Front Crawl Breathing

[asha]

I would like some advice on front crawl breathing please. I have recently started swimming regularly again after about 15 years, ie since I was at school. I have never been brilliant at front crawl, and until recently have never tried to do the correct breathing technique. I find I can do a few strokes, but after 50m I become breathless, and then towards the end of a (50m) length start to panic slightly (that I'm running out of oxygen) and normally end up with water in my lungs and finishing off with the breast stroke! I have read many articles about the correct technique, and am practising the hip roll (ie pretending to breathe through my belly button) and breathing out strongly into the water, but frustration is setting in! I would love to be able to do the stroke without panic setting in. I should add that I am very slightly overweight, and have not done any regular exercise for a long time - could this be contributing? Is it just a matter of practice?
Any advice is greatly appreciated - thank you.

[Conrad Cawley]

Relax in the water. Slow down and stay calm.
Breathe out slowly through your mouth and nose. You won't run out of oxygen and it is highly unlikely that you will get water in your lungs and be able to continue swimming.
Swim short distances of long smooth front crawl and take plenty of rest. As you grow in confidence do longer distances and take shorter rest. Good luck

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Conrad

[asha]

Thank you very much - I appreciate your advice, and especially liked the bit about taking plenty of rest(!). I think I'm making some improvements, and feeling more confident. I hope to be taking lessons soon!