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
Anyone who competed in the "paper suit" era likely remembers that those briefs were both indecent and uncomfortable. And, they cost extra because they were made of special material purported to be faster than the old nylon/lycra/whatever. Guess we should put asterisks next to those records from the late 80s and 90s after all.
Not to mention that you were lucky to get through one meet before they were completely useless
Anyone who competed in the "paper suit" era likely remembers that those briefs were both indecent and uncomfortable. And, they cost extra because they were made of special material purported to be faster than the old nylon/lycra/whatever. Guess we should put asterisks next to those records from the late 80s and 90s after all.
Not to mention that you were lucky to get through one meet before they were completely useless
