have decided to buy some paddles to make my training more interesting…toys are always good. now the question i have is which ones to buy? i see you can buy paddles specifically for freestyle, square paddles, medium-sized paddles, and large power-paddles. does anyone have experience with any of these? what would you recommend and why?
i’ve read some of the other posts and realise that there are a few people who are against paddles. i’ve decided the combined strength training and technique training could be interesting for me. fyi - i consider myself a strong swimmer, but have only recently started ‘seriously’ training again. i also windsurf a lot so am not worried about the extra load the paddles will put on my shoulders. i intend to use them occasionally (maybe 15-20mins/session).
It depends on what you need to work on with your stroke. The “power” paddles as you call them will help you learn a proper glide. The “freestyle” paddles as you call them will help you learn a proper catch. Size should be kept to small or hand-sized regardless of your shoulder strength and health as you will only slow your turnover by opting for larger paddles.
“The “power” paddles as you call them will help you learn a proper glide”
How do they help with glide? I would have thought that the increase in surface area would increase resistance and improve strength.
“The “freestyle” paddles as you call them will help you learn a proper catch”
How? I thought these paddles would improve stroke extension among other things. Why would these paddles be better at improving catch than other paddles?.
The shape of the paddles dictate the mechanics. The rounder paddle will plane through the water, taking your hand with it. It is precisely the larger surface area that contributes to the glide. It is more difficult to initiate the catch mechanics.
The ‘V’-shaped paddle for the same reasons contributes to a better catch. The V is there so that as you begin the catch, there is little resistance – bottom of the V has very little surface area, on up the V it increases. It is easier to initiate the catch mechanics.
The different shapes teach different neuromuscular patterns. The surface areas train strength. Glide and catch phases are not about applying power, they are about setting you up properly to apply power. Strength is not an issue here. The strength training comes when the paddle is applied against the water, ie after the catch. That’s it.
Basically what ironguide said, except one thing. I think that the “freestyle” paddles make you bend you wrist a little too much at catach. if you don’t have someone watching you, that can turn into a bad habit.
My favorite are the square paddles, that speedo model is very good. But without the back elastic, just use the front one.
The Catalists are great for gliding and for learning a thumb first entry. They’re also a favorite among all the swimmers I know. At first I didn’t like them, but now I surrender to their power
I like the “old school” Han’s Paddles- http://mplx.com/hans/original.html. Small enough they don’t screw up my cadence. The ample number of holes in the paddle let me still have the right feel of water on my palms when I swim, and are also easier on the shoulders than the bigger ones.
If you are not an Olympian that started swim training when you were in your diapers, then Han’s paddles are BY FAR the best (no, I don’t work for the company).
Why?
Because they are attached to your hand in only one spot (middle finger only) and they teach you to vastly improve your swim technique, including entry, pull, scull, and exit. To start out, try the medium-sized black ones. You will not regret it. And they are very inexpensive.
This what they look like if you got pretty big hands:
the picture is a little deceiving. they are not flat, but contoured to fit your hand comfortably. they do the job of reinforcing proper mechanics (as long as your mechanics are already halfway decent) without placing too much stress on the shoulder.
for a completely different kind of paddle, try stroke star’s anti-paddles (they are exactly what they say --it’s almost like swimming with your fists closed, but I’m not sure where you can get them)
If you get the Catalyst paddles, remove the wrist band. It is unecessary and you’ll have a better catch and pull without it.
I use the S size Catalyst paddles. I find that my catch has improved with them, and they sure do build power and endurance. My arms have never been this tired after a swim workout. 40x 100 with those babies will get you in shape.
freestyle paddles
power paddles
square paddles
