Contoured paddles vs. Flat paddles

Why are you using paddles in the first place?

Originally posted by aquageek I firmly believe that all you gain by using paddles is the ability to use paddles. I have yet to see paddles that improve real stroking. I found that after a pull set I had to re-adjust my stroke for the next real set without paddles. I used those TYR catalyst as well many years ago. Other than being useful for lacerating lane mates, they were of no value for stroke improvement. Triathletes seem to be the primary consumer of paddles. I wonder if the paddles were perhaps correcting your stroke. Then you had to go bad and make it how it was before being corrected.

Fishgrrl is on the right track here. My advice to people who haven't corrected their technique by age 35 years is not to ever use paddles.If your technique is wrong you will do damage but not as much damage as swimming with poor technique does. We all make fun of Toys (crutches).I beleive kick boards and large fins are just that ,crutches.Paddles & buoys are also crutches however they have a purpose.Using the the paddles allows greater feel or pressure on the stroke and can enhance the stroke if the pressure is applied correctly at the back end of the stroke.That is a gentle entry and catch with a firm push at the end.The paddles also give more thrust which gives the swimmer more time between each stroke to focus and get it right.This will not do the kind of damage described.Shoulder damage will come from low elbows(which why people clip hands when passing) and placing pressure too early. At the end of the day we are all wearing ourselves out.The poor technique will do it faster.We call paddle freaks who use them all the time "chalky shoulders" .Dont use them when fatigued ,for long sets or very hard sprints unless you have really good technique.They do build strength as well.

By the way the I beleive the best paddles in Australia are imported from USA.I can't remember the brand but they come in sizes,yellow,red,blue and green.In that order of size I think. They are flat adjustable with many wholes.Contoured paddles distort the feel for water.Speedo make both contoured and flat paddles so either they dont know which are best or what I suspect is that because the contoured ones look more modern they sell better.I've used flat ones ,tried the others and returned to flat ones.Most people would be size yellowand a very good swimmer red.Size should be about strength not hand size.The stronger you get the larger the SA of the paddle.

Originally posted by Dobbie By the way the I beleive the best paddles in Australia are imported from USA.I can't remember the brand but they come in sizes,yellow,red,blue and green.In that order of size I think. I believe you're talking about Strokemaker paddles. Yeah, I like 'em too and use the blue ones.

Reviving a zoombie thread... The OP asked for comparison between contoured paddles and flat ones, the replies were turned into paddles vs. no paddles. I have the OP's question in mind: Flat vs. contoured (ergonomic). I have a pair of contoured ones, which are very comfortable to use. But the standard ones seem to be the flat ones. Are there specific advantages of the flat ones?