So I didn’t get the importance of training with fins for your core and for your kicking strength until recently. Now that I understand, I’m looking to purchase and integrate into my swimming. So - who like which fins and why? I’m new to swimming if that makes any difference in your recommendation with a pretty weak kick.
zoomers (finis)
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Here are couple of links from US Masters Swimming:
Article
http://www.usmsswimmer.com/201009/swimbagfinssept-oct2010.pdf
Video Review:
http://www.usms.org/videos/video.php?id=2812
Personal favorite: TYR Crossblades
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Took me some experimentation to find fins that were comfortable for me. I ended up with the TYR burners.
So what is the difference in style of fin? My pool has these super long fins that look like diving fins almost. Most of the swim sites have short blade like fins. I guess I don’t necessarily understand what I should look for them to accomplish and in turn look to purchase. I get that they will help my kick and my core strength, but am I in need of a certain style? Especially with having a weaker kick?
Go for short fins. The motion you’ll use will be closer to kicking without fins (high frequency, low amplitude) than if you were to use long fins (low frequency, high amplitude).
I’d also be willing to open the can of worms that is the question of “are they necessary”?
I think they have their purpose, but I don’t think they do much for actually improving kick. At least at masters, the guys who wear them in all their kick sets aren’t getting any faster when coach makes us do kick sets without.
IMO, fins are best for doing drills (let you focus on the drill rather than stay afloat, a bit more speed to highlight where streamline could be improved) or sprint sets (highlight streamlining)
I tried a friends aquasphere ones the other day and didn’t really like them. Felt like they were driving my knees outwards.
When I do use fins, I prefer the mid length ones, not as short as zoomers, but not the full length ones either. They put too much pressure on the top of my ankles, gave me a strained tendon.
I think they have their purpose, but I don’t think they do much for actually improving kick. At least at masters, the guys who wear them in all their kick sets aren’t getting any faster when coach makes us do kick sets without.
IMO, fins are best for doing drills (let you focus on the drill rather than stay afloat, a bit more speed to highlight where streamline could be improved) or sprint sets (highlight streamlining)
I tried a friends aquasphere ones the other day and didn’t really like them. Felt like they were driving my knees outwards.
When I do use fins, I prefer the mid length ones, not as short as zoomers, but not the full length ones either. They put too much pressure on the top of my ankles, gave me a strained tendon.
I read in a few places that they help with ankle flexibility as well though, which may not be a big issue for many long time swimmers, but for those of us AOS swimmers, just getting into the sport, it would seem to be a big issue. For me it’s a big issue! My legs sink for certain and I am a bigger guy. I do struggle on kick sets with a board, my kicking just is weak. I suppose I’ll be told just to do more kick sets. But at times I feel like I’m going no where which is super frustrating. Guess I was hoping the fins would help build the proper muscles and teach the body the proper position and improve flexibility…
I’ve heard that they help with flexibility as well, although I’m not convinced of it.
Stretch and dryland, practice pointing your toes. In the water you want your ankles to not just be floxible, but also loose and relaxed. I think fins can inhibit that relaxation and looseness you need.
And my legs sink like rocks. It’s your front end that brings your legs up, keeping a good streamline out front with your arms.
Here’s a good pair of fins. They are inexpensive, comfortable and they work.
http://www.swimoutlet.com/p/sporti-floating-swim-fins-(color)-23059/
If you are new to swimming, stay away from the short fins. They are really designed for a more experienced swimmer and specifically have more uses with sprinters.
I hope this helps.
Tim
i bought the sporti fins after i lost one of my speedo fins. there are a bit more rigid but you can’t beat the price and they float.
i bought the sporti fins after i lost one of my speedo fins. there are a bit more rigid but you can’t beat the price and they float.
They look huge though. In my size (11-13) some of these things can get so long it’s literally impossible to have a proper flutter kick at all.
you can cut them.
I swear by Churchills
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I swear by Churchills
Any specific brand? Why do you like them?
http://www.ebodyboarding.com/swimfins.html
I use the blue/yellow
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http://www.swimoutlet.com/blog/top-training-fins-compared-the-gangloff-review
nice overview of different ones here.