-shaped pools I've seen.If you're looking for a book where you can "ooh and ahhh" over the pictures... this one is it.If you're looking for a practical book to help you landscape around your pool, please save your money. ... Read more

Product Description
The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Swimming is the most comprehensive and up-to-date swimming-specific training guide in the world today. It contains descriptions and photographs of over 80 of the most effective weight training, flexibility, and abdominal exercises used by athletes worldwide. This book features year-round swimming-specific weight-training programs guaranteed to improve your performance and get you results.

No other swimming book to date has been so well designed, so easy to use, and so committed to weight training. This book was designed specially for swimmers to increase strength, speed, endurance, and stamina. Not long after you begin following this guide you will cut seconds off of all of your strokes. Swimmers of all skill levels will be able to finish without running out of gas and will be able to swim at record paces until the end of the meet.

Both beginners and advanced athletes and weight trainers can follow this book and utilize its programs. From recreational to professional, thousands of athletes all over the world are already benefiting from this book and its techniques, and now you can too!

As an added bonus, this book also contains links to free record keeping charts which normally sell separately for $20. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

DON'T Do IT!!!!!!!!!
A complete waste of $10!!!!!IDK what the author's swimming background was, hope he is not coaching age group swimmers!

Do not waste your money.
The book is a pathetic collection of cuts and pastes, very poor quality black and white pictures, and a bunch of pages filled with meaningless charts. Its a rip off.

weight training
This product would be good for someone who did not know the basics about dryland, but for someone with a solid background in weight training, it offered nothing I did not already know."Ultimate" isa misnomer, a better title would be "Basic Fundamentals of Weight Training".The approach was very old-school, I was looking for more updated training techniques.I found "Complete Conditioning for Swimming" by Dave Salo to be far superior.

Excellent!!
I strongly recommend this book. I've been using it for just one month and I see the improvement in my swimming workouts!!

GREAT SWIMMING BOOK
This book is an excellent training guide for the swimmer at any level.I have been swimming for many years and after reading this book I have taken my skills to a higher level.I feel much stronger in the pool and my endurance has really increased.I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book to anyone who loves to swim. ... Read more