The best way to tread water.

[Montero]

The Physiology of Treading Water Efficiently

A new study measures the physical and cognitive load of four different treading techniques. The key? Generate lift.

www.outsideonline.com

 

[HareBrain]

Interesting -- I've only ever used the upright breaststroke, having never had the "eggbeater" pointed out to me. In my experience, though, the sculling/frog-kick doesn't generate a yoyo of rise and fall unless you do it way too hard.

Depending on buoyancy etc, sometimes you can keep your face out of water just by sculling with the hands.