Fins and swim paddles - why should you use them?

Swim fins - what are they and why should you use them?

Swim fins are a fundamental swimming training tool for many swimmers, both experienced and less advanced. They serve as an extension of your legs and are used to enhance the effectiveness of exercises performed in the water. Using fins in the water comes with many benefits, among the main advantages are:

1. Improved leg technique.
2. Increased swimming speed.
3. Enhanced water feel.
4. Improved maneuverability.
5. Facilitated execution of water maneuvers.
6. Strengthening of leg muscles.

However, it's important to note that fins place a greater strain on the muscles, which can lead to faster fatigue. This has a positive impact on building better fitness. Importantly, it's not recommended to swim exclusively with fins. It's essential to train without them as well, as varying stimuli will improve your water feel, ultimately enhancing your technique and performance.

Choosing the Right Swim Fins

The choice of fins depends on the swimmer's level of expertise and the type of water training. Currently, there are several types of swim fins that differ mainly in length and stiffness. Among the most popular varieties of these accessories are:

1. Soft fins
2. Medium fins
3. Hard fins

If you're a beginner or mainly swim recreationally, opt for soft fins. They allow for free movements similar to swimming without fins. Pay attention to the material as well; AquaSpeed fins, made from flexible plastic, offer excellent comfort. More experienced swimmers should choose medium or hard fins, which increase swimming speed while demanding more muscle effort. An example of medium fins for intermediate swimmers are TYR Crossblade fins, designed to match the anatomical shape of the foot for comfort during long training sessions.

Swim Paddles - What Are They For?

Swim paddles (also known as hand paddles) are handy swimming devices that you either wear on your hands or hold in your hands to increase arm strength, thereby improving swimming technique. Paddles increase the surface area of your hands in the water, providing more propulsion to the swimmer. These swimming accessories will quickly boost your physical fitness, as they engage muscles more effectively than many gym exercises. Swim paddles are also suitable for beginners, aiding in maintaining the correct hand position in the water during every training cycle. TYR Catch training paddles, equipped with special rubber, ensure stable grip during use.

Swim Paddles - Size Matters

When choosing swim paddles, pay attention to their size. Paddles that are too small can cause discomfort and hinder performance improvement, while incorrectly sized larger paddles may lead to injuries. Try on the paddles before purchase. Importantly, the size of training paddles should also correspond to the swimmer's skill level. Currently, the following sizes are distinguished:

• XS and S sizes: These are intended for beginners.
• M size: Mainly for intermediate-level athletes.
• L size: Primarily for professionals.

Swim Paddles - Other Considerations

Size isn't the only factor affecting future comfort and use. It's also important to consider other factors such as construction, shape, material, and adjustability when choosing paddles. Today, paddle manufacturers like Arena, TYR, or FINIS offer numerous color variants to match the style of every swimmer.