The Various Types of Swim Paddles

Swim paddles are an effective way for swimmers to strengthen their strokes and improve their form in the water. This important training tool is a great way for you to enhance your swimming naturally so you can improve your swim times and win more races. However, there are a vast number of swim paddles available on the market. Therefore, it is important to know about each of the types you can buy and why they are used so you don’t find yourself using something that isn’t going to help you.

What Are Paddles?

The first step is to learn just what swim paddles are and their intended purpose. Many swimmers choose to purchase these paddles as a way to learn how to swim properly. The truth is swim paddles are meant to be used by those who already have their technique down and need to strengthen their stroke or those who are working on a specific aspect of their stroke. If you are looking for the perfect paddles for any other purpose, it is best to choose another method for improving your stroke, such as positioning exercises and kicking exercises.

The Variety of Paddles

There are so many kinds of swim paddles, it can be difficult to talk about each one. Every company seems to make a different type of paddle to help swimmers increase the resistance of the water against their hands. The paddles can range from plastic squares with holes punched through them to molded paddles, backstroke paddles, spring paddles and antipaddles. Each of these paddles comes in a variety of sizes to change the amount of resistance you experience as you swim through the water or to fit the hands of every swimmer. Because of the variety of sizes and styles, it is important to work with a professional who can help you choose the right options for your needs instead of simply choosing what you have seen others use or that you think will work best.

The Design

In the past, the swim paddles that were available were made from solid plastic, giving swimmers the added resistance in the water. However, this caused swimmers to lose a feel for the water, making it more difficult to swim without the paddles on. Today, the design has been changed to allow for holes in the paddles that create the same resistance as the old design, while still allowing swimmers to keep a feel for the water, making the transition between wearing paddles and swimming without them much easier.

Moderation

Just like any other training method, it is important to use your swim paddles in moderation. It is also important to know how to use them properly to avoid causing unnecessary strain on your shoulders, which can lead to injury. If you have a good technique, you should be able to use the swim paddles on a regular basis. However, if you are working to improve your stroke technique, it is best to only use your paddles briefly to serve as a checkpoint for your progress. No matter how you use them, though, they should never be a part of your workout for the entire practice.

Training

Not all swim paddles are only designed to increase the power and strength of those who already have a strong technique. Some paddles are specifically designed as training tools to perfect the stroke. Each of these paddles serves a different purpose. For instance, some of them are designed to improve vertical motion, while others are meant to increase water perception. These pads can be used on a regular basis until your technique is correct.

With all the types of swim paddles available, it is important to make sure you talk to someone who knows how each one is used. If you use these paddles improperly, you can end up hurting your stroke and even injuring your body, causing you to have to work even harder to accomplish an improved swimming technique. However, with proper use, you will be able to reap all the benefits and improve your performance.