I have heard numerous articles of how using flippers can improve your kick.... I would like to hear from those who have used flippers before on your training sets and the pros and cons of using one. I admit that I have tried it out before, but usually results in cramps after usage, and the skin at the back of my heel starts peeling. Despite all the bad exp I had, I still believe there certainly must be some good in using flippers. Thanks. :)
Tan--
I've heard that flippers can make your ankles more flexibile, which enhances your kicking capacity/efficiency without flippers. That's arguably a good thing.
In reality, however, I think flippers are a bit like heroin for many masters swimmers: they relieve the pain of swimming hard sets (by making these easier to do), and they are highly addictive (probably because it's hard to go back to pain after it's been relieved.)
I personally don't use flippers but a number of the people on my team do. Those who use them chronically are, in my humble opinion, addicted and would be significantly better off without them. Maybe I am a purist, but I personally believe that most swimming gadgets, flippers, pull buoys, etc., don't really do all that much for you other than add some distraction from monotony.
If you do buy flippers, however, here's a tip. Zoomers cost $50; just buy a regular cheap pair of scuba style fitted flippers for much less, and use industrial strength scissors to cut them down to Zoomer size. One of my addicted teammates did this, and you can hardly tell any difference between the official Zoomers and his homemade brand. (I apologize if the Zoomer MegaConglomerate Corporation of America is a sponsor of USMS...)
Also, if you go the flipper route, do so sparingly--no more than 10 percent of your workouts... If you find usage creeping up, you might want to consider a 12 Step program like FA. (Flippers Anonymous.)
PS How's the weather in Singapore? We in the northeastern US are snowpacked...I am currently less interested in flippers than snowshoes...
Tan--
I've heard that flippers can make your ankles more flexibile, which enhances your kicking capacity/efficiency without flippers. That's arguably a good thing.
In reality, however, I think flippers are a bit like heroin for many masters swimmers: they relieve the pain of swimming hard sets (by making these easier to do), and they are highly addictive (probably because it's hard to go back to pain after it's been relieved.)
I personally don't use flippers but a number of the people on my team do. Those who use them chronically are, in my humble opinion, addicted and would be significantly better off without them. Maybe I am a purist, but I personally believe that most swimming gadgets, flippers, pull buoys, etc., don't really do all that much for you other than add some distraction from monotony.
If you do buy flippers, however, here's a tip. Zoomers cost $50; just buy a regular cheap pair of scuba style fitted flippers for much less, and use industrial strength scissors to cut them down to Zoomer size. One of my addicted teammates did this, and you can hardly tell any difference between the official Zoomers and his homemade brand. (I apologize if the Zoomer MegaConglomerate Corporation of America is a sponsor of USMS...)
Also, if you go the flipper route, do so sparingly--no more than 10 percent of your workouts... If you find usage creeping up, you might want to consider a 12 Step program like FA. (Flippers Anonymous.)
PS How's the weather in Singapore? We in the northeastern US are snowpacked...I am currently less interested in flippers than snowshoes...
