In the “Readers Ask” section on page 11 of the latest issue of USMS Swimmer (as shown on the home page of this site), there is a question about the use of paddles.
The reply (from Randy Nutt of the Boca and Gold Coast Masters) says something to the effect that “……..Paddles increase distance per stroke and enable the swimmer to achieve some very fast speeds in a work out”.
As I’ve said repeatedly, the main problem in swimming is how to get more propulsion –not reduce drag- and paddles and flippers provide the most drastic improvement in speed.
So here’s the $64,000 question: If FINA allows the use of so called tech suits which increase speed by purportedly reducing drag, why aren’t paddles and flippers (which increase speed through enhanced propulsion) also allowed? :confused:
Dolphin 2
These arguments are meaningless for D2. He just doesn't seem to understand the concept of 'enhancement' versus 'addition'. Better swim suits are an enhancement, flippers and/or paddles are additions. But additions in the sense of increasing the application of force, rather than reducing the effect of drag (swim caps) or reducing potentially harmful conditions (goggles).
These arguments are meaningless for D2. He just doesn't seem to understand the concept of 'enhancement' versus 'addition'. Better swim suits are an enhancement, flippers and/or paddles are additions. But additions in the sense of increasing the application of force, rather than reducing the effect of drag (swim caps) or reducing potentially harmful conditions (goggles).
