Fins Fins Fins

I'm in that video that Swimosaur posted above. I still love the TYR Burner EBP Floating Fins that we tested in the video. I got a pair back then, they finally wore out, and I bought another pair. Here's a link: www.swimoutlet.com/.../ +1. I especially appreciate the flexibility and comfort of these fins. They are the only fins I have been able to use without wearing water socks to prevent blisters.

Zoomers real are stiff & rough on my foot. I much prefer Kiefer silicone fins that are softer. I use them only for full kicking sets.

I can see wearing fins to reduce the strain on your shoulders, but is there any reason to use them otherwise? Other than to go faster, that is. Whenever I've worn fins I definitely go faster, but it doesn't seem to make me work my legs harder and I also wonder if the fins affect kicking technique.

I can see wearing fins to reduce the strain on your shoulders, but is there any reason to use them otherwise? Other than to go faster, that is. Whenever I've worn fins I definitely go faster, but it doesn't seem to make me work my legs harder and I also wonder if the fins affect kicking technique. Agreed. I do see a benefit to fins for the dolphin kick, but definitely not as much for the freestyle. Even if you do manage to strengthen your leg muscles using fins, I have observed that swimmers who use fins on a regular basis tend to have a slower kick rate. Additionally, the structure of the kick changes - as I mentioned earlier - with the tendency towards a bent-knee, wider style of kick. You can actually see this quite clearly in the review video posted above at about 1:47. Many coaches tend to prescribe fins for beginner swimmers who have trouble completing specific drills. Personally, I think this is simply taking the easy way out. Instead of adjusting the drill to allow these swimmers to strengthen their kick and their core unaided, putting the fins on is a quick way to make the swimmer feel faster and allow the practice to proceed without interruption or additional coaching. Bottom line: use fins - or any other swim tools - sparingly!

I use fins quite liberally. They've had a positive impact on my speed and shoulder health. Maybe I'm using the perfect type for me.

Thanks, Jayhawk. That's a great idea, and I hadn't even considered it. I'd like to get to the swim store and try the TYR Burners and the Zoomers to see which are the better feel, but the fins from Australia looked pretty cool, too.

I know that this thread is on fins, but many people have a slower or "weaker" kick because of incorrect technique. The link below shows a good kick versus a bad kick. Basically in a weak freestyle kick, the knee moves upward or away from the direction of the kick. This results in the foot not really providing the propulsion seen in a good kick. This can visualized as if when kicking a ball, your knee moves backwards as your foot moves forwards. Kicking with fins to be able to keep up in practice may just hide the problem - it is probably best to improve one's technique. I know that fins can help in strengthening the kick. www.usaswimming.org/ViewNewsArticle.aspx

Agreed. I do see a benefit to fins for the dolphin kick, but definitely not as much for the freestyle. Even if you do manage to strengthen your leg muscles using fins, I have observed that swimmers who use fins on a regular basis tend to have a slower kick rate. Additionally, the structure of the kick changes - as I mentioned earlier - with the tendency towards a bent-knee, wider style of kick. You can actually see this quite clearly in the review video posted above at about 1:47. ... Bottom line: use fins - or any other swim tools - sparingly! I'm intrigued by this comment on the change in kick. My coaches have had me use fins for kick sets for the purpose of improving my kick (which tends to be more from the knees with feet not pointed). The idea seemed to be that the fins would help correct that. I will say I'm glad to have them for kick sets b/c instead of being hopelessly behind everyone else, I'm only a LITTLE behind everyone. I still have a ways to go. Typically I won't use the fins for anything but kick sets--the toe chafing aspect keeps me honest that way, but also I would rather not get too used to something I can't use for racing.

I only use the fins for two reasons - reduce shoulder strain, and loosen up my legs and ankles. When I take them off, my kick just feels stronger somehow. I only do a few laps with them to warm, certainly, I don't use them for my entire workout, they're too uncomfortable.

DeniseMW, here are your small-sized fins: DMC Swim "World's Best Training Fins" www.dmcswim.com/worlds-best-training-fins I looked at these fins a couple of years ago at a vendor booth at the United States Aquatic Sports annual convention. I even tried some on - they are silicone, which I think may last longer than other types of fin material. Someday I'm going to buy myself a pair of them.