I just saw the Fortress post something about Karlyn Pipes-Nielson having designed some new lightweight fins under, I think, the who wants to race which poster thread.
I thought I had read where swim devices were taboo; that it was better to use the entire body to enjoy full-body swimming and that there was little to no benefit to the use of fins (can't remember who wrote that).
Well, I use fins, two kinds; Zoomers, and some big lightweight ones with holes in them. They create great ankle flexibility; much better than sitting in front of the TV stretching them. My backstroke kick all through the 60s, 70s, 80s would not have been great without my kicking with fins. I find that fins help to develop quad and hamstring strength.
I need a new pair for Christmas. Anyone else use fins?
Donna
"We don't need no stinking fins!"
:rofl:
Rich:
What the heck are you talking about? I just bought my daughter the new speedo breaststroke fins for xmas!!!
Kristina: You might change your mind if you ever get swimmers shoulder.:thhbbb:
Warren/Gary Hall: Fins are great for explosive speed. Love that post!!
And I want a monofin. I am told they are fabulous.
Here's what I said about them on the "Monofin" thread:
My understanding of the monofin is that it can improve streamlines, body alignment, underwater dolphin kick technique, kicking efficiency, and that they provide a good core workout. Monofins are particularly beneficial in short course as opposed to long course where turns take on a heightened role. I have heard that the finis "shooter" monofins are very good for encouraging fast feet and high cyle rate as opposed to just long slow dolphin kicks. When you're underwater, you want to kick fast.
Monofins can be used in all 4 strokes. Freestyle, especially for the turns. Backstroke for the 15 meters you get underwater on the start and turns. Fly to help with the recovery and undulation and SDKs. (You will see Misty Hyman training with the on the Go Swim fly video.) And *** for rapid recovery and fluidity.
Monofins are also useful for race pace work. But you should not use them entirely in lieu of kicking. You've got to kick fast without them too, unless you're completely TI-ing, then you might not be doing any kick sets.
I'm sure someone will disagree, but I'd like to try them.
I use fins a lot. After swimming breaststroke for so long I have to limit how much full stroke breaststroke I do or my knees hurt.The solution,lots of breaststroke pull,dolphin kick with fins. I use fairly big fins as the smaller ones mess up my timing. Fortress I haven't used the breaststroke fins,are they hard on the knees?
I use fins a lot. After swimming breaststroke for so long I have to limit how much full stroke breaststroke I do or my knees hurt.The solution,lots of breaststroke pull,dolphin kick with fins. I use fairly big fins as the smaller ones mess up my timing. Fortress I haven't used the breaststroke fins,are they hard on the knees?
Allen:
I don't know yet. The only masters breaststroker I know, Wally Dicks, uses them sometimes, but of course his knees area a mess at the moment from so many years of swimming ***. I've never tried them. When my "rude" daughter does, I'll ask her (and her coaches). But I believe they were the ones who encouraged her to get some. I've been working on that breaststroke pull with dolphin kick and big fins that Kristina told me to do. I kinda like it. I'll let you know the results of the breaststroke fins once she tries them.
Former Member
"We don't need no stinking fins!"
:rofl:
I don't. I guess it's choice.
Former Member
Rich,
I guess I misspoke :rofl:, I should have clarified non-breastrstrokers, after all, where would you put them, on your hands, or maybe your ears so you would look like Rudolph in the water!!! LOL.
islandsox
Former Member
I used them right after I started back to swimming. They improved my strength and helped me with increasing my endurance. The stronger I got and the more I could swim the less I used them. But I can see where they will become addictive. Swimming with fins does feel good. I see some of the "I'm-just-in-the-pool-to-swim-a-few-aps-swimmers" using them 100% of the time." I will still do dolfin kick drills with them.
Former Member
No way.
I don't use 'em.
They make me feel heavy and mess up my timing in my freestyle.
Until there's an event that uses fins, I will avoid them.
:dedhorse:
Former Member
Kristina,
Uh-oh, I have to presume from your beating your dead horse that this has been a thread in the past? Oops, didn't know that; oh well, bah-humbug. If someone gives you a pair, can you send them to me? mine are worn out:rofl:
donna
Former Member
fins are great. They improve strength and ankle flexibility.
Former Member
OK Maybe I should rephrase my view. I don't use them because right now I am only doing *** and trying to get freestyle to work.
I was encouraged to get fins to "learn" fly. This approach is not good for me.
It will teach me to leanr to swim with an aid and then I will have to climb another hurdle when the time comes to dispense with them.
Would I use fins on a stroke that I am decent at in order to develop strength and other aspects. Possibly.
Donna...you know, I have my fins on in the hot-tub...you never know when you might want to go snorkelling!:rofl:
OMG did I just really type that lol
