accessories

How to choose hand-shaped fins in order to improve swimming technique

Riding a large surfboard is an unforgettable experience, but a miniature Handplane surfboard can significantly diversify the experience of even an experienced wave conqueror.

The handheld surfboard weighs only 650 grams and is 42 cm long and 25 cm wide. It has a rounded nose, narrow ” a fishtail to reduce splashing; and a miniature hydrofoil to increased speed and control.

The board is attached to the palm and wrist with a convenient strap, the size of which is adjustable with Velcro.

handheld surfboard

The surface of the miniature extreme swim board is covered with a special material that is significantly lighter and stronger than traditional fiberglass.

Finally, your amazing water adventures can be easily captured on video with a GoPro action camera mount at the front bow of the board.

Their main purpose is to work out the correct swimming technique and speed, as well as to develop strength.

In addition, hand fins are used to train sprint qualities and are widely used in water aerobics, as they make it possible to increase the load on the muscles of the arms and shoulder girdle.

different hand fins

Today, swimwear manufacturers offer a wide selection of these accessories:

  • classic rectangular blades are one of the most used models, as due to their non-streamlined shape it greatly increases resistance;
  • anatomical shoulder blades are the most popular, because, due to their shape, they provide ideal grip with the palm and, in fact, are used as a simulator, with the help of which the correct swimming technique is practiced, as well as strength and speed are developed;
  • The finger paddles cover only the fingers and are used to hone the stroke technique;
  • The strapless paddles have an advanced ergonomic design that is free from retaining straps. They have a convex shape and a hole to the thumb, due to which the hand takes a natural position with minimal pressure on the fingers. This model forms the correct stroke technique to styles such as butterfly, breaststroke and crawl (back and chest);
  • scapula-eight – a device consisting of two closed circuits, one of which is worn on the fingers, and the other on the forearms. This model is designed to improve the technique of such a style as the crawl (on the back and on the chest), forming the correct technique of carrying the arms over the water;
  • glove blades hand fins do not have any advantages over the above models and are mainly used for water aerobics;
  • fist gloves also develop the stroke technique, and due to the fact that the swimmer is forced to keep the fingers bent, he does not feel the water.

Hand fins – how to choose

Hand fins

Fins for hands – how to choose, the question is very important, because not only the quality of training depends on this, but also the comfort of using the accessory.

The scapulae are selected according to their shape, taking into account the training goals and strictly in size, which are in a large range – from the smallest (XXS and XS) to the standard line – S, M, L, XL.

When choosing, one should take into account what this or that shape of the blades provides:

  • rectangular greatly increases resistance;
  • anatomical – the most comfortable;
  • paddles with projections during the stroke increase the volume of water capture;
  • concave – fit tightly to the palms;
  • perforated paddles reduce stress by allowing you to feel the flow of water.

Hand fins for spearfishing, swimming in the pool and fins for hands – what is the difference – this question is of interest to many.

Hand fins suitable to spearfish, diving and scuba diving are worn on the feet. Fins are of different types:

  1. with open and closed heel;
  2. hard short (rubber and plastic);
  3. flexible wide (rubber-plastic);
  4. standard and wide (plastic);
  5. narrow long (high-speed).

Fins in a shape of hand to do pool workouts, hard and short fins and monofins are best, which improve swimming technique, especially dolphin and speed, and strengthen muscle groups – back, legs and abs.

And if you are looking to buy hand breaststroke fins, it is best to pay attention to the model with an asymmetrical ellipsoid shape, which has an adjustable heel lock.

As you can see, the fins for the legs and shoulder blades are designed to improve swimming technique, but the former make it possible to hone some techniques and increase the load on the muscles of the back, abs and legs, and the latter improve the stroke technique, developing the muscles of the arms and shoulder girdle.

Swimming paddles

Swimming paddles are one of the most popular accessories to train and improve hand technique, about which we have written a lot.

Dreaming of a powerful, perfect stroke without mistakes like a champion? Without this inventory, it is unlikely that progress will be made. But which of the whole variety to buy?

How do they differ from each other and what effect do they have? We will answer these questions in today’s review.

Why do you need swimming paddles

To improve technique, stroke speed and strength

Swimming with paddles

Getting the right hand into the water is often a problem for swimmers.

Respectively, the athlete feels the water better when performing a stroke, which contributes to the development of correct hand movement technique.

They also add additional stress to the athlete’s arms, which allows them to strengthen the muscles and make them stronger.

 For the development of muscle memory

Swimming Diving Hand Fins

Accordingly, having developed the correct technique when working with paddles for swimming, you will involuntarily repeat it when swimming without paddles.

Hand fins for error handling

Most swim fins have wrist and finger mounts. When the paddle is secured only with a strap on the finger, it will dangle if your hand enters the water at an incorrect angle.

This way, you can track down and work out your mistakes in order to better develop your swimming technique.

Note! Using swim fins that are much larger than your palms can damage your elbow joints. You don’t need to use the paddles to develop endurance: they are designed to work to develop technique and speed.

You should use your swim fins to wear on hand  for no more than 25% of your total workout time. Frequent use and swimming without the supervision of a trainer can introduce hidden errors in your technique.

using and paddles

To find the right paddles for your swim, pay attention to the following criteria:

  1. shape (hand, finger, oval, curved, etc.);
  2. size (S, M, L, etc.);
  3. fastening method (with straps, harnesses or finger holes);
  4. the purpose of paddle swimming (practicing mistakes, increasing the load, improving the feeling of water, etc.).

The shoulder blades differ in shape and purpose, since certain models are designed specifically for certain purposes – working out the correct position of the hand and elbow, increasing the force of the stroke, etc.

The attachment of the shoulder blades is also related to both the purpose of the shoulder blades and the level of fitness of the swimmer.

For example, the Finis Instinct Paddles are mounted in such a way as to develop the correct hand position. Otherwise, the shoulder blades will fly off.

Top Swim Paddles

When choosing shoulder blades, pay attention to size. It should be selected based on the parameters of your hand (in cm), as well as the level of training.

Do not think that the larger the scapula, the better!

Large swimming paddles are designed for those people for whom swimming is not the main sport: all-around athletes, amateur swimmers, etc. As a rule, they believe that the speed of movement in the water mainly depends on the strength and endurance of the athlete.

Indeed, the larger the surface area of ​​the paddle for swimming, the more force the athlete needs to apply to move, but at the same time, the more difficult it becomes to maintain the correct stroke technique.

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