Swim Tools

[AnthonyM]

Hi All,

Someone asked me after last Friday’s session what swim tools they should have for swimming. Here is a list of stuff which most would consider “essential” and a few extras which can be useful in individual circumstances:

*DISCLAIMER*: Paddles should be used first to pattern good (& safe) catch technique & secondly to get strong.

The basics

Pull buoy:
Any basic pull buoy will do – Obvious choices are Finis and Speedo

Fins:
Finis Long Floating Fins are great but any fins will do. Buy small ones if you have limited space in the bag.

Paddles:
Finis agility paddles – these are ideal for learning to catch the water properly with a high elbow & engage your lats. Small or medium size only. Large for a different focus.

Pulling band:
Finis make an ankle band but you can make one yourself out of an old bicycle inner tube.
Swimming with a band (& pull buoy) is great for learning good body position & how to create force through good pull mechanics.

Extra stuff which can be good to have depending on your individual needs

More paddles:
Finis Freestyler paddles – if you’re going to have a second paddle in the bag, make it this one (get the junior version if you have small hands)
Speedo power paddles – good basic flat paddle – would only recommend for advanced swimmers – remove the wrist strap
Finis Fulcrum paddles – these paddles allow you to tip your wrist and set up and early catch – wrist strap optional

A snorkel (+ nose clip):
Great for working on an appropriate head position & a range of technical points without having to worry about the breathing motion – Finis Freestyle snorkel is best

Stretch cords:
For warming up before a swim session and to set up catch mechanics – Ones with handles are best. They often do them in Aldi/Lidl

A drag device:
Drag shorts, bermuda shorts, a swim parachute, a sponge tied to your waist, a towel tied to your ankles – pick your poison
Swimming with extra resistance is great for pulling technique and strength endurance.

Most of the above can be bought on SwimCycleRun.com where you can use your Piranha 10% discount.

Happy swimming!
Anthony

[Author]

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