I don't use paddles due to past shoulder issues.
Concho Pearl, since you're just getting back into the water, be careful if you choose to use hand paddles. They can magnify poor stroke mechanics and really do a number on your shoulders.
I watched this one guy swimming at the Fitness Center on his own last Saturday and he was wearing HUGE paddles and doing elementary backstroke. My shoulders still ache just thinking about that...
Good question. I have started using my hand paddles again and they are just the old flat Speedo ones, about 15yrs. old. I have seen all these newer ones with holes and different shapes claiming to help your stroke technique . I was wondering if they work or should I just stick with the old style ones. There are so many different styles its a bit confusing.
Rich Saeger and I agree that smaller hand paddles are more to our liking. Large hand paddles tend to slow the arm turnover too much and place a lot of torque on the shoulders.
I use the old Speedo rectangular paddles in the red size.
John Smith
If you're a breaststroker, don't use paddles. The arm motion is not real conducive to it, unless you have shoulders of steel.
And it should go without saying that paddles are a no-no for butterfly.
I occasionally use finger paddles - just big enough to feel what's wrong with my stroke, but not big enough to strain my shoulders. Since you're a beginner, the smaller the better to avoid injury.
I hope I don't get in trouble for suggesting you try a forearm paddle or EVF trainer. The fist glove, the fulcrum system by Finis and the techpaddle are EVF trainers that help train that skill.
