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. :)
Former Member
It's not really a matter of one kind (Zoomers or long fins) being better than the other -- they do different things and it depends on what you're looking for. Long fins work best for increased ankle flexibility and improved kicking mechanics, but they tend to slow your kick rhythm. Zoomers increase resistance, while maintaining a normal kicking rhythm, but they do little for ankle flexibility or kick mechanics. Either kind will strengthen leg muscles, but Zoomers might be best if that's your main purpose.
I use long fins and I don't use Zoomers, because my personal experience is that Zoomers cause me to have lower back pain (but that's me; your mileage may vary).
I have used Zoomers for a long time. To reduce the possibility of using fins as a crutch, I decrease the interval when I use fins on a long set.
Other reasons:
*When sprinting, I love the feeling of speed and after a few sprints with fins, I try to capture the feeling without fins.
*I swim a lot of backstroke and tend to use fins more with backstroke than with freestyle.
*Using fins for some drills allows me to concentrate on a specific skill. However, I have to be sure to maintain the body roll.
Betsy
I have used several types of fins over the years. I see nothing wrong with fins although they can be addictive, with out fins I feel slow as a snail. There are a number of types of fins, I would say to stay away from the real big heavy scuba fins. These are for moving your legs slowly as in snorkeling,or diving and not at a faster rate for a swimming aerobic workout. I like the TYR Flex fins and the Zoomers. The TYR fins are designed for swimmers if you look at them the blade is stright out from the foot. They will not last long however and they will split in the foot area. They do come in many sizes that are color coded. Mine are the yellow size ones. They will last about two years. The Zoomers will last longer and are more haevy made. I have had mine for at least 4 years. They take about a week to get used to. I wore mine for a few laps then took them off till I built up. I also was getting lower leg calf cramps from time to time with the bigger fins as my post on 'Charley Horse" states. They have been gone for a while now.
fins are fun. There are days when one feels just terrible in the water and putting on the fins gives you enough lift to finish a workout . Zoomers don't last forever, I went through several pairs, they crack and then won't stay on your feet. I also decided they were causing low back pain. I now use the Slim Fin, which doesn't last forever either, the heel webbing wears out but the company sells a replacement kit. I don't have back pain after using the slim fins.
