I hope I'm not opening a can of worms. I just started my first masters swim ever and while it was alot of fun, it is probably kind of hard for a beginner to be swimming 1600-2500meters all of a sudden.
As I'm slowly reading through the threads here, I'm a bit tempted to get a pair of flippers to help me train.
However, I'm very worry that I'm going to be addicted to them, if they make me swim fast with less effort and keep up with my teamates. What if one day i have to part with them and i just don't go as fast?
Would you or would you not use a flippers in this sitaution during masters swim?
Keep in mind that I'm the slowest thing in my team but I am going to stick with it either way. :)
Former Member
I used zoomers initially. They helped me to be able to do the full workout at speeds somewhat closer to my teammates. But as my fitness and speed improved, I've managed to cut back on their use.
Fins are good for loosening up your ankles, overloading your legs, practicing streamline at high speeds, and keeping up with teammates during fast sets. Just make sure you don't get lazy when you kick with fins, it could change your stroke and make you dependent on them. I only use fins during practice when I intend to kick hard.
I used than more at the beginning and I think they do help. I have seen people who never swim without, but just try them for part of the practice, say a set that right now is hopeless for you to complete. Then as you get better, use them less.
Most master coaches ask you bring flippers, hand paddles, pullbouys, rubber bands and kickboards at least once a week. I am a none believer in these devices but as a begginner they do come in handy.
