Can anyone recommend hand paddles not gloves that are great with all strokes. I am looking for a paddle that will help me build my strength and my technique.
When using paddles, you need to take off the wrist strap and make the finger strap very loose. That way, if your technique is bad, the paddle comes off. If you keep the pressure of the water on the hand, they don't come off.
If you have a bad stroke, you will get shoulder problems. If you have a bad stroke and strap on paddles tightly, you will get shoulder problems more quickly.
I've always taken the wrist strap of as well. However, the instructions for the installation of the tubing for StrokeMakers say...
"The placement of the tubes is essential for maximum benefit and minimum shoulder stress--DO NOT ELIMINATE THE WRIST TUBE--the paddle was designed to allow and encourage finishing your stroke with this tube in place."
Anyone know why they are so adamant about the use of the wrist strap?
I coach a small group of triathletes every other Saturday. I was asked if the goup was going to be using paddles and I responded that I am no longer a strong enough swimmer to use paddles so I dont write sets with them. I think that caught everyone by surprise. Every once in a while I see an inexperienced swimmer trying to go 15M off the wall in backstroke when they would be far better served swimming above water. I think the same thing about paddle usage...
Why do you use paddles?
(if you are one of those tri-people, never mind.)
Are you trying stir up an old thread? I am bringing paddles back into my workouts for some variety, technique work, to build strength and I think the look cool.(he, he)
Strokemakers for me also...started with the yellow size and after a year moved up to the larger red. Still not to the dinner tray size.
Be super careful not to go over your center line when pulling with paddles or you'll feel it in your delts...ouch!!! Swim Wide and over the barrell!
