How to Use Hand Paddles: Learn How to Do It Properly

Hand paddles are some of the most common swimming aids that you can use for training. Whether you are a newbie or an expert, these paddles will come in handy in your training sessions.

By strapping paddles in your hands, you will enjoy a wide array of benefits, which include developing power, enhancing efficiency, improving speed, encouraging a better catch, and allowing you to pull properly. To make the most out of these benefits, you need to know how to use hand paddles correctly. Keep on reading and learn from the insights we’ll be sharing.

How to Use Hand Paddles: Learn How to Do It Properly

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Use Hand Paddles

1. Pick the Right Paddle

2. Strap the Paddle Properly

3. Position Your Hand Properly

4. Use the Paddles for Sculling

5. Mind Your Strokes

6. Perform Fist Drill

7. Use a Pull Buoy

Pro Tips

Conclusion

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Use Hand Paddles

It isn’t as easy as grabbing paddles, strapping them in your hand, and swimming. The steps mentioned below are important to maximize the benefits of using hand paddles.

1. Pick the Right Paddle

One of the most important considerations is the right choice of the swim paddles. From the size to the material, pick one that you are most comfortable with. Otherwise, it will be an ineffective training aid.

Make sure that the paddle is not larger than your hand’s surface area. When the paddles are too large compared to your hand, there is a higher likelihood that you will suffer from a shoulder injury. The large size of the paddles will put unnecessary strain on your joints. Choose a larger paddle only once you become a more advanced swimmer.

To know if the paddle has the right fit, it is a must to try it on. When you are wearing the paddles, your fingers should be at least half an inch from the top edge of the paddle. The bottom part of the paddle, on the other hand, should be sitting on your wrist.

2. Strap the Paddle Properly

Hand paddles vary in terms of their shapes and sizes. Among others, one thing that makes them different is the number of straps that are present. If you are a beginner, you will need more straps. This will secure the paddle properly, making sure that it won’t slip as you swim. On the other hand, for experienced swimmers, they can get away with just a finger strap in their middle finger. This improves feedback when they are swimming.

3. Position Your Hand Properly

Now that you have the right paddles, the next thing you need to do is to position your hand properly. This is important to improve efficiency in your movements. Also, this will lessen the likelihood that you will end up with an injury.

The goal is to mimic the natural position of your fingers. After all, you are using hand paddles so that you can correct the position of your hands and practice how they should be when you are in the water. You don’t have to spread your fingers to cover the surface area of the paddle. If you find yourself doing so, this means that you are using paddles that are larger than what your hands need. You must also curl the fingers just slightly above the tip, which will be beneficial in terms of improving stability.

4. Use the Paddles for Sculling

Via: https://swimswam.com/sculling-paddles-early-catch/

Sculling is a swimming technique wherein you will be performing horizontal hand motions while keeping your head on the surface. You can use hand paddles when you are sculling. To do this, you have to place your hand on the paddles, but this time, let go of the straps. Use regular sculling motion while maintaining hold of the paddles. This strengthens your catch. The challenge for the paddle is to stay in place. To do this, there is a need to have a continuous motion between your hand and the paddle.

5. Mind Your Strokes

It is also crucial that you are mindful of your swimming strokes when you are wearing paddles. With hand paddles, your strokes will be longer. Your leading arm needs to reach further to pull yourself when you are in the water. This also means that the distance per stroke will be better, allowing you to get to the other end of the pool quicker. This is a great way to practice arm pull.

6. Perform Fist Drill

There are many exercises that you can perform with the help of hand paddles, and one of the best would be a fist drill. As the name implies, you will be using the power of your wrist. The paddle will extend along your forearm and there will be no straps, similar to using the hand paddles for sculling. This will help in the prevention of bending your wrist during a catch and pull. This also minimizes the strain on your shoulder.

7. Use a Pull Buoy

As your work on your strength, you can elevate the swimming routine by adding a pull buoy. This will be instrumental in improving your upper body strength and working on your techniques.

Pro Tips

Before we end this post, allow us to leave you some useful tips when using hand paddles when swimming:

Via: https://www.proswimwear.co.uk/blog/technique-paddles/

• While paddles have plenty of benefits, this does not mean that you should wear them during the entire duration of your workout. As a practice, do not wear it for more than 25% of the duration of the workout. Using it for a longer period of time will make you dependent on the paddle, which isn’t a good practice.
• Don’t swim too quickly when you are wearing hand paddles, especially if you are a beginner. If you proceed too fast, you are increasing the chances that you will be suffering from an injury since you are putting unnecessary strain on your body.
• Find the material that you are most comfortable with. Some paddles can be too stiff, which can put unnecessary strain on your hand. Choose a material that allows you to mimic natural hand movements even when you are wearing paddles.
• Unless you are an experienced swimmer, do not use hand paddles in breaststroke or butterfly. These are demanding strokes and you will need to exert a lot of effort to do them the right way. Wearing paddles will only make the exercise more difficult. This will also put you at a higher risk of an injury.

