Why do you need swim hand paddles?
Swim paddles, or hand paddles for swimming, are much like flippers, except that you use them for your hands.
They are used to correct technique, build strength, or use for resistance training.
All competitive swimmers should have a pair of paddles in their bag. They attach to your hands, or fingers, and they are usually used for long distance, pull sets, or stroke correction.
Paddles increase your stroke length, and allow you to travel more distance in shorter frequency.
How do you use hand paddles? And why should you use them? Let’s cover it all.
Does everyone need a swim paddle? How long should you be using it?
Who should use swim paddle?
Every single competitive swimmer should use a pair of hand paddles. If your arm stroke is lacking the proper finish or strength, practice drills with pull buoys and hand paddles. Know more about how to use pull buoys and where to get them. They will teach you how to use your power and finish and follow through on your stroke. It teaches you speed, while still having the correct technique.
It is easier for you to focus on your stroke with the paddles, and it allows you to catch the water properly using your forearm and your palm for maximum efficiency.
Swim paddles actually increase the size of the hand which might make you go faster because of the increase in the surface area but at the same time, it is also adding resistance to your stroke.
After you use paddles, your arms will feel like jelly. Use your strength to continue your stroke to make it feel effortless and powerful.
Speedo swim paddle
GREAT FEATURE
Speedo Nemesis Contour Paddle, Multicolor, Medium
- The perfect fitness paddle for all swimming abilities
- Tubercles increase surface area along the paddle’s edge, pushing more water and creating smooth pulling trajectory
- Contoured shape helps the swimmer feel the proper hand position for water entry
- Improved tubing straps at the finger and wrist
- Use with our nemesis fins for the ultimate workout
Pros
sturdy and tubing straps are easy to use
Cons
expensive
When should you not use swim paddles?
Paddles should not be used for long periods of time, just as flippers shouldn’t be. Otherwise, it can lead to cramps or problems when you go back to swimming normally.
They should also not be used for breaststroke and butterfly as it is possible to get hurt during parallel motion.
What are the types of hand paddles?
There are two main types of hand paddles – hand paddles and finger paddles.
Hand paddles are used for backstroke and freestyle.
Finger paddles can be used for breaststroke and butterfly, where wearing oversized paddles becomes a safety problem. Finger paddles can also help with your technique for backstroke and freestyle to help maximize your stroke.
Since paddles add resistance, it is better to start with finger paddles till you have mastered the stroke.
Finger paddles cover the area of the fingers. It will help you to place your fingers properly and drive the stroke from the tip of the fingers.
Most paddles are designed to be bigger than your hand with a wind grip area. Some swim paddles will be shaped exactly to the shape of your hand. Some do not, like the speedo hand paddles which have an elliptical design to maximize surface area
How to understand the size of hand paddles that suit you
In order to buy hand paddles that fit you, you must ensure that it feels comfortable.
If the paddle is much bigger than your hand, you will not be able to swim.
However, if it is too small, you will feel uncomfortable, and there won’t be much point in using it.
Your paddle should not be more than 1 ½ times the size of your hand. If there is a one-finger, or max two-finger gap from the edge of your hand to the edge of the paddle, you should be fine. Make sure that the straps will stay attached while you swim, and are perfectly fitting. Too tight, and there is no mobility. Too loose and you can end up with some tendon injuries from paddles that come off.
