Fins...who uses fins?

RE: Fins...who uses fins?

Former Member — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 07:50:43 GMT

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.

RE: Fins...who uses fins?

Former Member — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 08:56:11 GMT

I sure do think there is a reason; I use back dolphin with arms over my head hands clapsed together and swim this particular kick in place of doing situps in front of the TV set. Also, it wears me out so I do need more air to breathe; it also improves my quad strength and foot flexibility; but primary is the stomach (core) development. And after looking at the size of my stomach after Christmas, I'll be doing lots of this in the ocean.:rofl: Donna Donna does this work without fins?? You know all about my bad back so this mutant backstroke/fly kick drill might be just the trick for my abs...I'll do a set tonight.

RE: Fins...who uses fins?

Former Member — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 08:48:39 GMT

Other than being able to breathe easier, is there a reason to do back-dolphin vs front dolphin? Is there an additional benefit? I sure do think there is a reason; I use back dolphin with arms over my head hands clapsed together and swim this particular kick in place of doing situps in front of the TV set. Also, it wears me out so I do need more air to breathe; it also improves my quad strength and foot flexibility; but primary is the stomach (core) development. And after looking at the size of my stomach after Christmas, I'll be doing lots of this in the ocean.:rofl: Donna

RE: Fins...who uses fins?

fatboy — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 01:27:15 GMT

Michelle, I am glad you brought up the subject of core development. I also use my little fins and do a lot of back-dolphin. I prefer it to crunches or situps because I am in the place I love, water. Donna Other than being able to breathe easier, is there a reason to do back-dolphin vs front dolphin? Is there an additional benefit?

RE: Fins...who uses fins?

Former Member — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 17:09:12 GMT

Maybe if I steal my daughter's new breaststroke fins, I'd getcha on ***!! :groovy: That would be good for my ego. You're going to race backwards then? /snicker

RE: Fins...who uses fins?

Former Member — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 17:00:09 GMT

According to an earlier post, it's just the "unshod swimmers and tris" that do this evil deed. Wouldn't an "elitist" risk de-deifying themselves if they used fins to lane jump? Rich: Sometimes I'm the only one in the fast lane using fins if my shoulders hurt. But if I went to the "proper" lane I would belong in without fins, I would disrupt everyone there. So sometimes it can't be avoided... I understand. you however are using the fins to prevent further injury so that is an exception. Also if you're just too fast and would disrupt the rhythm that too is an exception. I think I mean it more as if using them to hop up was for an ego thing. Ocnce in a while to work the torso, or to try and break the barrier into that speed group then yes it's fine IMHO. If it's being done to just keep up with the big boys and girls. I think that is a bad habit to get into. Opinion only. I am sure all the fin users here would whoop me on any stroke without fins anyhow.

RE: Fins...who uses fins?

Former Member — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 16:32:16 GMT

Let me state the obvious (dangerous, considering the company we keep here): there are different types of fins. Of course even the smaller Speedo blue fins will make you swim faster than not using fins. But, when using these made for swimming fins versus the bigger made for scuba or snorkeling fins I feel that there is a huge advantage (in the smaller fins). Plus the fact that some of the larger fins will even get in the way of proper swimming. Now, before I go any futher, let me say this, when doing actual snorkeling I use the snorkeling fins, first because they are better for that activity, second because they are more powerful to get me out of trouble, currents and so forth. However, if I am at a beach goofing off and want to do some "swimming" I will use the smaller Speedo fins, and even the goggles, although sometimes the mask plus snorkel is better choice to avoid drinking to much salt water (smile). When swimming long easy freestyle swims I use the fins to keep my body high and I hardly kick (like George mentioned somewhere way back) so I am giving my upper body a workout. If I want to give my legs a workout I will do leg drills sideways (?), on the back, and the perennial dolphin kick. I might do some fast 50 meter freestyle repeats using the fins, but mostly for the sheer power I feel and to get my whole body sincronized. Of course when I do the 50 repeats I go all out and kick strongly and fast. I also use the fins for butterfly training, although I feel they do interfere with my eventual timing the stroke without fins. My fins are size 12-13 and it says on the back 280-285 mm which I believe would be 11 inches long. Concluding: for the average swimmer the fins would be useful to swim long freestyle with a better style or trying to focus on style, do leg drills, strenghening the ankles(?), as an aid in developing the butterfly, or as an alternative to the practices where your coach isn't there. I probably use fins once a week. When I am alone I'll do a medium paced 1,000 meters freestyle with fins, then do some leg drills, and lately I've started using a snorkel to do the dolphin kick drills. I might use them to do some butterfly drills on my own. Finally, at my cheapo swimming facility, they have fins for the eventual workout with fins, that the coach will prescribe. These are the big black snokeling or scuba fins. My partner of lanes, who is way slower than I, has his day at swimming as fast or faster, as I use my small Speedo fins. A few swimmers buy their own swimming fins. Sorry for the long post, just another perspective from a slow, thrice-weekly swimmer. billy fanstone