Conclusion

Now is the time to add paddles to your swimming exercise. You don’t have to wear them during the whole routine as this will encourage dependency. Take note of the tips mentioned above on how to use hand paddles to make the most out of this swimming aid and improve your technique! Start by finding the right paddles, especially one with the right size

8 Tips for Choosing a Drysuit for Kayaking

Paddling in cold environments can be challenging! It will inevitably limit your performance. You may end up being uncomfortable and unable to focus when you are kayaking. To keep you dry and warm, you need to invest in the best drysuit.

With too many options available, however, picking a drysuit can be an overwhelming task. Some people might decide based on costs, but that should never be the case. Do not hesitate to spend a bit more if this means that you can enjoy superior quality.

Need help finding the right drysuit for kayaking? Keep on reading and learn from the insights we’ll share.

8 Tips for Choosing a Drysuit for Kayaking

1. Type of Drysuit

2. Type of Zipper

3. Type of Booties

4. Hoods

5. Material

6. Fit

7. Thickness

8. Warranty

Conclusion

1. Type of Drysuit

The first thing that you need to do is to choose the type of drysuit that is ideal for the kayaking environment and your personal preferences. You will have two choices – full drysuit and semi drysuit.

The traditional choice is a full drysuit, which is known for its latex neck gasket. It provides an excellent seal to keep you dry as you roll. However, if you are wearing it for an extended period, it might feel too tight and you may end up being uncomfortable.

In contrast, a semi drysuit has a neoprene gasket on the neck. It does not create a seal that is as tight as latex, but this is better if your priority is your comfort.

So, if your priority is to stay dry, go for a full drysuit. On the other hand, if you want to stay comfortable, pick a semi drysuit.

How to Surf Leashless: Read and Find Out!

Surfing leashless is a thrilling experience for most people. It gives you a different way to experience the glide and be excited about your time in the water. However, this is one thing that is best reserved only for the pros. If you are inexperienced, it is best to keep your board’s leash on all the time.

There’s a reason why the leash was invented. It is meant to keep the board as close as possible to the rider. This way, you will not lose it when you are in the water. You don’t have to swim endlessly chasing the board. More importantly, because it is attached to you. It won’t hit other riders and won’t cause an accident.

If you have mastered the basic techniques and you are all set to go on the water without a leash, keep on reading. We’ll let you know the basics of how to surf leashless.

How to Surf Leashless: Read and Find Out!

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Surf Leashless

1. Find the Right Board

2. Look for the Right Location

3. Be Confident

4. Wax Your Surfboard

5. Position Yourself Properly

6. Dip the Board of Your Nose

7. Do the Turtle Roll

Conclusion

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Surf Leashless

Ready to experience surfing without a leash? As a beginner, we recommend that you do not try it. It can be unsafe for those who are inexperienced. For those who have already mastered the art of surfing and ready to cut the cord from their routine, below are the best things to do.

Via: https://www.surfertoday.com/surfing/how-to-surf-leashless

1. Find the Right Board

When you are surfing, either with a leash or not, one of the most important considerations is the type of the board that you are using. It will be highly influential in your overall performance and safety. From the material to the size, it is important to choose a surfboard that will work best for your needs.

The best option when surfing without a leash is a longboard. It is longer than a standard surfboard. It has a better ability to catch waves compared to their shorter counterparts. The glide is also effortless.

2. Look for the Right Location

One of the secrets for successful leashless surfing is your choice of location. As common sense, do not surf in a place where it is crowded. If there are too many people, there is a high chance that someone will be hit by your board if it has no leash and you will lose hold of it while riding a wave.

It is also best to try leashless surfing only when the water is knee-high. When the waves are too big and the water is too deep, you will have a hard time chasing the board when you experience a wipeout. This can also make you easily tired.

3. Be Confident

Confidence is your best weapon when it comes to leashless surfing. Before you paddle the board and ride the waves, make sure that you are already confident about what you are about to do. Start by having an honest assessment of your skills. If you are unsure, do not risk it. Your safety is the most important priority.

