Swim paddles

stick girl

Hiya! just wondering if anyone can give me some advice about swim paddles. I'm a fairly good swimmer; usually do 50-60ish lengths per session, swimming intervals of 250 meters. Do mostly swim freestyle with 50 meters of breaststroke sprinkled throughout session. Looking to build strength & work on speed and form. There are so many out there... I tried a pair of the TYR mentor paddles and didn't like them at all. Was looking at the speedo contours and the TYR catalysts...??? With there being so many different shapes and sizes, it's rather hard to pick. Also, can anyone recommend a proper training session with them? Thanks!

okane1

I use Speedo BioFUSE Power Paddles in medium size and find them very comfortable and easy to get used too.

In terms of training with paddles, if you are using power paddles be carefully with doing big distance on them if you are not used to it. Damage could occur.
Build it up slowly. Start off doing 5 or 10 x 50m after a good warm-up. Over time you can either increase the amount of intervals or move up to 100m.
After a few months, do one long swim with paddles, 1000m if your shoulders can take it. I find intervals the best method for increasing fitness and speed.

You should do the paddle work at the start of your training session.
After it do some kick and full stroke sets.

stick girl

Ok I'll have a look at the bio fuse paddles. Thanks for the training recommendation & warning. Sounds like a good place to start!