Pull-buoys, Paddles & Kickboards

Rounding out training by using paddles, pull-buoys and kickboards is a part of almost all swimmer's daily workout routine. While some athletes own their equipment, many other swimmers use whatever is at the pool. It might be a generic kickboard or one designed for a particular purpose. Maybe they use a one piece pull-buoy and rectangular paddles. All of these will serve the intended purpose; but if you are going to buy your own, be sure to look at what is available on the market. Get the type or style that will work for you.

Pull-Buoys
These can be broken into two main types, solid and two piece. The solid type are not adjustable, but they do not move or shift as much as a two piece buoy. Pull-buoys with two separate floats, joined by a rope or band can be adjusted to fit the individual swimmers leg size. A few models are:

• The Aquafoil is designed to work as both a pull-buoy and a kickboard.
• Arena's pull-buoy can work as a kickboard, too.
• Zura's model can also be filled with water to vary the buoyancy.
• Speedo makes both one and two piece pull-buoys.
• TYR has three; a one-piece soft or hard model and a two piece model.

An additional piece of pulling equipment is an ankle band. Wrap a large rubber band, small inner tube, or circular float about the ankles to stop all kicking action. this can bring out some body position and pulling flaws that might not otherwise be noticed. It also adds to the workload.

 Hand Paddles
Adding paddles to either swimming or pulling can increase speed and feel, making some stroke flaws more obvious. They also add an extra load to the workout, which can result in improved conditioning - or an injury. Swimmers must complete each stroke with good technique and listen to their body. If something hurts, stop!

Generally, if the paddle is rectangular there is an increase in the ability to put pressure on the water in the catch - but this also means more stress. Paddles that are curved or tapered tend to have less surface area, resulting in less stress - but also less pressure or power. A few designs include holes drilled through the paddle to keep some water flowing through it. This can both decrease stress and maintain the feeling of flow throughout the stroke. Some companies also make a webbed glove; this design is more suited to aquatic exercise, as opposed to lap swimming. Paddles come in a wide variety of styles, each with its own claim as to why it is the best. Here are a few:

• Dream Paddles have a built in computer to measure stroke power, stroke cycles, time, and calories.
• Finger Paddles are just big enough to cover your digits.
• Finis Freestyler, designed specifically for freestyle, featuring a "skeg" on each paddle.
• Fulcrum Paddles, from Zoomers, are designed to allow you to push harder, safely.
• The Leader paddle is tapered and has a grooved palm for feel.
• Speedo's Training Paddle, a rectangular model, come in a variety of sizes.
• Speedo's Swimfoil is contoured to help improve technique and re-enforce proper stroke mechanics.
• Strokemakers are curved and have strategically drilled holes to help maintain a feel for water movement and to relieve some shoulder strain.
• TYR's Catalyst is very popular, designed to improve all strokes while minimizing the risk of injury.
• Kiefer's Power Paddle has a vented palm to allow swimmers to experience the feel of the water for a more natural swimming sensation.
• Zura Paddles come in two models, the Team for regular pulling and the Vortex that is also good for sculling.
• Han's Paddles are rectangular with holes drilled through them to increase feel for the water.
• Han's Gripper is larger and has a special surface to hold water better.
• Han's Groover model is the larger and more flexible than the original.

Kickboards
Big, little, hard. flexible - even some that look like spaceships, kickboards should be both comfortable to hold but not so buoyant that they lift you too far out of the water. Many swimmers find that using flippers while kicking helps them to both build stronger legs and increase ankle flexibility. Kicking with a board is probably most productive when done with the face out of the water and the arms on top, gripping more towards the front. A few of these models:

• Macho Floater is a half circle board.
• Guppy Gear has a flexible model available in several colors.
• These kickboards can be custom ordered with your team or business logo.
• Lane Four has a standard "tombstone" shaped rigid model.
• Kiefer has a variety of boards, including the Hydroplaner with built-in handholds.
• Speedo makes a Junior and a Team model.
• The Zura Speedray and Sprint look like pieces of futuristic art; actually, they are designed to decrease shoulder stress.
• Tyr's standard board is flexible.
• The Tyr Aquafoil also works as a pull-buoy.

Whatever you choose, attempt to try it out before you buy it. Individual comfort varies from type to type, and the one that you think looks the best may make you feel the worst.

Swim On!

Photos provided courtesy of World Wide Aquatics, Copyright 2000

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