Pull Buoy and Paddles Benefit

Hand paddles are a great tool to help you with your form. They are also a great way to tear up your shoulder. I am sure this thread will have points of view from both sides.

Until you are a very proficient swimmer I would not recommend a hard workout with hand paddles. Use them as a tool to refine your stroke. I always use mine without the wrist strap and only have the paddle secured by one finger. This way if you drop your elbow during the catch the paddle will fall off. If you place your hand in too far in front of you the paddle will want to come off. It gives you instant feedback.

There are many great tools out there to improve your stroke. None work as well as giving yourself enough time in the pool to get better. I am talking about 60 to 90 minute workouts and not 20-30 minute workouts.

I've got that part down. It was the topedo next to me w/ the paddles and fins that got me wondering

Anyone can swim fast with paddles and fins.........

I never use paddles, simply because I don't own any (althuogh I am sure my stroke could use the feedback), and I rarely use pull buoys.  People like these things becuase they make them swim faster, and so people tend to use them more than they should (huge generalization, I know).  They are tools, but they don't necessarily make them faster swimmers........

Not a fish, so I'll largely defer to what was said above.  They can help with form and, depending on the paddle, can also provide resistance to help as a strength training tool.  But if your catch isn't at least decent to start with, you'll risk putting stress on your shoulders instead of your lats.

I use them some because they were cheap to pick up and add some variety to my swims.  Don't know that there is much 'substantial' benefit that you can't get from just swimming more.

As far as the buoy, well it depends; if you used it to develop 'feel' for good balance or hip rotation and mix it with free swim then yes. If you use it to just swim faster without thinking then you might be missing the chance to improve your swim times. Instead of the buoy you can use an elastic band instead. Although it is much more difficult at 1st it will force you to swim with better balance and hip rotation, plus a stronger stroke in the long run.

here is a good link from Joel Filliol (great Candaian tri coach) with great info: http://www.triathletemag.com/Departments/Training/2005/storybfd9.htm

Thanks for the replies so far.  Twofold purpose of the question.  1) to  provide insight  to  anyone that is curious and 2) for potential personal benefits.

As to me, I use the pull buoy only during warm-ups. Since I'm now going long I'm only concerned w/ effeciency.  I swam Timbeman (HIM) conservatively  in 38 mins, 1:48/100 pace and came out feeling great.  If I double that or little faster at LP w/ the same effort I'm a happy man.

Using paddles and the buoy helped me TONS this year.  Actually, I get slower when I use a pull buoy.  Basically, the paddles gave me great feedback on if I cut my stroke short and many other random things I was doing wrong.

I sink like a rock, so the buoy allowed me to focus on my stroke without worrying about my legs falling to the bottom of the pool.  This helped tons.  Like others have said, get one that just attaches to one or two fingers and not your wrist.  You want it to fall off or move if you're doing something wrong.

I've always been anti-pool toys after reading fairly negative responses to them (mostly on Slowtwitch) but with my coach my approach has been to use them only to reinforce and enhance correct technique.  I've only used them for drills (another thing hotly debated) and think they have helped me personally.

Yesterday I went out and bought paddles, fins and a pull buoy so I don't have to use the ones at the pool anymore.  Tomorrow will be my first session ever using paddles as the coach is going to show me some drills with them.

So yes, I will be using them, but only for very specific technique work and emphasis.  Never to just swim for long periods.  Kind of defeats the purpose to use them for long swims in my opinion ......

Good stuff.

I imagine if I use them at all it wb limited to warm-ups and some technique work. When pull buoy is incorporated the plan usually says "paddles o.k."  I feel like my form is decent enough and I don't like deviating from my plan much anyway.

Lots of good ole free style yardage ahead of me. Oh, and of course, damn intervals

Why is everyone so against the paddles and pull buoys? Some of the best swimmers I know in this sport use them quite frequently...

I incorporated pull with paddles into my swim workouts recently, and have definitely benefitted from it. But I really can't comment on the pros and cons of paddles beyond what I've experienced personally.

To the OP, I think you should give it a try; you might like it. Use the buoy when using the paddles. When picking out paddles, be sure not to get ones that are too big. Don't hesitate to go a size smaller or skill level lower in choosing your first set. Good luck and have fun!!

I use paddles for resistance as part of my strength workouts. It helps you with correct form on your pull, plus gives your shoulders a good workout.

I used buoys a lot when I swam on a team but not on my own. The only benefit I could see is that it does position your body in the water similarly to how a wetsuit does it. The only time I have really used a buoy is if I had a leg injury and wanted to work my arms without kicking. It helps that end of your body float when there is no kick to keep your legs up.

Good Luck!

I'm not a good swimmer but working with a coach who placed 5th in Xterra Worlds who is an excellent swimmer.

If we use either buoy or paddles it is to reinforce what we are trying to learn to do like Rick said.

I tend to kick my feet wide so using a buoy actually keeps my legs together more so it is good for me but I use it very limited.

Paddles helps reinforce you are doing the front end right or wrong.

Other thing they have me use is a finis front mounted snorkel. I don't have to worry about breathing which I often get off balance and rotate to far and I can watch my hand entry, extension and start of my pull. I will swim 50 or 100 with the snorkel and then swim with out. 

You read different things and some say this or that training tool is great others say never  use them. Just like all points in swimming I think we need to be aware and figure out what works best for us taking in from others as much as we can. 

Don't be afraid to work on all the strokes. It breaks up the workout and swimming anything will improve your freestyle! Even sculling feet first and upside down!! There has been some great advice on this thread regarding the paddles.

There isn't a top level competitive swim team out there that doesn't use paddles. But we are not top level competitive swimmers. We're triathletes who would like to do this sport for many years with healthy shoulders! Use them wisely and not for power and they will be a big help.

Bob

I always have incorporated some breast stroke. Interestingly this plan doesn't have any. I'll have to inquire as to why.

Often use a kickboard in the warm-up stage 100 or 200 yds tops. Have been for a while and they still suck