Turtle Paddles anyone?

[Andrew]

Andrew is ordering Turtle Paddles asap. We will order extra sets if anyone is interested to save on shipping costs. They are $35 a pair plus shipping.
Let me know by Tuesday if you are interested.
Ginny

[Tamara Dantzer]

perfect timing- I was just looking these up and was going to order a few pairs- could you put me down for 2 pair please:)
Thanks, Tam

[Andrew]

If you are planning to develop higher cadence swimming this year, then these are essential.

[MartinC]

Hi Andrew, I would like to get a set please. What are the advantages over using fist drills?

[Peter O'Brien]

Yes! Taking after the swim clubs I see  .

Martin - Turtle paddles force you to keep your fingers in the PERFECT position in the water. There is still pull from your hands, just very little. If you try a friend's set, you may find your hands shaking for the first few laps. The forearm stabilizers are not habituated to keeping a steady hand throughout the stroke. It also forces you use your forearm to catch the water more, and the extra weight will help you train a better "flick" coming out of the water... I think.

[MartinC]

Thanks Peter. I have used them previously and I remember the feeling of instability, forcing the forearm stabilising muscles into use.

[Andrew]

Great description Peter. The other benefit over fists, is that the simple act of making a fist tightens your forearm unnaturally, so, as Peter says, the Turtles allow you to swim with the same relaxed form at a higher turnover. Much like spinning in small chain ring to work on coordination on the bike.

[kiwichris]

A point often missed by people is that your stroke must be efficient before taking on the challenge of turtle paddles to increase cadence -there is not point spinning your arms with a weakly developed techniqe - that will only ingrain poor habits.

C

[Daniel Auger]

Beside a developing a higher cadence, they can be used at a lower cadence to work on your stroke efficiency (catching water).  I have been doing pull swim with the paddles with stoke count to measure efficiency. I can do 25m with 16-17 strokes.  I stop for a break when I reach 18-19 strokes. I am focussing on this aspect now and will work on a higher cadence in January.

[Peter O'Brien]

When I swam, I had trouble swimming that little cadence normally  .

Speaking of which, if anyone's going for a swim this week, and would like some company, I'd love to come. It would be beneficial to get back into.

Speaking of which, what would be the benefits of swimming for a cyclist? I already have a stronger inspiration than expiration. Things that come to mind would be abdominal strength and flexibility.

[GinnySellars]

Hey Peter
I swim with Simon and Ally at noon on Tuesdays. That probably doesn't work with your school schedule, but if it does, join us! It's a drill focussed swim.

[Peter O'Brien]

I'd love to, but yes I can't come