Why cant i float on my back?

Question

im 16, 5 foot 2 and like 108 pounds

i have been trying to float for years, ive tried everything (balancing with my arms out straight, relaxing, putting my head back far, having somone hold my back up then letting go).

i can be standing and then grab my legs and float like a egg

but i just cant float on my back!

when i try im up for a few seconds and then my feet go down and then my body and last my head.

why aren't i floating?

what can i try?

Answer 1

when I was a kid I could float on my back, but now I am much more muscular and still lower in fat.  Muscle doesnt float well, so if you have very low body fat it is hard to float on your back, especially if you carry a lot of muscle in your legs you will tend to sink feet first, making your body move upright.

Answer 2

Point your chin up to the sky, hold it, get your legs on top of the water, here's the most important thing, always be "holding your breath", you can let you air out, but keep holding it. good luck! Oh, and make sure you stomach is on top too, that should come from holding your breath

Answer 3

just relax dont think about it then just basically consetrate sorry for the bad spelling lol

Answer 4

It's your center of gravity which is affected by your build--usually things that are beyond your control.  Everyone is different and even people with similar builds will exhibit different effects.  Relax, tilt your head back, keep air in your chest.  You may find it easier to swim on your back rather than just float.

Answer 5

arching your back is the most important thing