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
Parents
Former Member
Taking your argument to its illogical extreme (not a very long journey), all suits should be banned, including briefs, because they are all "additions."
(BTW, I am no faster with paddles than without. The increase in DPS is almost exactly compensated by the decrease in turnover.)
Hey Chris
In the past, briefs were worn just so the swimmers weren't arrested for "Indecent Exposure" and to provide more comfort in the water -not as a speed enhancer.
In the past, FINA's reasoning was to minimize the effect of the suit -and briefs were logically quite minimal. Now, it's the exact opposite -and about anything goes.
Dolphin 2
Taking your argument to its illogical extreme (not a very long journey), all suits should be banned, including briefs, because they are all "additions."
(BTW, I am no faster with paddles than without. The increase in DPS is almost exactly compensated by the decrease in turnover.)
Hey Chris
In the past, briefs were worn just so the swimmers weren't arrested for "Indecent Exposure" and to provide more comfort in the water -not as a speed enhancer.
In the past, FINA's reasoning was to minimize the effect of the suit -and briefs were logically quite minimal. Now, it's the exact opposite -and about anything goes.
Dolphin 2
