Which swim toys, if any, are you currently using at least semi-regularly. Feel free to elaborate on why and when you use them! You can make as many choices as you like.
I forget to add breaststroke fins. You can just note if you are. I have just started kicking once in awhile with them. I aspire to learn the snorkle, but haven't gotten around to that yet. I also can't keep my nose clip on. Hoping to get the hang of it this winter to avoid sinus infections.
OK, so what monofin is the right one? There are several to choose from (monofins at SwimOutlet.com) and they ain't cheap.
Skip Montanaro
Personally, and I'm not an expert on this, I would not buy the MFs for "rec" swimmers if your goal is to improve aspects of pool competition such as SDKs, etc. I also would not buy the uber-expensive one for competitive fin swimming and free diving. Those are different sports. I would go with the finis shooter or the the finis trainer #1 and #2. I own the $94 finis shooter. When I purchased it nine months ago, I'm not sure that Swim Outlet or Keifer produced the trainer #1 or #2 (?). They look new to me. They are longer and the blade is apparently stronger. I'm unsure about the additional benefit from being longer for streamlining and SDKs. I think my MF is great for those purposes. But perhaps it depends on your height to some degree?
Just my opinion. I bought my MF on my own and have been experimenting with it on my own with little input. For some reason, not many people use them -- perhaps because they're not incorporated in the typical masters practice? (I largely train on my own.) To get an expert view, you'd really need the input of a USA-S coach who really focuses on SDKs, fly or underwater swimming.
All I can say, anecdotally, is that it seems to have helped my backstroke starts (all starts really), underwater work and core/leg strength. At my last meet, I took 14 SDKs on my backstroke start. But then my best two strokes are fly and back, so SDKs are really important. And I know, after experimentation, that I am faster doing underwater SDKs. Plus, I just like the MF cuz it's fun. I need variety in my workouts, and it provides that. Can't be hammering away at my shoulders all the time.
One cautionary note: They are, as Ann notes above, very powerful. My feet were used to fins first, so the MF seemed pretty natural. I also have no back or knee problems. My team coach, who never uses fins, tried the MF once. It killed her. She hurt muscles in the top of her feet and had trouble wearing shoes for a few days. Some people get blisters. So they might require a period of adaptation. Sometimes, when I do a lot of underwater shooters, where you're kicking down as forcefully and rapidly as possible, my shins feel it. It gives me the vague sensation of shin splints, although I do run a bit too.
OK, so what monofin is the right one? There are several to choose from (monofins at SwimOutlet.com) and they ain't cheap.
Skip Montanaro
Personally, and I'm not an expert on this, I would not buy the MFs for "rec" swimmers if your goal is to improve aspects of pool competition such as SDKs, etc. I also would not buy the uber-expensive one for competitive fin swimming and free diving. Those are different sports. I would go with the finis shooter or the the finis trainer #1 and #2. I own the $94 finis shooter. When I purchased it nine months ago, I'm not sure that Swim Outlet or Keifer produced the trainer #1 or #2 (?). They look new to me. They are longer and the blade is apparently stronger. I'm unsure about the additional benefit from being longer for streamlining and SDKs. I think my MF is great for those purposes. But perhaps it depends on your height to some degree?
Just my opinion. I bought my MF on my own and have been experimenting with it on my own with little input. For some reason, not many people use them -- perhaps because they're not incorporated in the typical masters practice? (I largely train on my own.) To get an expert view, you'd really need the input of a USA-S coach who really focuses on SDKs, fly or underwater swimming.
All I can say, anecdotally, is that it seems to have helped my backstroke starts (all starts really), underwater work and core/leg strength. At my last meet, I took 14 SDKs on my backstroke start. But then my best two strokes are fly and back, so SDKs are really important. And I know, after experimentation, that I am faster doing underwater SDKs. Plus, I just like the MF cuz it's fun. I need variety in my workouts, and it provides that. Can't be hammering away at my shoulders all the time.
One cautionary note: They are, as Ann notes above, very powerful. My feet were used to fins first, so the MF seemed pretty natural. I also have no back or knee problems. My team coach, who never uses fins, tried the MF once. It killed her. She hurt muscles in the top of her feet and had trouble wearing shoes for a few days. Some people get blisters. So they might require a period of adaptation. Sometimes, when I do a lot of underwater shooters, where you're kicking down as forcefully and rapidly as possible, my shins feel it. It gives me the vague sensation of shin splints, although I do run a bit too.
