Swim paddles – build strength while swimming

Swimmers like to get faster and that means more power. But how do you actually do that? There are countless tools on the market to improve strength within swimming with lifeguard class near me. From swimming paddle, to parachute or propeller. A swim paddle is a swimming aid that you attach to your hands. Because they are around your hands, you increase your hand surface so that you can better feel water or apply more force. But what is the point of a swimming paddle and which paddle is the best to buy?

What's the use of paddles?

A swimming paddle is an aid in swimming for training your arms / shoulders and perfecting your technique. You can use them while swimming or performing technique exercises such as sculling. So it is both a tool for improving strength and improving technique. That makes it a versatile tool used by many swimmers.

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What types of paddles are there?

Swimming paddles come in many shapes and sizes. The size is especially important. The larger the paddle, the greater the load on your shoulders. As a novice swimmer you don't want to start with paddles that are too big. A paddle that is too large is also not pleasant if you have small hands. Many paddles are therefore sold by size, so make sure you buy the right size.

Difference between a hand and finger paddle

Apart from the different shapes at the hand paddle. Are there two major differences between paddles. Namely the hand paddle (most used) and the finger paddle. The hand paddle helps you swim faster. You build strength with it and it supports you in technique.



The finger paddle, on the other hand, is mainly for fine tuning and technique. It helps to feel the water even better. How you insert, where your fingers are and how you perform the catch and swipe. Another advantage is that you can increase your stroke frequency more easily with a finger paddle than with a hand paddle. Simply because the paddle is smaller. Finally, the risk of injury with a finger paddle is smaller.

How do you use the swimming paddle?

A swimming paddle forces your hand through the water in a good line, as it were. If you insert incorrectly (e.g. way too early) or you don't pull through with a high elbow, this will be immediately punished with a paddle. Swimming with the paddle therefore supports getting more power from the shoulders and helps in technique. Swimming takes more strength and therefore muscle building improves. It also gives extra speed at a low intensity.

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When to train with swimming paddles?

Many adult swimmers start adding swim paddles early in their swimming career. It makes you stronger quickly and you go faster. But beware, swimming with lifeguards certification paddles involves risks if you don't master the technique well. Before you know it you are training the wrong muscles and overload or an injury is lurking. So first work on a good swimming technique and only then start with structural paddle training. So swimming with paddles can give a false feeling. 

Also build it up slowly, so that good technique is maintained. I can't say it often enough, good swimming technique is everything in efficient swimming. With a paddle there is a risk that you will train muscles that you no longer use with a good swimming technique. Or you are training the wrong muscles. It is therefore recommended to start under supervision when you start swimming with paddles. 

Must read: Start to swim: these are the biggest benefits of swimming

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