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
Parents
Former Member
I've used fins in coaching with positive outcomes in a few instances:
1) for helping those with a non-propulsive kick do drills that may be more kick-dependent, allowing them to control effort, maintain flow and minimize distraction so they can concentrate on more precise movements.
When I started practicing body dolphins as a first step to learning the core movement for Breaststroke and Butterfly, I was hardly moving. I tried some Blue Zoomers and I got moving. Then when I took them off, I was still moving. I think they helped me get the feel of the motion.
I think they have to be helping to make my ankles more flexible too, although I haven't measured the angle or anything.
I've used fins in coaching with positive outcomes in a few instances:
1) for helping those with a non-propulsive kick do drills that may be more kick-dependent, allowing them to control effort, maintain flow and minimize distraction so they can concentrate on more precise movements.
When I started practicing body dolphins as a first step to learning the core movement for Breaststroke and Butterfly, I was hardly moving. I tried some Blue Zoomers and I got moving. Then when I took them off, I was still moving. I think they helped me get the feel of the motion.
I think they have to be helping to make my ankles more flexible too, although I haven't measured the angle or anything.
