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.
Former Member
The only toy I use at least once a week are paddles. However, I always use them gingerly because I am scared I might gash open someones head with them!
Syd
I wouldn't consider nose clip or ear plugs as "swim toys". I use zoomers mostly during warmup or during long kick sets where I can't keep up with normally endowed kickers (see my avatar). I never use them while I use my arms (some people seem to wear them for the entire practice). I use a pull buoy whenever we have a pull set and sometimes when we have a swim-or-pull choice.
I would try a monofin, but would like to borrow one before coughing up the money for them (I can be a CSOB about some things).
Skip Montanaro
Former Member
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 did vote "None" not because I'm a purist but because I just don't.
I recently acquired a pair of Techpaddles (I was curious about whether they would affect my EVF. I found out that it was "Not Much". I already had/have a pretty E and V EVF.) So, I'll use them about once every couple of months for a few laps.
Former Member
Fort:
You left off "sneakers"!?! Man I hate them...yes I have them in my bag too. I checked almost every block..I'm such the pool nerd.:cry:
Former Member
I used to use Zoomer fins; don't anymore because I get cramps at about mile number 4. Hey, you forgot Goggles on that list (LOL).:rofl:
techpaddle????? Go figure.
And a personal note about TechPaddles…
I recently broke a metacarpal bone in my left hand and instead of staying out of the water, I continued to train with a TechPaddle tapes to my left hand/forearm. Just don’t let my doctor find out.
Former Member
Don't pull buoys keep your hips and/or feet up just like fins? (I don't know, I don't use pull buoys.) I was just wondering.
Yes & no. Yes, it keeps your hips & feet up, but it does that because you are supposed to be dragging your legs while you pull. Fins are meant to assist the kick, not keep the feet buoyant, so in that way, they differ.
Minor rant here...Nothing bothers me more than swimmers that kick (with the buoy on) during pull sets. Let's face it, pulling during a kick set is a no-no, so why is kicking during a pull set ok?:shakeshead:
Former Member
I'll be using a LOT of pull bouy this year!!
...but enough about your private time Muppet...
:lmao:
did I just get banned?
Yes & no. Yes, it keeps your hips & feet up, but it does that because you are supposed to be dragging your legs while you pull. Fins are meant to assist the kick, not keep the feet buoyant, so in that way, they differ.
Hmm... Well, I don't really use fins to assist my kick except when SDK-ing. If I'm wearing them on a long set or for fly, it's usually as shoulder savers. Maybe that's why my fin use is not particularly detrimental at meets.
Peg: Why are you going to use the pull buoy a lot this year?
