Swimming Paddles

Hand Paddles: Choosing the Right Size for Your Strength Level

The most common mistake swimmers make with paddles is choosing ones that are too large. A paddle significantly larger than the hand generates shoulder torque that the rotator cuff cannot sustain over extended training sets, particularly in the catch and early pull phase where the arm is at its most vulnerable position. This is the cause of most paddle-related shoulder injuries. A paddle that covers the hand with minimal overhang generates enough additional resistance to develop pulling strength and reinforce a high-elbow catch without creating injury risk.

The right starting point for most swimmers is a paddle that matches or very slightly exceeds their hand size. Progression to a larger paddle should be based on demonstrated tolerance at the current size over multiple sessions, not on what a club mate uses or what looks most impressive.

Arena Swimming Paddles

Arena produces paddles at multiple sizes within a consistent design family, making size progression straightforward. The smaller Arena paddle covers the hand with minimal overhang and is the appropriate starting point for most club swimmers and all junior swimmers new to paddle training. The medium and large options provide progressively more resistance for swimmers who have developed the shoulder strength and catch technique to use additional load productively. Arena paddles use a single central strap attachment that positions across the back of the hand rather than the fingers, which reduces the leverage force on finger joints during the pull phase.

Speedo Swimming Paddles

Speedo's Power Paddle range uses a slightly curved face geometry that follows the natural curve of the palm, creating a more complete water displacement during the pull stroke than a flat paddle surface. The finger hole pattern allows partial water flow during the pull, which provides technique feedback: a paddle that twists or drops during the pull phase signals a technical fault in the catch position rather than simply providing resistance regardless of entry angle. Speedo paddles are available in sizes suited to adults and juniors.

Finis Swimming Paddles

Finis produces several paddle designs specifically engineered around technique correction rather than general resistance training. The Alignment Paddle uses an asymmetric shape that requires correct hand entry angle to maintain a stable position through the pull. If the hand enters thumb-first or with a crossing-over pattern, the paddle creates immediate feedback by rotating in the water. The Fulcrum Paddle uses a raised central grip that encourages the elbow to stay high throughout the pull arc. Both are specialist tools best suited to swimmers working on specific technique problems under the guidance of a coach.

Amanzi, TYR, Vorgee Zoggs Paddles

Amanzi paddles carry their distinctive print aesthetic to training equipment with build quality assessed for the demands of regular club use. TYR's paddle range includes flat and contoured options across multiple sizes. Vorgee paddles use a rigid polymer construction with a dual strap system that distributes the load across both the wrist and finger attachment points. Zoggs paddles offer a practical entry-level option suited to leisure and fitness swimmers adding paddle training to their regular programme.

Using Paddles with a Pull Buoy

Paddles are most productively used in combination with a pull buoy for upper body isolation sets. The pull buoy supports the hips and removes kick from the equation, allowing full attention to be placed on stroke mechanics and load management through the catch and pull. This combination is a standard element of competitive training programmes and is equally useful for fitness swimmers working on upper body strength and stroke efficiency.

Authorised UK Stockist

Allens Swimwear is an authorised UK stockist for all paddle brands in our range including Arena, Speedo, Amanzi, Finis, TYR, Maru, Vorgee, Zoggs Nike. All products are genuine and covered by manufacturer warranties. Free UK delivery on orders over £20.

Paddle Training: Programme Considerations

Hand paddles should be introduced gradually, not used for extended sets from the first session. The additional resistance places increased load on the shoulder's rotator cuff, and swimmers not conditioned to this load risk impingement and overuse injury if paddle sets are too long initially. A sensible introduction is short sets - 200 to 400 metres - building volume over several weeks as shoulder strength and catch mechanics adapt. Paddles are a technique tool as well as a resistance tool: a paddle that twists or creates resistance unevenly during the catch is providing feedback that something in the pull mechanics needs correcting.

Strapless Paddles

Strapless designs from Finis hold only through pressure maintained by correct hand position during the pull stroke. If the paddle drops, the technique has failed - there is no strap to compensate. They are the most direct technique diagnostic tool available for swimmers who have already developed a reliable high-elbow catch and want to refine precision.

Paddle Care

Rinse paddles in clean water after use and allow to dry before storage. Check elastic or silicone strap components periodically - straps that have softened allow the paddle to shift on the hand during use, reducing both resistance and technique feedback value. Replace straps when they no longer hold the paddle firmly through the pull stroke.

Authorised UK stockist for Arena, Speedo, TYR Finis. Over 50 years selecting training equipment swimmers come back for. Free UK delivery on orders over £20.