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Home > Forum > Triathlon Forum > 1st Time Freestyler Paddles: How to use them to Get Better?

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1st Time Freestyler Paddles: How to use them to Get Better?
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Spartan420
Jan 30, 18 10:22
Post #1 of 12 (1718 views)
I have been swimming since May, around 5500-7000 yards per week. I bought my 1st set of hand paddles last week. They are freestyler style paddles.

Using them, I am like a convulsing flopping fish. Im all over the place. So much convulsing going on I turned the lap pool into a wave pool.

So my stoke is bad... How do I use these paddles to get better? I am asking about how to structure the drills/workouts so that I can take what I learn from the paddles and apply it to swimming without the paddles. It seems like switching back and forth, when I go back to the paddles I am just as bad.

Thanks
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Re: 1st Time Freestyler Paddles: How to use them to Get Better? [Spartan420] [ In reply to ]
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JasoninHalifax
Jan 30, 18 10:30
Post #2 of 12 (1713 views)
The finis ones? that look like a triangle with the little skeg on the bottom?

If you are new to swimming and don't already have a pretty good stroke, I wouldn't use those. put them away and, if you really want paddles, pick up a pair of Finis Agility paddles. They'll be much easier for you to handle and will also get you doing the most important things correctly.
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Re: 1st Time Freestyler Paddles: How to use them to Get Better? [JasoninHalifax] [ In reply to ]
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Spartan420
Jan 30, 18 10:37
Post #3 of 12 (1700 views)
The Finis ones are the ones I got. They were supposed to be easier on the shoulders and I have two bad shoulders.
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Re: 1st Time Freestyler Paddles: How to use them to Get Better? [Spartan420] [ In reply to ]
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JasoninHalifax
Jan 30, 18 10:38
Post #4 of 12 (1698 views)
If you have bad shoulders, I'd avoid using ANY paddles. paddles + bad shoulders = worse shoulders, in my experience...
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Re: 1st Time Freestyler Paddles: How to use them to Get Better? [JasoninHalifax] [ In reply to ]
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Chemist
Jan 30, 18 10:41
Post #5 of 12 (1691 views)
I’m a MOP swimmer at best, but I agree with Jason that the Finis Agility paddles are the way to go. I’ve used both and find that the agility are a bit easier to use (and not overuse). I like that they teach good hand position/angle on the entry and pull as they’ll fall off if you’re holding them incorrectly (unless you cheat and pinch your thump and forefinger together).

As for use. I typically use panels for 5-10% of my total yardage (same goes for kicking). Though I have no basis for this advice beyond my own meandering experience
Matt
Last edited by: Pun_Times: Jan 30, 18 10:42
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Re: 1st Time Freestyler Paddles: How to use them to Get Better? [Spartan420] [ In reply to ]
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Sean H
Jan 30, 18 12:49
Post #6 of 12 (1601 views)
Ditch the paddles and get a snorkel. Learn how to swim correctly without having to move your head to breath then learn how to add in the breathing. You can also see what your arms are doing better. Also use a buoy and ankle strap while using the snorkel to give you a better feel for if you’re keeping your body straight or if you’re fish tailing.
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Re: 1st Time Freestyler Paddles: How to use them to Get Better? [JasoninHalifax] [ In reply to ]
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ericMPro
Jan 30, 18 12:53
Post #7 of 12 (1595 views)
this isn't so much the paddles, as the swimmer. I've got bad shoulders but swim just fine with paddles because they give me the extra feel I need to swim properly.

JasoninHalifax wrote:
If you have bad shoulders, I'd avoid using ANY paddles. paddles + bad shoulders = worse shoulders, in my experience...
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Re: 1st Time Freestyler Paddles: How to use them to Get Better? [ericMPro] [ In reply to ]
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JasoninHalifax
Jan 30, 18 13:41
Post #8 of 12 (1561 views)
Well, that makes you the only guy I've seen like that, usually it's not a good combo, especially not for someone in the OP's situation (bad shoulders, inexperienced, probably not great technique, looking specifically for a paddle that's easier on shoulders)
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Re: 1st Time Freestyler Paddles: How to use them to Get Better? [JasoninHalifax] [ In reply to ]
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ericMPro
Jan 30, 18 13:42
Post #9 of 12 (1557 views)
true. I just want people to know it's not the paddles, it's the person, and that paddles are for extra feel, which might alleviate the problem.

JasoninHalifax wrote:
Well, that makes you the only guy I've seen like that, usually it's not a good combo, especially not for someone in the OP's situation (bad shoulders, inexperienced, probably not great technique, looking specifically for a paddle that's easier on shoulders)
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Re: 1st Time Freestyler Paddles: How to use them to Get Better? [Spartan420] [ In reply to ]
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FindinFreestyle
Jan 30, 18 13:46
Post #10 of 12 (1549 views)
Pull buoys - good.
Snorkels - good.
Kick boards - good.
Fins - good.
Paddles - meh.

For beginners especially, I would avoid paddles.
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Re: 1st Time Freestyler Paddles: How to use them to Get Better? [Sean H] [ In reply to ]
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Spartan420
Jan 30, 18 14:25
Post #11 of 12 (1516 views)
Thanks. I have a snorkel. I used it in the beginning when I couldn't swim or breathe but quit using it when I was able to breathe.
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Re: 1st Time Freestyler Paddles: How to use them to Get Better? [FindinFreestyle] [ In reply to ]
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philipshambrook
Jan 31, 18 1:53
Post #12 of 12 (1390 views)
http://www.triathlete.com/...board-paddles_114179
Trust me I’m a doctor!
Well, I have a PhD :-)
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