vapaauinti

Vapaauinti is a type of swimming technique that involves a freestyle stroke with one arm while the other arm remains still. The term is derived from Finnish, where "vapaa" means "free" and "uinti" means "swimming". In this technique, the swimmer recovers one arm and keeps the other arm extended and not moving.

Vapaauinti was first introduced in the 2000s as a variation of the traditional freestyle stroke. The technique is aimed at reducing drag, increasing energy efficiency, and improving speed. By keeping one arm still, the swimmer reduces water resistance and conserves energy for the recovery of the other arm.

In vapaauinti, the still arm acts as a "solar panel" that generates energy for the swimmer, while the recovering arm takes advantage of the reduced drag. The technique requires precise timing, coordination, and muscle control to achieve efficiency. Experts consider vapaauinti an advanced swimming technique that requires extensive swimming experience and skill.

The Finnish swimmer, Matti Alenfors, is credited with inventing vapaauinti in the early 2000s. Since then, the technique has gained popularity among competitive swimmers worldwide, who seek to gain a competitive edge. However, it remains an experimental technique in competitive swimming, and its effectiveness is still being studied and debated.