I am slow, and when I mean slow, I mean slow. I can do a 26 sec 50 with fins, but without I come in just under 1:20! I think a big part of it is just taking the fins off and doing a lot of kick sets to learn to feel the water better with my feet. I have a good breaststroke kick so I don't think my problem is an overly weak pair of legs, although they could be in better shape. Also, myankles are fairly flexible as I can point my toes and make my feet bend backwards past an even position with my shins. However, I do think that I need to loosen up my ankles when I kick. I feel like I get more out of my kick for those brief moments when I allow my ankles to snap back and forth with my kick. I think I actually need to relax more to kick faster as weird as that sounds.
I suppose the answer to my question is that I simply need to take of the fins and do kick set after kick set until I learn to feel the water better with my feet and become more efficient.
Ande -
A question about the board... (or maybe two)
You said you hold the board at the top, palms down (so I am assuming your forearms are on top of the board?). Is the board on top of the water or submerged?
I have been practicing with the same relative arm position as you, only keeping the board submerged a few inches so my forearms are about an inch below the surface, more aligned with where they would be if I was kicking sans board. It helps prevent shoulder strain for me on long kick sets, and it is easier to get my head neutral when not breathing.
I would be interested in yourt thoughts on this practice.
Matt
Ande -
A question about the board... (or maybe two)
You said you hold the board at the top, palms down (so I am assuming your forearms are on top of the board?). Is the board on top of the water or submerged?
I have been practicing with the same relative arm position as you, only keeping the board submerged a few inches so my forearms are about an inch below the surface, more aligned with where they would be if I was kicking sans board. It helps prevent shoulder strain for me on long kick sets, and it is easier to get my head neutral when not breathing.
I would be interested in yourt thoughts on this practice.
Matt