Last week, eight-time World Masters Swimmer of the Year, Karlyn Pipes facilitated a “Faster Freestyle Clinic” for personnel at Naval Base Kitsap Bremerton and Naval Station Everett.

The one-day, four-hour course consisted of two training videos and a variety of swimming drills and exercises.

Pipes, 48, said the course focuses on three basic principles; breathing, body-balance and streamline.

“I’m not teaching them how to swim,” said Pipes. “I’m teaching them to be more self-aware. I’m also introducing a new freestyle technique that has really old roots. It’s the style of swim techniques that the fastest swimming competitors are using today.”

“It helps people focus on things they usually don’t pay attention to, such as breathing and technique, or moving too much and tiring quickly,” added Pipes.

“I’m glad I had this opportunity. I’ve participated in six ‘Iron Man’ competitions and dozens of other distance triathlons. I’m continually trying to improve myself, and this course helps with that,” said Lt. Cmdr. Craig Sylvester, office-in-charge, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility Detachment Naval Station Everett (PSNS & IMF).

Pipes has been swimming competitively since age four and has set more than 200 Masters world records. Currently, the San Diego native travels the world hosting swim-technique clinics and multi-day camps. While in the Northwest, aside from NBK Bremerton, Pipes also held swim clinics for Sailors in Bainbridge, Seattle and Everett.

According to Pipes, Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) subsidized the original cost of the one-day swim clinic to give Sailors the opportunity to take advantage of the course at a discounted rate.

Other participants said they were glad the clinic was offered. 

“I came to learn the technique better. I’ve never been a competitive swimmer or anything but I’ve always enjoyed it so Iím hoping to learn and get a little better,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Kendra Chenaey.

“I came just to work on my stroke and improve my swimming technique. I really like to swim and Iíd like to improve my form and time,” said Lt. Cmdr. Trevor Ivory.

Pipes said she isn’t surprised at the response.

“It’s a fun sport,” she said. “It’s a lifetime sport, very meditative, it’s something you can do your whole life. I encourage everyone to take part in the sport.”