Fairly mediocre masters swimmer and while I’m well able to keep up in kicking drills with float (kick board) I find myself falling a few meters behind each length when using flippers despite kicking like billyo. I’m blaming my tools but it could also perhaps be technique. Any thoughts?
Yeah they aren’t training fins, look far too chunky. Still you should be quicker with them.
Devan said:
Yeah they aren’t training fins, look far too chunky. Still you should be quicker with them.
I KNEW they were to blame, thanks for confirming 
Devan said:
Yeah they aren’t training fins, look far too chunky. Still you should be quicker with them.
Do you know if the fins I’ve got right now are training fins (https://www.zoggs.com/en_AU/eco-short-blade-fins-2-3-us-3-4-465220-bllb) or if I should invest in a pair of DMC ones too?
You need longer fins. This is cheat mode, though. It won’t really do you much favors in the long run.
You just need to kick harder and faster and stay close to horizontal to the water surface.
Bela said:
You need longer fins. This is cheat mode, though. It won’t really do you much favors in the long run.
You just need to kick harder and faster and stay close to horizontal to the water surface.
Thanks for the advice… think my body position is decent so I’ll just have to kick harder and hopefully I’ll reap the benefits in the open water come spring.
Are you saying that swimming with fins is slower than without? If that’s the case, then your kicking is not on point.
How flexible are your ankles? If you don’t have good mobility it may be adding drag.
Get Arena Powerfins, they are arguably the best fins on the market; they work wonders.
You say you’re a master swimmer, so I’m sure you’re aware of proper technique. Still, I should say in case you’re overlooking it or if anyone else may have this problem. Make sure you’re kicking with your whole body and drive in with your hips. Fins are great showing us where our legs could use improvement. I don’t know your situation but in case this helps.
@Tallis
I think OP means masters, not master. Masters is just a swimming organization for adults of all skill levels. Although I do agree that could be the problem, it may also be as simple as conditioning. Also drills are always super variable in how fast people go; some people rush through drills and go faster than what’s probably optimal, while others take their time with the drills and end up going a little slower.
@Dez
I always take my time on kick drills, really making sure I feel the burn in my thighs.
Just better practice when you think about it over those fish who are lapping me.
@Tallis
A master swimmer can be someone over 18 who swims and not someone who “mastered” swimming, FYI.