[Tithers]

Hi, my name is Sherry and I'm a swim accessory dummie.<br><br>
Ok peeps. I'm at a loss and need advise.<br><br>
I went to Sports Authority to see what they had for flippers and paddles.<br><br>
They only had a wallfull of Speedo paddles, size large.<br><br>
What brand of paddles is it that I need? You know, the kind you put your middle finger through...comes in sizes 1-5...I would be going w/a 1 I guess.<br><br>
Ok...so they had snorkeling fins and zoomers. I was about to cry b/c I was overwhelmed. I call CS...no hello...just "Aren't you supposed to be swimming?" (No...not on schedule...)<br><br>
So-his advise was to buy a cheap $15 pair.<br><br>
I noticed the Zoomers were way shorter than other flippers...so I was like "What's the purpose?" I think CS said strength? They don't propel you like the long ones. They didn't have my size anyways. They were $30.<br><br>
For flippers-do you buy your street size, or are you supposed to go larger?<br><br>
Then I looked at suits. $70+...um. NO!<br><br>
I ended up walking out w/ a clearance dri-fit nike had for $10 which brings out my sparkly blue eyes.<br><br>
So-links? Advise? Bueller?

 

[teacherjen]

I assume your pool doesn't have either that you could try out? I got my stuff on tri-zone or some site...don't remember what kind they were. Paddles you have to be careful with. You may want bigger than size 1, but you might want to work up to it. They can be hard on your shoulders (but Sheldon will give you proper amounts of yardage so you don't hurt yourself.) I started with biggish ones, but keep my yards/meters low as my shoulders get used to the extra work.<br><br>
I'd get the regular length fins.<br>
jen

 

[Tithers]

Nope, my pool doesn't have crap to try out.<br><br>
I swim "longer yardage"<br><br>
CC told me to go w/a 1 at her clinic, so I'm weary to try anything bigger. She wears a 3.

 

[niemsco]

You should get Zoomers as larger fins will promote a large kick getting out of the slipstream, which is bad. Zoomers will keep you closer to a natural efficient kick.<br><br>
For paddles, many coaches and books I've read swear on Finis Streamliner paddles only. They focus on technique actually, we use these in masters. You can get them at trisports.com.

 

[bcc594]

Another vote for Zoomers. They're pretty nice - I got my pair last year. I will probably be getting myself some paddles tomorrow. Scott is right about the fins - you want the shorter ones. I heard that the longer fins, aside from doing what Scott said, can also hurt your knees and legs. We don't want that, now, do we?

 

[teacherjen]

<br>
Oh, I didn't mean to cut your yardage any....just to limit at first the number of yards you do with the paddles. And if CC told you 1's, then I'm thinking she knows what the heck she's talking about!! <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[Tithers]

Ok...here are a few I found...<br><br>
Flippers:<br><a href="http://trisports.com/tyrcrfin.html" target="_blank">http://trisports.com/tyrcrfin.html</a><br><br>
I'm guessing the blue ones for me?<br><a href="http://trisports.com/zoomers.html" target="_blank">http://trisports.com/zoomers.html</a><br><br>
Anyone try these...they're pricey...<br><a href="http://trisports.com/zoomersz2fins.html" target="_blank">http://trisports.com/zoomersz2fins.html</a><br><br>
Ok-so long fins propel you more and short ones work your legs more...<br>
I'm still confused as to which would be best for me...<br><br>
Paddles:<br>
So-this one gives you a body/weight range...OMG...why?<br><a href="http://trisports.com/zoomfulshoul.html" target="_blank">http://trisports.com/zoomfulshoul.html</a><br><br>
Didn't someone try this here?<br><a href="http://trisports.com/fifofu.html" target="_blank">http://trisports.com/fifofu.html</a>

 

[niemsco]

These are the ones I use: <a href="http://trisports.com/finfreeshanp.html" target="_blank">http://trisports.com/finfreeshanp.html</a>. There is only one size so they make it easy.<br><br>
I haven't tried the forearem fulcrum but it sounds cool. I'll ask my coach about it, I'm sure he's seen them.<br><br>
For Zoomers, they say the Red ones are more rigid and are better for strength. If you want to just go a long distance with fins, I think they say the Blue ones are better. If you want them for drills, then maybe Blue ones. I've been meaning to get the Red ones, I have the Blue, because I wanted to work on strength. I haven't really been using the fins much anymore.

