Traveling Bobs (TB)
INTRODUCTIONTraveling Bobs is a method of traveling through the water while positioned vertically. It is characterized by maintaining a vertical body position while repeatedly submerging and pushing off the bottom to return the head above the surface and travel slightly forward. Becoming proficient at Traveling Bobs contributes to the development of Breath Control Competency, Risk Competency, Orientation Competency and Underwater Competency.
Traveling Bobs has unique benefits primarily associated with the use of the bottom, including the ability to perform the bobbing action freestanding without any additional support and in a wide variety of environments and depths. Pushing off the bottom also enables the face to be raised high out of the water, resulting in a greater field of vision and ease of breathing, especially above choppy water. Traveling Bobs emphasizes pushing off at a slight angle, which enables individuals to move forward (or other lateral direction) as they bob. This method of traveling is best suited for moving short distances when already in a vertical position; for example, wandering into water that is just overhead and needing to return to an area shallow enough to stand. It may also be useful for individuals who have not yet learned how to propel with the limbs.
When first learning Traveling Bobs, individuals should focus on bobbing rhythmically without pausing or need for support. Being able to bob while freestanding and using the momentum from rising above the surface to help resubmerge to the bottom not only allows consistent breathing, but also enables individuals to jump up and look for hazards or locate safety. Building an early awareness of the bottom surface should also be prioritized. It is counter-intuitive to sink down in order to raise the head above the surface, but in a situation where an individual is struggling, understanding that you can use the bottom to jump up for a breath can make a difference in survival. As individuals become more proficient using the bottom to bob, the focus should shift towards controlling the angle of the push off to allow directional travel. For many individuals, this may be the first method of moving towards safety that they learn. The emphasis should remain on pushing up to the surface, rather than jumping as far as possible or moving as fast as possible. (There are other propulsion skills that are better suited for speed.) Moving forward in small increments allows individuals to breathe easily and see the direction they are heading as they make forward progress.
The Traveling Bobs skill is defined as the following:
Body
Body positioned vertically
Eyes open while head is above surface
Bobbing Cycle
Start with head above surface
Inhale once
Fully submerge to touch pool bottom
Exhale while submerged
Push off pool bottom to travel forward and up to surface; underwater arm actions may be used to aid forward and upward travel
Return head above surface
Timing
Repeat bobbing cycle without hesitation
Recover to wall or standing position
Test course
This test uses a “point A to point B” linear course. If available, this test should be done in water that is chest or shoulder deep. If in shallower water, start in the deepest area and have the student crouch down to fully submerge and simulate an overhead depth. If in deeper water, use the shallowest area and focus on bobbing up for the breath rather than on forward movement. If the pool depth varies where you will be assessing, ensure you are moving from deeper water to shallower water during the assessment.
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:
✖ Does not submerge face
2
Performs all of the following:
✔ Submerges face (eyes, nose, and mouth)
Exhibits any of the following:
✖ Bobs less than 3 times consecutively
✖ Head does not fully submerge each bob
✖ Holds breath or exhales above water (does not blow bubbles underwater)
3
Performs all of the following:
✔ Bobs at least 3 times
✔ Fully submerges each bob
✔ Exhales while underwater
✔ Inhales above water
Exhibits any of the following:
✖ Does not move toward the finish location while bobbing
✖ Takes multiple breaths between bobs
✖ Bobs less than 5 times consecutively
4
Performs all of the following:
✔ Bobs consecutively at least 3-5 times
✔ Moves toward the finish location while bobbing
✔ Maintains a mostly vertical position
✔ Fully submerges each bob
✔ Exhales while underwater
✔ Inhales above water once per bob