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
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.
Timm, I've swam with you a number of times and have noticed the classic "elbow" drop and hip over-rotation when your not using paddles...this explains why your faster with the gear. The work needed is finding the same angle of attack on your catch that the paddles overcompensate for...one thing I'd suggest is taking the wrist straps off (it will force you to use much better technique because if you don't they'll fly off)...I would also encourage you to use them a little bit every workout but slow down and pay attention to what is happening vs. use them for speed.
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.
Timm, I've swam with you a number of times and have noticed the classic "elbow" drop and hip over-rotation when your not using paddles...this explains why your faster with the gear. The work needed is finding the same angle of attack on your catch that the paddles overcompensate for...one thing I'd suggest is taking the wrist straps off (it will force you to use much better technique because if you don't they'll fly off)...I would also encourage you to use them a little bit every workout but slow down and pay attention to what is happening vs. use them for speed.
