fly with fins a good idea?

My coach recommended them to me the other night. He said I should get a pair of Zoomers. I always thought that using fins was some form of cheating, but after reading all of these posts, and the fact that I now feel the universe is trying to tell me something, I think I will get a pair. Disclaimer: The above comment is not intended to suggest that the poster has in any sense "mastered fly."

I definitely feel more confident in my fly using fins and feel like I can get the rhythm down more. I don't really like using fins on free style though, it messes with my rhythm and my breathing, granted it is fun to go fast but I feel like it hurts my stroke. There is too much propulsion from my kick that my arms feel like they are just flailing in the water not contributing. If you don't know how to do fly I would suggest using fins to get your techniques down and get a feel for the stroke. It will also help build your muscles for the stroke.

From birth, swimmers are conditioned and brainwashed into thinking that fins are cheating. Why? We are not told that paddles or pull buoys or kick boards are pernicious toys used only by the laziest of slackers. Actually, in our workout group there are those who always pull on paddles/pull buoys for hard sets and they are often given a hard time about it (all in fun, of course; this is masters). More seriously, I think fins, paddles, etc can be very useful training tools. But they can also become a crutch and that should obviously be avoided. After all, I assume the goal eventually is to be able to swim fly well without fins (eg, in a race).

Interestingly, now that I think about it the top flyers I know never use fins. Perhaps I'm an odd mutant strain then, but I thought I was doing fairly well. Perhaps there are different rules for masters than kiddies? I never used fins when young. But, then, no one did. It's an adult shoulder-related addiction.

More seriously, I think fins, paddles, etc can be very useful training tools. But they can also become a crutch and that should obviously be avoided. Almost all of the finners I know use them as a crutch. Maybe 5 to 10% of swimmers I know who use them regularly do not use fins as a crutch. That 5-10% will actually swim or kick challenging sets without them from time to time. Hence the "cheating" or crutch mentality. Take the fins off, they flounder. I feel for them actually b/c most are just covering up their weaknesses w/ the fins or other equipment. :2cents: Interestingly, now that I think about it the top flyers I know never use fins. If you're injured however, it's a different story. Do what you need to do.

As I recall, on the Bob Bowman/Michael Phelps dvd Bob says Michael uses fins in training, but I don't recall details. I remember the fins shown on the dvd were odd looking.

I am going to try it. Hopefully I won't use them as a crutch. After a little searching around, I am going to try the newer Hydro Tech 2: www.swimoutlet.com/.../4004.htm If they help me with my timing and technique hopefully I will see some progress. When I was a kid I just jumped in and hit it hard, now technique is all that is left me! Anyone else have these? Do you like them?

Perhaps I'm an odd mutant strain then, but I thought I was doing fairly well. Perhaps there are different rules for masters than kiddies? I never used fins when young. But, then, no one did. It's an adult shoulder-related addiction. The top flyers I was referring to and whom I know have OT or at the very least Senior cuts. I don't include myself in that group. Some are kids and some are current Div I or ex NCAA Div I masters who had OT cuts. No fins noted. My sample *pool* includes masters and kiddies alike over several different pools and clubs in GA. Just reporting on what I witness personally in practices. I tend to focus on what the fastest people in the pool are doing or not doing. I certainly don't doubt the awesome success you've had with fins and your training! :bow:

Michael uses fins in training, but I don't recall details. I remember the fins shown on the dvd were odd looking. They are permanently attached. We also call them "feet."

Perhaps I'm an odd mutant strain then, but I thought I was doing fairly well. Perhaps there are different rules for masters than kiddies? I never used fins when young. But, then, no one did. It's an adult shoulder-related addiction. Hey chic, if they work for you work them! Although I threatened to use fins on fly awhile back I still haven't. I'm not sure that is on today's agenda either. We'll see.