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
Chris...I find the same thing when I use the TYR paddles which I almost always use along with a snorkel (and fins at times) for longer recovery/aerobic swims. If swimmers can pull substantially faster with paddles like this than without I usually explain to them that they most likely have a tendeancy to drop their elbow when swimming which the paddles will correct for...and that they will most likely never achieve substantial break throughs in their times if they keep pull everything (same for fin addicts).
I must be doing something wrong when I use paddles (which is very sparingly). I've had TYR Catalyst black paddles (size XL) for 5+ years. When I wear them, I can keep up with swimmers in 1-2 lanes faster than where I swim. I'd hazard a guess of 5 sec faster per 100.
As I said, I try to use paddles very sparingly; maybe a 200 once a week, or thereabouts. Although I've never had problems, I keep reading on here about shoulder issues, and don't want that to happen to me. Occasionally, we'll have a specific pulling set and I may do 4 x 200 w/paddles.
Chris...I find the same thing when I use the TYR paddles which I almost always use along with a snorkel (and fins at times) for longer recovery/aerobic swims. If swimmers can pull substantially faster with paddles like this than without I usually explain to them that they most likely have a tendeancy to drop their elbow when swimming which the paddles will correct for...and that they will most likely never achieve substantial break throughs in their times if they keep pull everything (same for fin addicts).
I must be doing something wrong when I use paddles (which is very sparingly). I've had TYR Catalyst black paddles (size XL) for 5+ years. When I wear them, I can keep up with swimmers in 1-2 lanes faster than where I swim. I'd hazard a guess of 5 sec faster per 100.
As I said, I try to use paddles very sparingly; maybe a 200 once a week, or thereabouts. Although I've never had problems, I keep reading on here about shoulder issues, and don't want that to happen to me. Occasionally, we'll have a specific pulling set and I may do 4 x 200 w/paddles.