RE: Fins...who uses fins?

Former Member — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 16:29:38 GMT

I think they are a great "tool".....I have two pair; short zoomers which I use for power work (with small paddles).....and a longer pair of split fins which I use for some kick sets....or on a long pull set with a snorkel (no buoy). My only "issue" with fin use is if someone (an elitist?) uses them to move up to a faster lane which they otherwise would not be able to make the intervals. I don't use them, but I agree that to use them to hop up a lane seems a bad idea. Better to go without them in the slower lane until you can naturally keep up in the fast lane. Unless of course everyone is using them in the fast lane. I presume though, that you mean when 1 person is using fins in a fast group while the others go without them.

RE: Fins...who uses fins?

FlyQueen — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 12:59:58 GMT

I tried using fins on fly a couple of days ago and hated it. It threw my timing off ... actually on my fly my legs are the first thing to go - I'm not sure if this means I'm overusing my core or underusing my core and over using my legs ... can you overuse your core in fly? Am I underusing my arms? I think I have a decent pull ...

RE: Fins...who uses fins?

The Fortress — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 12:05:54 GMT

I understand. you however are using the fins to prevent further injury so that is an exception. Also if you're just too fast and would disrupt the rhythm that too is an exception. I think I mean it more as if using them to hop up was for an ego thing. Ocnce in a while to work the torso, or to try and break the barrier into that speed group then yes it's fine IMHO. If it's being done to just keep up with the big boys and girls. I think that is a bad habit to get into. Opinion only. I am sure all the fin users here would whoop me on any stroke without fins anyhow. Maybe if I steal my daughter's new breaststroke fins, I'd getcha on ***!! :groovy: That would be good for my ego.

RE: Fins...who uses fins?

The Fortress — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 12:03:05 GMT

You know, after reading some comments, I think I've been using fins somewhat incorrectly. I notice on freestyle, if its a long non-sprint set (not explosive speed training), I just use them to keep my legs afloat and take the burden off my weary shoulders. I use a little 2 beat kick. Whereas, if I use them for backstroke, I kick more vigorously and really work the turns and SDKs. I think maybe I should be kicking more on freestyle if I have happen to have my fins on ....

RE: Fins...who uses fins?

The Fortress — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 11:43:36 GMT

My only "issue" with fin use is if someone (an elitist?) uses them to move up to a faster lane which they otherwise would not be able to make the intervals. According to an earlier post, it's just the "unshod swimmers and tris" that do this evil deed. Wouldn't an "elitist" risk de-deifying themselves if they used fins to lane jump? Rich: Sometimes I'm the only one in the fast lane using fins if I'm using them because my shoulders hurt. But if I went to the "proper" lane I would belong in without fins, I would disrupt everyone there. So sometimes it can't be avoided... The other swimmers usually get revenge by making me lead certain non-freestyle sets, and then I'm exhausted trying to stay ahead ...

RE: Fins...who uses fins?

Paul Smith — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 11:20:52 GMT

RE: Fins...who uses fins?

FlyQueen — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 10:42:19 GMT

Big sis - I don't think you are using them incorrectly, at least if you are I use them the same way. They make relatively little difference in long free swims other than helping my legs stay afloat, I use the same pathetic little kick still. When I swim back my legs are burning rather quickly because I kick like crazy. You use fins to take pressure off of your shoulder, if that's what you are doing then you are using them right. I just started to use them on sprints to help remind myself to get the kick going and to feel the speed with them, as it is close to the actual tapered off the blocks speed I want to get. I only do 4 x 50 with them, too.

