Paddle help!

Former Member
Former Member
HI all. I need help deciding what paddles to use. I just bought TYR Catalyst paddles size S. I am a male, 23 years old, weigh 150 and swim about 3-4 times a week. I would say that I am intermediate. Basically, I feel that the paddles provide too much resistance for me. Although, the Small size is what it recommened. I have no experience with paddles so I am un sure of how they are suppposed to feel. I am afriad that if I move a size smaller, my hands might be slightly too big for it. The XS is recommended for for males and females 11-12 years old. I am in a bind so any help would be appreciated!!!! Regards, Cliff :)
Parents
  • Cliff, I disagree with the others and beleive that using fins and pulling gear can be incredibly beneficial. First however I would point out that if your technique is not correct these "devises" will only magnify your problems and possibly cause/worsen injuries. If you have a good coach who will keep on you about tehnique then you should not completely rule out using the "toys". The flip side is that paddles especially can help promote a more balanced and efficient stroke if you alreaady have good body awareness, they are also excelleant strength builders. The biggest problem I see is that if people tend to drop their thumbs on entry the paddles will put additonal starin on the shoulder. If your focused on a flat or little finger first entry and are using hip roatation and extension the paddles can really increase your feel as well as the resistance. As for fins, I see a lot of folks get addicted and can understand people getting pissed about others using them. However, one of the biggest factors in developing a powerful and efficient kick is ankle flexibility which fins help develop. Personally I like a set of long softer fins that I use for long (200-500) kick sets or for race pace sprint sets vs. someone who may be leaving them on the whole practice. Bert, as far as annoying lane mates, I'm 6' 6" with an 80" arm span. The 5 lane pool we train is has lanes that are about 10 inches narrower than a "standard" pool. Needless to say people who drop in from time to time get a little freaked when I'm using my XL catalyst paddles! Truth be told however is that I geet hit from arm swingers in the lanes next to me and have only hit others 2-3 times in the last few years (high elbows!). Paul
Reply
  • Cliff, I disagree with the others and beleive that using fins and pulling gear can be incredibly beneficial. First however I would point out that if your technique is not correct these "devises" will only magnify your problems and possibly cause/worsen injuries. If you have a good coach who will keep on you about tehnique then you should not completely rule out using the "toys". The flip side is that paddles especially can help promote a more balanced and efficient stroke if you alreaady have good body awareness, they are also excelleant strength builders. The biggest problem I see is that if people tend to drop their thumbs on entry the paddles will put additonal starin on the shoulder. If your focused on a flat or little finger first entry and are using hip roatation and extension the paddles can really increase your feel as well as the resistance. As for fins, I see a lot of folks get addicted and can understand people getting pissed about others using them. However, one of the biggest factors in developing a powerful and efficient kick is ankle flexibility which fins help develop. Personally I like a set of long softer fins that I use for long (200-500) kick sets or for race pace sprint sets vs. someone who may be leaving them on the whole practice. Bert, as far as annoying lane mates, I'm 6' 6" with an 80" arm span. The 5 lane pool we train is has lanes that are about 10 inches narrower than a "standard" pool. Needless to say people who drop in from time to time get a little freaked when I'm using my XL catalyst paddles! Truth be told however is that I geet hit from arm swingers in the lanes next to me and have only hit others 2-3 times in the last few years (high elbows!). Paul
Children
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