The Side Stroke.

This stroke has the advantage of speed, and is also most useful when assisting others. It is important here to remember that the head is the helm, the slightest inclination of which will alter the course, and as on the side it is awkward to look ahead, the best way is to steer, if possible, by aligning two objects in the rear. The left side is the best for speed, being the heaviest, and the upper arm which has the most work, being the right, which is generally the strongest. Lie completely on the side (say the left) with the left arm extended, right hand resting on the thigh, legs closed. First motion—Draw the knees gently up until the thighs are nearly at right angles with the body, at the same time strike the left hand downwards, bringing it under the head by bending the elbow, and extend the right arm gently beyond the head as far as possible without lowering the right shoulder. Second motion—Extend the right leg in line with the thigh, straighten the left thigh and bend the leg backwards, and then quickly return the legs to their original position, at the same time hollow the right hand finger and thumb pressed together, then draw it smartly down close to the chest to its original position on the thigh, the left hand being extended to its first position; by making the forward motion of the right arm out of the water there will be a slight increase of speed, which, however, can be more easily gained by keeping the body as horizontal as possible.