Use Of Paddles & Flippers VS Tech Suits

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.

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.

John's in a snit from a shoulder injury, no? That's old news...the latest was suffered from taking too many spin classes...and I'll leave it at that....but will say he's a wuss.

That's old news...the latest was suffered from taking too many spin classes...and I'll leave it at that....but will say he's a wuss. Boy, when Pablo calls you a wuss, it must be bad. That's like Michael Jackson telling someone they have gone overboard on the plastic surgery. Having just purchased yet another pair of spin class shoes I find this insult about spinners to be insulting. Viva la stationary bike!

Boy, when Pablo calls you a wuss, it must be bad. That's like Michael Jackson telling someone they have gone overboard on the plastic surgery. Having just purchased yet another pair of spin class shoes I find this insult about spinners to be insulting. Viva la stationary bike! Geek...I think John's dark little broom closet that he sits in and pouts for hours a day has an extra seat...why don't you give him a call and maybe he'll let you tell him all about the pain of dropping to #2 (actually have to say it might have gone as far as #3 or #4)

Everything you've ever said about tech suits applies to swim caps: they are not necessary for modesty, they are an "addition," they increase performance by decreasing drag, they are buoyant b/c they trap air, and some morally questionable swimmers actually wear two of them. So where is the outrage? Honestly, this is tiring, I don't think you've said anything new for months (or, indeed, ever posted on any other subject in this forum). As far as I can tell, you have absolutely no stake in this. Why in the world do you persist? Hey Chris I brought the subject up again because of an article in the USMS magazine on the use of paddles and increased speed and I just see the tech suit issue as being such a paradoxical ideology. Even if I never make another post, the issue will still "persist" and many others agree with me that the suit issue is getting out of control and FINA is losing its credibility as being a "governing body" for swimming rules. Dolphin 2

Hey Chris FINA is losing its credibility ... Dolphin 2 Which is more than you have ever had on the issues of competitive swimming. At least twice you have been asked and at least twice you have ignored the question of "why do you care?" These suits don't have anything to do with rec/fitness/P.E. swimming, which is about all you claim to do. So, if you don't compete or plan too, then why do you keep making silly statements about the suits or even care about them? Goggles are more of an aid to fast swimming than the tech suits. Goggles have been said to have totally changed the sport. They were more radical than the tech suits, yet we don't have an urge to ban them.

Dogggonnnit, it looks like I ignited another inferno again. I don't know why people get so bent out of shape about others who are simply offering their opinion on such a basic issue. :confused: However I must admit that the Suit technology VS no Suit technology debate is getting to be like Democrat VS Republican, Liberal VS Conservative, Gun control VS no Gun control, or Cathloic VS Protestant. :blah: I guess I should look at the bright side: At least I haven't been hit with a barrage of rockets from the other side ---yet. :bolt: Dolphin 2

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. Dolphin 2 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.

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