General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Swim Fins - technique question Rss Feed  
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2006-01-09 11:41 AM

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Extreme Veteran
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Centennial, CO
Subject: Swim Fins - technique question
Bought new swim fins over the weekend - as recommended by the swimming for triathletes book. Tried them out in the pool for the first time this morning - doing drills. I kept bumping fins while kicking - so I'm thinking maybe I hold my legs too close together when I kick. Is this a technique error? Would I have a better kick if I kept my legs apart - like the fins made me do if I didn't want to bump one over the other?

Just fyi - these are the fins I got:


Edited by workoutbunny 2006-01-09 11:42 AM




(fins.jpg)



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2006-01-09 11:53 AM
in reply to: #319819

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Elite Veteran
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Northern Va/Metro D.C.
Subject: RE: Swim Fins - technique question
May I ask what type of fins you purchased? They do have swimming-specific fins called Zoomers.
2006-01-09 1:28 PM
in reply to: #319819

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Supersonicus Idioticus
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Thunder Bay, ON
Subject: RE: Swim Fins - technique question
That sounds like an odd question. Odd because it never bothered me. I'd say to spread your legs the same distance you would during your butterfly kick (both legs together). Both of those kicks feel natural to me, and any bumping my be occaisonal but not consistent.
2006-01-09 4:11 PM
in reply to: #319827

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Extreme Veteran
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Centennial, CO
Subject: RE: Swim Fins - technique question
I bought my fins at a swim store - they are short-blade fins made by aquasphere - at least that is what is on them.  Same manufacturer as my swim goggles.  The package says "Zip Training Fins" - and has a picture of a guy swimming the freestyle - so I'm pretty sure they were meant for swimming.

I didn't see zoomers at the swim store....maybe I should have asked.


2006-01-09 10:39 PM
in reply to: #319819

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Elite
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Racine, WI
Subject: RE: Swim Fins - technique question
Hijack with a really ignorant question...what's the point of the fins anyway? Improve leg strength?
2006-01-09 11:16 PM
in reply to: #319819

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Expert
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Plano, TX
Subject: RE: Swim Fins - technique question
Well, they can be used for leg strength. However, I use them to help with my other technique drills. For example, I use fins whenever I'm doing hand-lead drills. I have a very poor ankle flexibility, so the fins give my kick enough propulsion that I can focus on balance, body position, and rotation on that drill (since I'm not stroking with my arms).


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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Swim Fins - technique question Rss Feed