 

[TriAndStopMe]

I use the Finis Freestyler paddles niemsco uses. My shoulders are iffy, so I want to make extra sure of technique to limit the odds that I'll pull hard at a bad angle and make things worse.<br><br>
I was hesitant to try the Fulcrum, since it seemed a little overkill to me... but I am a gearhead and I found myself with a gift certificate in hand, so I got them. I think they're worthwhile for me. Developing a better catch and pull is definitely something I need to do, and I think the Fulcrum will help train my wrist/and forearm to be in the right position. I think I'd had my wrist bent a bit too much before.<br><br>
Zoomers win the popularity contest... especially among "real" swimmers. Blue are the ones to go with to start out. If you go with Zoomers, I'd seriously consider spending the few extra bucks for the Z2 version. I know it's no big deal for CS, but I was amazed to find out after getting a pair of regular Zoomers, that there's a line on the instruction sheet that all but says, "expect to get blisters." Across the top of the toes seems to be the key friction point, though there could be some at the heel, too. Lube could help, and/or you could buy some of the fin socks to protect your feet.<br><br>
Personally, I tend to end up using my <a href="http://midnightpass.com/neofthem.html" target="_blank">Neofins</a> most. They're not quite as narrow as Zoomers, but they still have a short blade. AND they have a soft neoprene lining. Even the strap is neoprene lined. Neoprene won't last quite as long as rubber, but I'd rather protect my feet for the other sports than worry about blisters in the pool. Then again, the Neofins cost twice as much, so you may not want to go for them.<br><br>
Also, you won't be wearing the swim fins for your entire workout, so blisters with the Zoomers may not be as much of a concern for you.

 

[pcsronbo]

Ok, you're thinking too hard.<br><br>
Here's what I know<br><a href="http://www.tyr.com/shop/mentor-hand-paddle-p-166-c-68_69.html" target="_blank">http://www.tyr.com/shop/mentor-hand-...6-c-68_69.html</a><br><br>
Ok, this is the flavor I have. I use Red mostly and borrow blue occasionally. Depends on your upper body strength. No clue where you are, so dunno. I would say possibly yellow or red. I see mostly ladies using green and lots of people with yellow, only the speedier folks with red/blue.<br><br>
Re fins - go back to WHAT IS THE POINT - why do you need fins? Not to propel yourself, but to work your legs. So go shorter. I have the longer fins and I can FLY across the pool. Fun, but a useless workout. They're getting retired. Luckily, I don't do much work with them.<br><br>
re: the other freaky thing - no clue, never tried it<br><br>
The paddles I use most workouts, the fins - maybe 1-2x/mo.

 

[Tithers]

Niem...w/your "shark-like" hand paddles...why do they come in only 1 size? It says that it's a free-style specific paddle. I never saw people using paddles except for free style.<br><br>
How does it force you to have a high elbow? just curious. What happens if your hand enters at a funny angle? Those paddles correct it?<br><br>
Ok-they look interesting...I MIGHT bite.<br><br>
Most paddles I've seen look like Ron's or the ones I posted that come in 5 sizes.<br><br>
I was told to wear a pair of socks w/zoomers. Now...I see those fancy pool socks.<br><br>
Dumb question...can I just wear a pair of "regular" socks?<br><br>
I wouldn't be wearing the fins for flying along...I guess leg strength.

