Smooth moves in the water with updated paddles
Simple hand paddles have been used for years by novice and veteran swimmers to pull more water with each stroke, thereby strengthening arm, shoulder and back muscles. Newer models, with ergonomic and hydrodynamic shapes, are designed to be safer and help you improve your technique. All will get you through the water faster, making your swim workout more interesting and fun.
*
Let the Vortex pull you in
Zura Vortex: Large, cupped paddles designed to build strength and encourage accurate form.
Likes: Trains entire hand in natural-feeling position, with a folded-cupped palm and extended fingers. Grabs a lot of water for a rigorous strength and speed workout, while flat front end allows good glide/extension. Rubber tubing holds hand solidly, and outside three fingers together.
Dislikes: Be cautious about injuring yourself by overdoing it; the large volume of water the Vortex grabs may strain muscles if you don’t gradually build up to long workouts.
Price: $15.95. (800) 890-3009; www.zura.com.
*
Straps and vents go easy on muscles
Aquatics by Sprint Power Paddles: Smooth-stroking, low-risk paddles “vented” with holes.
Likes: Straps over the wrist and two middle fingers hold hands comfortably in place. Holes make paddles stable and easier to pull through water, decreasing potential strain on rotator cuff during hard workouts.
Dislikes: Flat surface pulls less water, and therefore builds strength more slowly than cupped paddles.
Price: $10. (800) 235-2156; www.sprintaquatics.com.
*
Get a grip on your water workout
Advanced Sports Systems AquaClaws: Tiny, webbed, neoprene knuckle gloves for recreational swimmers, surfers and divers.
Likes: The webbing between the four fingers (not the thumb) grabs significantly more water than a cupped hand, though less than paddles, helping you swim faster. Relatively unencumbered, the hand is free to grab objects naturally, which is helpful for snorkeling and diving. Reduces surfers’ knuckle chill while allowing good board grip.
Dislikes: Spreading fingers wide to make use of the web does not teach you how to cup your hand correctly for the crawl stroke. Less of a strength workout than hand paddles.
Price: $10.95. (800) 766-7269; www.aquaclaws.com.
*
A mini-surfboard to finesse stroke technique
Finis Freestyler: Arrow-shaped, finned paddle designed to improve crawl-stroke technique.
Likes: Dorsal fin and hydrodynamic shape, reminiscent of a tiny surfboard, streamlines your hand entry into the water, then planes it to full extension submerged. Good for beginners to experts. It reinforces proper form by penalizing bad form, such as crossovers, and too-early entries.
Dislikes: Not a strength workout. You’ll have to fight the tendency to spread your fingers and grip the paddle’s edges because only the middle finger is held to the board by a small rubber tube. Not a replacement for strength paddles.
Price: $14.99. (888) 333-4647; www.finisinc.com.
*
-- Roy M. Wallack