The forward or front crawl is considered to be the fastest swimming style. At a competitive level it is most used in freestyle races.
It first appeared in Europe at a swimming competition which took place in London in 1844. Native North Americans participated in the event and used the front crawl to easily defeat the British.
Since then it has grown in popularity as it is fast and makes the swimmer feel powerful when cutting through the water. It can be a little tricky to begin with as it requires regulating your breathing whilst moving your arms and legs up and down. But once this is mastered, it is quite an easy and enjoyable stroke as the swimmer's body streamlines through the water.
Half an hour of crawl swimming burns around 700 calories. It also works your arms, legs and core muscles. And it's a lot of fun!
Check out this exciting freestyle 200m final which took place at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. It is a great example of freestyle front crawl being used.