 

[niemsco]



Niem...w/your "shark-like" hand paddles...why do they come in only 1 size? It says that it's a free-style specific paddle. I never saw people using paddles except for free style.<br><br>
quote]<br>
They are the only paddle that I know focused on technique rather than power. The skeg design of the paddle makes it so that if your hand entry is incorrect, it will just feel sloppy, meaning the paddle just comes off your hand in an awkward way. When the entry and recovery or correct, the paddle will really stick closely to the hand. It takes some while to get use to. I guess because of this, it does promote a high elbow. If you were a snorkel you can watch this all yourself <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">. My tri coach who coached division I swimming at Bucknell said they were the only ones worth using. Which is the only reason I use them, but these have been around for awhile from what I understand, so I'm not sure if there is something out there that is better.<br><br>
One thing, if you get them, make sure you don't wrap your thumb and pinky around the edges of the paddle. I did that naturally until my coach saw it and start yelling. Your hand should be flat on the paddle, which is why if your entry is incorrect, its going to fly right off.<br><br>
Never heard about the socks and zoomers before.

 

[Tithers]

Does it have a strap for your middle finger or something?<br><br>
I thought the main purpose of paddles was to develop strength...<br><br>
The more I learn the less I know...

 

[pcsronbo]

2 purposes -<br>
1. strength<br>
2. form<br><br>
these forms will REALLY force you to do good form, you notice when you do bad things cuz you stop movin <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"><br><br>
I feel quite inadequate with my tiny little hands after a set with these things. Size matters. <img alt="sad.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/sad.gif">

 

[niemsco]

Not the Finnis paddle. The primary purpose is form. That is why they lay this claim to the only paddle being specific for freestyle technique. As they say:<br><br><i>"The Freestyler is the only hand paddle designed specifically for freestyle. With its unique shape and design, swimmers can improve the more technical aspects of their freestyle stroke during daily training"</i><br><br>
That said there is a benefit of power, but that is not the primary benefit of this paddle. Which seems to be why my coach likes them, what's power without the correct form? So its:<br><br>
1. Form<br>
2. Power<br><br>
For <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><b>this</b></span> paddle. Yes there is a tube you put your finger in to keep the paddle to your hand.

 

[melonella]

I had a pair of Tyr paddles (red) that I liked but were too large for me...too much stress on the shoulders. Don't go macho with paddle size.<br><br>
As for fins, the only reason I'd use them is to help work on balance while doing stuff like kick-on-side drills. Sometimes a little extra propulsion is helpful for drills like that.

 

[TriAndStopMe]

You can remedy this with some fist drills... after a length or two swimming with a closed fist, your open hand will feel as big as a plate. Manly, too. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[Swimmerbee]

I use fins for surf and fins for developing leg strength. For the latter you want something that will let you simulate the swim kick you are looking for. There are two fins that are popular here for that the zoomers (and frankly red vs blue is not a major difference) and Zura fins, newcomers. THe Zuras are very light, actually float your feet up a bit and give you resistance in both up and down kick plus the shape tends to imporve your "legs together" form. Either will work, I prefer Zuras (and they are a little speedier too).<br>
Just about every paddle manufacturer will tell you their paddle is the best for form and strength. I'd look for something that fits your hand and keep it small. I use the yellow Tyrs and I have large hands. I've borrowed others too they all seem to do the same thing. The ones with holes in them help you keep the feel of the water and the tyrs let me put my thumb in the same position I use without paddles. So I think if you go small and with holes you can't go wrong.<br><br>
Socks/booties are for preventing chafing. I've seen people wear thin poly pro socks but most wear the neo ones made for fins. Or just use bodyglide (in my case aquaphore) on the potential chafe areas. I don't like the z2 fins they are too narrow for my feet.

 

[dragonsrouges]

I'm guessing people who use paddles don't have shoulder pain... (most swimmers have muscle imbalance but not all have pain).<br><br>
I'm not 100% against paddles and fins but is there really no way to increase your training intensity besides using paddles?<br><br>
For triathletes, I'm not sure leg strength is an issue, especially when the race is much longer and recruits less leg intensity than say 50-100m sprints. I think using fins is a good idea to give you a good feel for the water to work on technique but to train leg strength 800m + race?

 

[hobey]

I second the Zura rec. Got those for Xmas and love them! No paddles for me but I figure I'll try some out at my pool.