I'm a little confused about the difference between swim fins, long ones or short forked ones. I'd like to get some that will help build strength, I do mostly freestyle and butterfly as a fitness swimmer, but will be entering some open water swim events before long again.
Thanks,
Herman
Parents
Former Member
Skip the fins! With fins, you are changing the mechanics of your kick, relying much more on ankle flexion (that is, plantar- and dorsiflexion). Since fins are not allowed in any competitive events that I know of, you aren't helping yourself by using them.
Without fins, you are recruiting core muscles so much more. It is much, much harder. Vertical kicking: same thing. I've done this without fins, it is a great workout.
If you want really poweful ankles, use your fins a lot. If you want to get fitter, leave them on deck.
FYI I use my fins typically only when I am drilling, so I can avoid the sensation of sinking when I am trying to focus on technique.
Skip the fins! With fins, you are changing the mechanics of your kick, relying much more on ankle flexion (that is, plantar- and dorsiflexion). Since fins are not allowed in any competitive events that I know of, you aren't helping yourself by using them.
Without fins, you are recruiting core muscles so much more. It is much, much harder. Vertical kicking: same thing. I've done this without fins, it is a great workout.
If you want really poweful ankles, use your fins a lot. If you want to get fitter, leave them on deck.
FYI I use my fins typically only when I am drilling, so I can avoid the sensation of sinking when I am trying to focus on technique.
