Optimal_Adrian wrote:
I liked the Roka paddles, even though the largest size is smaller than the size 4 (blue) Strokemakers I usually use and I can feel the difference in the catch. I picked the Rokas up for use in SwimRun events next year, because of more secure finger straps, the large hole in the palm that should make it easier to run a belt through, and I'm worried about my huge Strokemakers in the case of windy/rough swims. Bonus in that the Roka's are stiffer than the Strokemakers, so they should be more durable as well.
I’m starting to use paddles at least once a week in the ocean while wearing the full SwimRun gear set (shoes included.) Yesterday’s afternoon swim was near whitecap chop level, which was a real challenge with paddles. Quite often, the waves tried hard to pull the paddles right off my hands and did pull one strap off. I was slow at nearly 2:00/100y pace – granted chop and against current. Still, not sure paddles give me any advantage. I’m gonna have to A/B test to be sure. Typically, in our morning swims, I outpace my GF, a great swimmer, by some 50-100 yards over 1000 yards. She wore just Roka swim shorts rather than S/R wetsuit, shoes, like me, and no paddles and stayed right on my feet, or rather, shoes.
2300 yards this morning. 62.7° was the read. No wetsuit. It took about an hour to stop shivering. Love it!
Proud member of FISHTWITCH: doing a bit more than fish exercise now.
