Paddles are often used by swimmers and triathletes in order to get faster. Are they worth it?
The answer…it depends. When brand new to swimming the most important thing is to develop swimming skills and technique. This involves developing proper mechanics through the whole stroke and a good feel for the water. At this time paddles are not beneficial. As the paddles will prevent you from truly feeling the water and developing the proper mechanics needed when swimming in a race situation.
Paddles may also be harmful if an athlete has upper body injury issues such as the shoulder or elbow. Pulling a pair of paddles through the water may put extra stress on these areas creating more pain or break down of the area. It is important to note that in most cases the paddles are not the issue in the injury. Usually it is due to a muscular imbalance and paddles are just exposing it.
When an athlete becomes more experienced in swimming the paddles can then become useful. Stronger swimmers tend to have technique pretty figured out and gains in speed will come more from fitness. Paddles then become useful as they can develop more strength and power by using them.
When choosing a pair of paddles choose a small pair about the same size as your hand. The paddle should also should have some holes in them to help you still feel the water. Finding a pair, where one or two of your fingers are the only thing that are strapped to the paddle, are also useful. These types of paddles will make you keep good technique, because if your hand goes on an angle the paddle will flip off. From there, you can build your way up to bigger paddles if you desire.
Paddles do have their place but it is important to develop good technique first. Once technique is mastered, paddles can aid one to get faster. Progress slowly to avoid any injuries. As the saying goes, go slow to go fast.

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