So this morning I was swimming and decided to use a different pair of paddles than I normally use. I have two pair in my bag: a pair of big (but not huge) Strokemakers that I use 90% of the time, and a pair of Finis Freestylers that I “borrowed” from my wife. This morning I used the Finis and found a noticeable difference. The Finis seemed to work the “rear” of the stroke, while the Strokemaker seemed to focus more of the “front” of the stroke.
How about you? What are you using, and why?
None because just looking at paddles make my shoulders hurt.
The same green size 1 stroke makers I “borrowed” from my high school team in 1989. I think they are well worth the investment in schemeing that I had to do. recently I bought a pair of size 0 strokemakers and people laugh at me for using them b/c they are so small. Which must be must punishment for “borrowing” the other paddles.
None since i lost my last pair 3 years back:) Just swim more:)
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I had a sweet pair of stars and stripes, size huge, strokemakers that I actually paid for, and I lost them (or someone “borrowed” them from me). I believe that gave me the necessary karma boost to allow me to “borrow” my currents pair(s).
The swim gurus may correct me on this, but I’ve always heard we should avoid swim toys and just swim to get better.
Kickboards don’t accuratly represent the kick, because ideally you are swimming on your side not on your belly kicking. Also the kickboard locks your hips into place, making the kick legs only, which is weak. Kickboards = bad.
Pull bouys allow you to swim with bad balance because they mask the fact that your legs are sinking. I think pull bouys just allow you to get away with bad form in your lower body.
And swim paddles, unless you have the perfect stroke, ingrain poor stroke mechanics even more so than just swimming would because of the added resistance. I’ve heard if you want strength, strength train outside the pool. Use the pool to work on technique.
Swim gurus, what do you have to say? Am I somewhat close to being correct or way off base? I’m curious what benefit swim toys do have, because things I’ve read (namely Total Immersion) discount them.
I use the small green ones also. That’s about all my shoulders can take.
If you are a horrible swimmer no amount of swim “toys” will fix that. But if you have decent form and are looking to improve performance then kickboards, paddles, bouys, etc can be helpful.
In terms of paddles, I’ve used the large red Strokemaster since college and I love them. Your point about paddles ingraining poor stroke mechanics can be a concern, but with the Strokemasters (and other paddles) you simply remove the wrist strap and you will get immediate “feedback” if your stroke is off. Basically, if you drop your elbow/crossover/etc the paddle will slide on your hand and it will be very noticeable. In fact, I contend that paddles - if used properly - will improve your stroke not make it worse.
Zoomers on the other hand…
Swim gurus, what do you have to say? Am I somewhat close to being correct or way off base? I’m curious what benefit swim toys do have, because things I’ve read (namely Total Immersion) discount them.
You left off fist gloves. How is one to hold a fist without $15 gloves?
TYR catalysts, size L. These are pretty big, but I’ve been swimming a long time (nearly 30 years) and I’ve never encountered shoulder problems. However, I never do hard sets with paddles on, only easy/recovery swims where I can concentrate on perfect form.
I only put my two middle fingers in the top loop and leave the wrist loop off, which forces me to pull straight back. If my hand tilts or turns during my pull, the paddle will catch and come off.
I have blue TYR catalyst paddles. I got them simply because they’re big(purchased online), and the strength work is valuable to me. I skip upper body weight training in season and do sets with these.
I don’t worry about shoulder injury anymore. I was a butterflyer for 6 years; freestyle is way less strenuous on my shoulders that that 
Also, I don’t worry much about stroke mechanics. I used to be able to do 50yds in 21.90 sec, so my challenge has been to adapt to a more efficient stroke rather than a “make-the-water-white” stroke
I don’t know the brand, but I use the traditional large rectangular Yellow paddles. Maybe 1x/2x per week at most, and usually <1000 yrds/week (mostly because I’m not swimming >3x/week).
I just use the middle finger loop for attaching (not the wrist loop). I’ve always felt this helps with proper stroke mechanics while using the paddles. By not using the wrist loop, the paddle will “strip-off” your hand if you don’t have the proper underwater stroke. Works on maintaining the “catch” throughout the length of the stroke.
Chris
Finis freestylers. Get them at my website below.