Stationary Bobs (BOB)
INTRODUCTIONStationary Bobs develops submersion skills, specifically focusing on controlled breathing and acclimatizing to aquatic environments. It is characterized by maintaining a stable vertical position while repeatedly submerging the head and exhaling while under the surface. Becoming proficient with Stationary Bobs develops Breath Control Competency and Underwater Competency.
Controlled breathing allows inhalations to be taken at opportune times and in a way that does not inhibit the actions of the limbs or compromise body positioning. It also provides a way to clear water from the nose and mouth by forcefully exhaling. Stationary Bobs is an opportunity for students to practice breathing rhythmically and become more comfortable using their breath to their advantage. Additionally Stationary Bobs is an opportunity to develop comfortability in aquatic environments by learning to cope with the sensations of submerging of the eyes, nose, and ears. This is not only critical for full immersion and underwater skills, but also when learning any skill on the surface where the face is submerged, such as floating or propelling on the front.
When first learning to bob, individuals should focus on blowing bubbles on each submersion and refraining from holding their nose. Importantly, this includes remembering to inhale before each submersion so that the lungs have air to exhale. Exhaling while under the surface will keep water from getting in the nose, and the ability to keep the airway clear will not only make continuous rhythmic bobbing easier, it will make it easier to learn breathing patterns for other skills. Learning to tell when the head is fully submerged, as well as becoming comfortable with the other sensations of being underwater, should also be prioritized. As individuals become more comfortable, the focus should shift to bobbing continuously without pausing or hesitation. This will reinforce control of the breath, as well as normalize submersion and build confidence when entering aquatic environments. Once individuals are proficient at bobbing while holding onto stationary objects, they should practice bobs while freestanding. An additional challenge can be presented by bobbing while in overhead depths; individuals must focus on breathing to control buoyancy and use the momentum of rising above the surface to help resubmerge.
The Stationary Bob skill is defined as the following:
Body
Body positioned vertically
Hands away from face; does not cover mouth, does not hold or plug nose, does not wipe eyes between bobs
Bobbing Cycle
Start with head above surface
Inhale once
Fully submerge head
Exhale bubbles through nose
Return head above surface
Timing
Repeat bobbing cycle without hesitation
Scoring
The following scoring rubric lists the gradients of key requirements and deficiencies that provide an overall description of different competence levels.
A single score of 1 - 4 is assigned based on the instructor’s judgment of the student’s performance.
✔
1
Exhibits any of the following:
✖ Bobs less than 3 times
✖ Does not submerge face
2
Performs all of the following:
✔ Bobs at least 3 times
✔ Submerges face
Exhibits any of the following:
✖ Does not maintain a mostly vertical position
✖ Does not fully submerge head
✖ Covers mouth, holds nose, or repeatedly wipes eyes
✖ Hesitates between bobs
✖ Inhales more than once or holds breath between bobs
3
Performs all of the following:
✔ Bobs at least 5 times without hesitation between cycles
✔ Maintains a mostly vertical position
✔ Keeps hands from covering mouth, holding nose, or repeatedly wipes eyes
✔ Fully submerges and returns head above the surface every bob
✔ Inhales once per bob
Exhibits any of the following:
✖ Exhales mostly through mouth or above the surface
✖ Does not blow nose bubbles
4
Performs all of the following:
✔ Bobs 10 times without hesitation between cycles
✔ Maintains a mostly vertical position
✔ Keeps hands from covering mouth, holding nose, or repeatedly wipes eyes
✔ Fully submerges and returns head above the surface every bob
✔ Inhales once per bob and exhales bubbles through nose while submerged