[Alaska Mike]

<p>I checked out the pool during my last trip north and its about 10m long, which obviously isn't going to do me much good for training.  So it looks like swimming is out for my two week work shift.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I realize that the best way to become a better swimmer is to swim more, but since that isn't an option (at least when I'm working), I'm looking at what else I can do.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Does anyone have experience with any of the dryland swimming toys (stretch cords, etc)?  Any suggestions?  It needs to be light and portable, so a Vasa trainer is out.  Any good books you've come across on the subject?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Thanks,</p>
<p>Mike</p>

 

[MBannon]

<p><a href="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/thread/69314/swim-cords-anyone">http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/thread/69314/swim-cords-anyone</a></p>

 

[MBannon]

<p>I have some swim paddles I don't really use anymore, I'm thinking about just buying a bunch of surgical tubing and making my own stretch cords in the garage.  I'll let you know how it works out (probably next month).</p>

 

[niemsco]

<p>We've been using just regular stretch cords in our group practices, even using them at the side of the pool.  You don't really need the ones with paddles.  Its hard to describe the moves, the important thing is keep good form and tight core.  lots of just flicking the arm back to work on triceps, doing a lat pull pull then turning the hands out which works on rotator cuff.  Probably google or look at going long pictures.  I use the cords now more than my vasa.</p>

 

[Swimmerbee]

<p>I use a swim tether in hotel pools.  There's a small one that goes around your ankles <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325&tag=kickrunners-20&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPoolToy-The-Original-Swimcords%2Fdp%2FB0006N8TAE" rel="norewrite" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/PoolToy-The-Original-Swimcords/dp/B0006N8TAE</a>, you could make the same out of some nylon webbing, velcro and thin bungee.  The swim cords one is much smaller to carry around than the stretch cordz one that goes around your waist.  Its not exactly the same as swimmign and 20 mintues will likely exhuast you but its a great workout and will build some power. </p>