I would like to start a discussion on some of the training "toys" available, but I don't want the discussion to get tossed by the moderators. I'm not sure what the forum guidelines are for discussing specific commercial products. I certainly haven't been able to figure it out from various threads. Here's what I think though:
generic toys such as pull buoys, basic paddles and fins seem to be okay
discussing specific brands of tech suits seems to be okay, perhaps because the manufacturers don't seem to participate
certain training devices (which for now shall remain unnamed) seem to be more-or-less discouraged from the forums, at least in part because the inventors/vendors of those products are active participants
Do I have that about right? If so, I'd propose that it's okay to discuss specific training tools as long as the people selling them don't participate in the threads, just people like me with no financial interest in such stuff, other than the lightening my wallet would undergo if I purchased them. Would it be okay for those with a financial interest to respond via PM to specific posts in a thread? Would it be okay for such people to respond to the thread if their messages contained a disclaimer?
Comments please...
Skip Montanaro
I tried something last night I hadn't done before: swimming with both paddles and fins. Yeah, obviously you can go fast, but it's also pretty tiring. I found I could only hold about the same pace as I can when using paddles and a buoy. The feel is totally different, though.
Hi!
I'm the EVF guy. The techpaddle is an Early Vertical Training device that is a very technical tool and must be used differently than hand-paddles First; They should only be used for a 50 yard swim after your warm-up, again after your main set and before you leave. The speed in which you use the techpaddle is another difference and must be done in ultra-slow speeds that allow swimmers to analyze and develop muscle memory (swimming with them using a snorkel is an awesome idea). It's important to note that positive propulsive change cannot occur unless 3 weeks of effective propulsive changes are made. That means, if you don't concentrate on improving your EVF and do it correctly, it's difficult to see significant and positive changes. I sign out with a website that can give you more information. Thanks for the question. Coach T.
I love my toys and now I have learned the proper uses and what to work on with each toy I use.
Fly with a flat paddle really corrected my stroke. Paddles in general are good for reenforcing proper technique on all strokes for me.
Using a Kickboard in the place of a bouy is new to me but is great for rotational emphasis and also to build core strenth. Just watch out for FLYING KICKBOARDS! Especially on turns. It is also great for kick sets (my biggest weakness).
Fins are great for speed work and also focusing on proper fly technique over longer distances.
The bouy my coach allows me when I grow tired, just as a consession if I put in a good days work or during taper time/recovery days.
I used my swim snorkel for the first time this morning. Lemme say this: OUCH!!!!
Now let me clarify, by ouch I mean not having to worry about lifting my head to breath really let me concentrate on maintaining good body position and just concentrate on kicking. I'm hooked. Just kicking 100 in warmup really thrashed my legs because I wasn't resting on a board, rotated on my side or occasionally pulling with one arm to breathe. So no more kickboards and no more fins (except the MF I'm getting for Christmas) on kick sets. Just me and my snorkel. And all the weird looks I got from my team mates. :thhbbb:
Paul
I used my swim snorkle for the first time this morning. Lemme say this: OUCH!!!!
Now let me clarify, by ouch I mean not having to worry about lifting my head to breath really let me concentrate on maintaining good body position and just concentrate on kicking. I'm hooked. Just kicking 100 in warmup really thrashed my legs because I wasn't resting on a board, rotated on my side or occasionally pulling with one arm to breathe. So no more kickboards and no more fins (except the MF I'm getting for Christmas) on kick sets. Just me and my snorkle. And all the weird looks I got from my team mates. :thhbbb:
Paul
Why not use your fins sometimes when kicking? Fins act with more resistance and leverage on the legs and help build strength and flexibility. They also get your heart rate up and you can do some good race pace work with them. That said, I try to kick without fins too.
I think I should dust off my snorkle that's been sitting in the close for my scheduled January kick-a-thon. I just need to learn to flip with it ...
I've tried using a snorkel (correct spelling, by the way) a few times, but I find it annoying how much it flops around during a turn. I'm sure it's something to do with my turn technique being bad, but I can't seem to get the thing to stay straight.
Why not use your fins sometimes when kicking? Fins act with more resistance and leverage on the legs and help build strength and flexibility. They also get your heart rate up and you can do some good race pace work with them. That said, I try to kick without fins too.
I think I should dust off my snorkle that's been sitting in the close for my scheduled January kick-a-thon. I just need to learn to flip with it ...
I will still use fins but only during sprint sets for the speed feel. But for now, on kick drills I will go finless until I can make myself use proper kicking technique. I just felt that I was not using proper technique with fins. Not kicking fins to the curb, just using them more sparingly.
Paul
I've tried using a snorkel (correct spelling, by the way) a few times, but I find it annoying how much it flops around during a turn. I'm sure it's something to do with my turn technique being bad, but I can't seem to get the thing to stay straight.
It is your turn technique. I use to have that problem as well and would get so frustrated with it that I wrote to Finis to find out why they had this horrible flaw in their product...and they wrote back..."it's a personal flaw your experiencing" haha. I just worked a lot on coming off my walls on my side rather than over rotating on my turns and pushing off on or near flat...and that fixed my snorkel woes.
I've tried using a snorkel (correct spelling, by the way) a few times, but I find it annoying how much it flops around during a turn. I'm sure it's something to do with my turn technique being bad, but I can't seem to get the thing to stay straight.
I had the same problem. What fixed it for me, was to have a tighter(more than I was doing) streamline...where I stretch for the wall that I am about to swim toward. This kinda pinched the snorkel in place, made me focus on keeping my head still and improved my streamlining.
When I forget to do this, it whips around...providing a quick reminder to STREAMLINE
Someone mentioned the Finis Fulcrum. I tried this out recently, and think I'll get some for myself. Your mileage may vary. I could never tell if I was holding my hands at the proper angle. Now I know.
You might also consider the Bolster paddle. It's similar.
I have a pair of TechPaddles, but I've only used them once. Give me a few more weeks and then I'll be able to share my thoughts.
