Hello Fellow Swimmers,
I have been back in the pool for about 11 months after a 35 year absence and have steadily made progress and now want to start working on my stroke. I have noticed that when we do pull sets, I can move at a pretty reasonable speed (10 x 100M free on 1:40 with me consistently hitting the wall at about 1:30) without killing myself. I do not use paddles but do use a buoy during pull sets. In my lane, I notice that I can keep up with those who use the paddles except for a few of the faster ones. ( I characterize myself as an average speed swimmer)
I have noticed that many of the folks in the fast lane were pulling out their paddles when working on a 1:25 interval for the 100 free sets. That is a pretty quick interval and I do not think I could make a full set of ten at this time.
So, I have been toying with the idea of using paddles during pull sets. I am an "upper body" swimmer with a pretty good pull technique and I wonder if it would help me increase my strength or just be a crutch. I say that because I ditched my fins about six months ago and it made me a much better kicker.
What are everyone's experiences out there? Is shoulder injury a worry? I have never used these things and would love to have input on their strengths and weaknesses.
Thanks
Give them a try. Whenever this topic comes up there's always a mixed bag of responses. Some people swear by paddles, others swear at paddles. :) My suggestion is to use them in moderation. Yes, some people tend to use them as a crutch. If you're using paddles merely to make a tougher sendoff, that's probably not a good reason to use them. If you feel like they're putting too much strain on your shoulders quit using them.
my experience with paddles is I am faster in comparison to others with out them, but slower with them. (or not as fast, I swim faster, but I don't get as much speed from them as others do)
But what I like about swimming with paddles in the middle of my workouts is the feeling after taking them off.
using your 10x100m example. I could swim those with paddles st 1:30 and be tired work hard. but after I take them off, it feels so much easier to swim the same 100 come into the wall at 1:20 and feel like I didn't work nearly has hard.
I generally like to pull with paddles 500-1000m every other practice
I agree with Kirk on this. I've seen some folks use paddles for entire sets, and others who refuse. Some people just refuse to use any toys, while others will take anything that makes them feel fast.
With paddles on, I'm definitely faster.... 10 x 100 (SCY) @ 1:20 would be a struggle for me without (depending on the day), but with paddles I'd be able to do it no problem, probably even 1:15.
That said, the rare times I use paddles--
* a long, boring set, and I'll use paddles to break up the monotony. something like a few 400s or 500s+, I'll use paddles for maybe 1 or 2.
* a breath control set. again there's arguements whether these sets are effective, but for say a 200 breathing every 7, I can do it with paddles...without is a struggle.
If I had to give an estimate of how often I use paddles, it is about once every 3 weeks, for maybe 20-30% of a set, at the most. I could go 2-3 months without.
I had a coach ages ago at a local YMCA (I think he has passed away since), who would have me sometimes swim with fins + paddles so I'd know what that fast feeling felt like. It was sometimes difficult to turn and especially stop. But he used rings for some drill sets, and lots of other toys.
I've had TYR Catalyst paddles for years now, maybe even 10. I replace the tubing periodically, but the paddles themselves are mostly fine. They are rather large, one guy who I swim with and will use them says they're like dinner plates.
I also only use the finger strap not the wrist strap - it forces you not to cheat. I also have used paddles for the evil stroke. I use no straps at all this way I am forced to have pressure on the water during the entire pull phase.
I have mixed feelings on paddles. I love them for backstroke - due to my exceptional catch (:shakeshead:). I would make sure you don't get paddles that are too big and work up to using them more. I also don't think you should use them in every workout. If your shoulders start getting achy back off the paddles for awhile.
After a 23 year break I started back using paddles 3 months ago (2 months after I got back in). I don't use them in a set, only during a distance--300-500. I concentrate on my stroke using as few strokes as possible per lap. I also take the wrist straps off.
I used to have shoulder problems as a teen and am extra paranoid of having them return. Keeping it slow has worked for me.
If I were to use paddles for 500 - 1000m every other practice that would be 50% to 75% of my total swimming using paddles. I never use them.
I generally like to pull with paddles 500-1000m every other practice
I think in most instances, pulling without paddles is better. If you are able to keep up with the others, I think it improves overall feel to pull without paddles. The main benefit of paddles is either strength or easier speed. Since speed is not an issue for you, you should only use them as needed to build strength.
Since you mentioned your shoulders I would make sure that you get some paddles that have some give and dont put too much strain on the shoulders
