Triathlon Swimming equipment

Some swim fans may assume that when competing in a swim race the only equipment needed would be goggles, a swim cap, and a wet suit. What they don’t realize is that there are many other pieces of equipment that are available to first time swimmer, as well as an experienced veteran swimmer also. There are some pieces of equipment that can make a significant change in your technique, as well as swim times. Listed in below are just a few of these things that many swimmers find beneficial.

Kick Fins

These are a good asset to have if you are working with balance drills. While using these, you must remember not to find yourself relying on them. Make sure that you are just as balanced and in the same position when you’re not wearing them, that you would be if you were wearing them.

Strong, solid kicks are an important asset to your swim performance, although not the most important thing in a competition. With that said, kicks should be included in your training schedule, because it encourages a higher body position, and allows you to maneuver in a straight line.

The most highly recommended kick fin is the shorter style, because this style helps with proper body position. These short fins don’t conflict with flip turns, and they have a very low probability of causing the user any type of knee or ankle stress.

The most common drills for beginners using the short fins include the back and side kick drills. Also, they can be used for arm side drills during training. However, when you become more familiar with the drill, don’t continue to use them. Remember, if you are using a pull buoy or paddles, don’t use your fins in conjunction with these other pieces.

Kick Board

The kickboard is another training device that is popular for beginners. This allows the swimmer to develop his or her kicking action. Kick boards can improve your kicking skills greatly, as well as the strength in your legs, but it does very little for your judgment for balance.

Goggles

There are two major purposes for goggles, protecting the swimmer’s eyes from chemicals, harmful rays, and damaging lights, as well as allowing the swimmer to see more clearly under water. It is recommended to wear watertight goggles that also offer the wide angle vision and a low drag profile.

Pull Buoy

The pull buoy is one of the most popular aids in training drills, because it allows you to work on your arm stroke, as well as breathing at a lower heart rate. All this can be done while continuing to focus on your kick. There are also downsides to things when you are using pull buoys, like the fact that they tend to cover up your balance and stroke limiters. It is true that the swimmers who tend to go faster using a pull buoy may have a problem with their body position as well as their kick technique once they go without the buoy. When going through warm ups, drills that use paddles, and recovering training, it is recommended to limit the use of the pull buoy.

Paddles

It is important to know the proper technique in order to get the best performance possible. Without knowing the proper way to use this training, it can result in the risk of injury, due to over using them, or using them wrongly. They can be known for actually increasing stroke mistakes, since you are developing the strength, but not the proper balance. If you have a sold arm stroke, paddles can encourage a stronger catch, and greater propulsion, for the push and pull of your stroke.
There are many different types of paddles that come highly advertised, all claiming to help some specific stroke quality. Take into consideration that the most highly recommended would be a small or medium sized paddle.
There are a few reasons why paddles may not be recommended, the first is for those people who experience shoulder problems, or for those who struggle with technique limiters. Also, if you are a beginner, it isn’t recommended due to the high risk or injuries due to inexperience.
To improve your strength, it only takes ten minutes of paddle strokes, during one session a week. Once you have a strong enough stroke, the closer you will get to racing season, and you can use paddles to add force and to build your muscular strength. Keep in mind while doing this that you still need to concentrate on using your correct form.

Stretch Cords

Using stretch cords will help you get the most out of land exercises, as well as helping to improve your swim techniques. These are a great way to stimulate swimming motions, without ever having to actually get into the water. When you are in water, you use different muscles than you do while you are on land. Unlike bicycling or weight lifting, the stretch cords are the closest to an actual swim stroke. Once you have the basic free-style stroke down, you should be able to begin to use stretch cords to strengthen your push-pull technique, as well as your full stroke technique.

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