RE: Fins...who uses fins?

Former Member — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 15:52:05 GMT

Shaman, Well, there you go. They are only to be used as a training tool to aid us along the way and not to be replaced for actually using our legs and feet. But they do have benefit; core development, maintaining stroke when we are physically weak, increasing quad strength in our legs. But, and there is always a But, they are no replacement for actual swimming even though they can help in our training. I use them about 75% of the time in training, but always drop them about 2 weeks before a swim event. Donna

RE: Fins...who uses fins?

Former Member — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 15:29:50 GMT

After moving to a new club where we had fewer people in the water and more fins I was able to use them more often. I developed a strongish six-beat kick, which I'd never swam with before. That doesn't mean you should always use them, especially because you can really be lazy with your stroke with fins, but they seemed to work for me somewhat.

RE: Fins...who uses fins?

Former Member — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 12:53:24 GMT

I've found a new use for my fins: They work really well as a holder for my glasses. Being severely nearsighted, I can be a hazard without them. So I can just plunk them into one of my fins, then have them nearby when I'm jumping out of the pool. This may seem trivial, but I am really clueless without my specs. :eek: If I do a fin set, I have to find someplace secure for them. Not always easy!:shakeshead:

RE: Fins...who uses fins?

FlyQueen — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 10:37:24 GMT

Some pain from time to time is good for ya' ... at least I think so ... As for the 50 flys I did last night ... (4 x 50 on 1:00) the first one was great, nice and long, relatively fast ... after that though ... the second one was okay, still strong, but definitely slower, the last two were pathetic my usual form feel to pieces and I was in crisis management mode (or so it felt) ... The point is I did them, easily made the interval on all 4 and have a new set to work on and push myself on ... it might be a weekly test set, when I can get them all faster with better form I'll a fifth ... and maybe one day a 6th ... I'll go :banana:

RE: Fins...who uses fins?

The Fortress — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 10:29:06 GMT

Thanks ... it's one of my favorites ... Baby sister: Ha, ha, ha. That signature has absolutely nothing to do with vessel shaping!! :rofl: :dedhorse: It speaks of torture and pain and sufferring. I think you're an endorphin junkie... That's what comes from marathon training... Keep up the creative holiday training! I want a report on those 50 flys. I have to live vicariously since I'm stuck in the wilds with no swimming pool nearby. I feel for Poolraat now...

RE: Fins...who uses fins?

FlyQueen — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 10:23:01 GMT

AMEN! nice signature! Thanks ... it's one of my favorites ...

RE: Fins...who uses fins?

Muppet — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 10:03:53 GMT

"I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'" - Muhammed Ali AMEN! nice signature!

RE: Fins...who uses fins?

FlyQueen — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 10:01:36 GMT

They were all free ... maybe I'll use them for fly tonight or tomorrow ... since I've been on my own this week I get to do all sorts of fun stuff ... like never swim more than 200 yards consecutively ....

RE: Fins...who uses fins?

The Fortress — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 09:48:55 GMT

I must confess that I used fins last night and it was fantastic ... just for 4 x50 sprint, but wow ... so nice ... Were you doing fly, FlyQueen? I love me some fins for race pace 50 flys. From reading the posts, it appears that fins are helping a lot of body parts: calves, quads, core, glutes ... At least we're all going to look better from our fin use. :rofl:

RE: Fins...who uses fins?

FlyQueen — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 09:13:21 GMT

I must confess that I used fins last night and it was fantastic ... just for 4 x50 sprint, but wow ... so nice ...

RE: Fins...who uses fins?

Former Member — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 15:01:35 GMT

I typically don't use fins for flutter kick just because that's not what I am focusing on these days. However, I do use fins for a couple things regularly... 1. Breaststroke and Butterfly Drills where I want to focus on pull technique. 2. Gaining core strength. I find certain fin sets give my core a serious workout. I am a bit suprised no one else mentioned this. Does anyone else use fins to train their core rather than their legs? Michelle, care to be more specific? I'm doing a lot of core work right now to try to stabilize a damaged hip, so any suggestions would be really helpful. Thanks!