The dog paddle or doggy paddle is a simple swimming style. It is characterized by the swimmer lying on their chest and moving their hands and legs alternately in a manner reminiscent of how dogs and other quadrupedal mammals swim. [1] It is effectively a "trot" in water, instead of land. [2]
It was the first swimming stroke used by ancient humans, believed to have been learned by observing animals swim. [3] Prehistoric cave paintings in Egypt show figures doing what appears to be the dog paddle. [4]
It is often the first swimming stroke used by young children when they are learning to swim. [5]
The dog paddle has also been taught as a military swimming stroke when a silent stroke is needed - since neither arms or legs break the surface. [6]
The dog paddle or doggy paddle is a simple swimming style. It is characterized by the swimmer lying on their chest and moving their hands and legs alternately in a manner reminiscent of how dogs and other quadrupedal mammals swim. [1] It is effectively a "trot" in water, instead of land. [2]
It was the first swimming stroke used by ancient humans, believed to have been learned by observing animals swim. [3] Prehistoric cave paintings in Egypt show figures doing what appears to be the dog paddle. [4]
It is often the first swimming stroke used by young children when they are learning to swim. [5]
The dog paddle has also been taught as a military swimming stroke when a silent stroke is needed - since neither arms or legs break the surface. [6]