To be more confident, it will help to practice the basic surfing techniques on land. You should also work on your swimming skills so that you can easily catch the surfboard once you lose it.

4. Wax Your Surfboard

This is one of the most important things that you can do to prepare the surfboard for the water. When surfing without a leash, it is critical that you stay on the board. To lessen the chances that you will be slipping, waxing the board can help. This can improve the traction of the surface, and hence, there will be fewer times that you will be slipping off the board.

To wax the surfboard, start by applying a basecoat. For a longboard, you need to wax it from the nose to the tail. In contrast, if you have a shortboard, you only need to wax about 2/3 of the middle part of the board. This is where you will most likely be keeping your feet, so it is important for such a part to have an exceptional grip. After the basecoat, you can now apply the topcoat. Comb the wax and spray cool water. The latter is an important step because this is what will make the wax stick on the board.

5. Position Yourself Properly

Via: https://www.theinertia.com/surf/the-rules-of-when-where-and-how-to-surf-leashless/

Like when you are surfing with a leash, proper positioning on the board is an important concern. By being at the right place at the right time, you can be assured of not slipping, which is important since there is no cord that will keep you close to your board in case you fall.

If you are using a longboard, you need to stand almost at the end of the tail. This way, you can maintain a better balance. Before being hit by the wave, throw the board against the water and pop over. While doing this, breathe deeply. This can be effective in positioning you above the water.

6. Dip the Board of Your Nose

Another important technique that will help you stay on your board is to dip its nose in the water. By dipping the nose at an angle, you are gaining leverage. Using a scooping motion, use your body to apply pressure on the board so that the front part will dip in the water.

7. Do the Turtle Roll

Doing the turtle roll is a good practice when you are using a longboard. Paddle in a straight motion, flip your surfboard, go underneath, and pull the board down until the wave passes through you. This is an effective way to keep your leashless board with you.

Conclusion

By now, we hope that you learn a thing or two about how to surf leashless. Take note, this experience is not for everyone, especially if you are a beginner. This can be unsafe, not just for you, but for other riders. However, with a good board, the right location, and mastery of techniques, it won’t take long before you can ride the waves without a cord.

If the local customs dictate that you should go without a leash, do it! If you are confident about your skills, cut the cord. On the other hand, if you are a newbie who is yet to master the basic surfing techniques, it is best to err on the side of caution and use a leash

How to Fit Swim Goggles: Tips and Tricks

Swimming goggles are amongst the most important accessories you will need when you get in the water. It allows you to comfortably open your eyes when swimming, making it easier to control and propel your movement. This also protects the eyes from chemicals and irritants. Not all swimming goggles, however, are created the same. Among others, one of the most important considerations is the right fit.

When the swimming goggles are too tight, you might end up being uncomfortable. You won’t be able to concentrate because you are feeling the pain. On the other hand, when it is too loose, it might easily fall off your head. This can also let water easily get in. So, if you want to know how to fit swim goggles properly, keep on reading and learn from the tips we’ll share.

How to Choose a Kayak: Tips and Tricks

Kayaking is one of the best outdoor activities that you can enjoy in the water. It can even be therapeutic, especially when you do it in a place where you can enjoy nature. Aside from paddling, you can also use kayaks for fishing. Whether you are by yourself or with a buddy, kayaking is an enjoyable activity.

From shapes to size, from length to width, kayaks differ from one another. You will be overwhelmed with the options, making it important to decide properly. If you are clueless about how to choose a kayak, keep on reading the rest of this short guide and we’ll help you make the right decision.

How to Choose a Kayak: Tips and Tricks

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Choose a Kayak

1. Decide on the Type of Kayak

Sit-inside Kayaks

Sit-on-Top Kayaks

Inflatable and Foldable Kayaks

2. Find the Right Material

Polyethylene

ABS Plastic

Composite

3. Consider the Length and Width

4. Choose the Right Seat Type

5. Consider the Hull Type

Conclusion

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Choose a Kayak

Ready to start your search for the best kayak? Below are the steps that you should follow.

1. Decide on the Type of Kayak

The first thing that you will do is to decide about the type of kayak that you will buy. This all boils down to personal preferences and the water conditions where you will be using the kayak.

Sit-inside Kayaks

If you are looking for a kayak that you can use mostly for recreational purposes, this is the right choice for you. They also work best if you are kayaking in flat waters, including calm rivers and lakes.

Compared to sit-on-top kayaks, sit-in kayaks are known for being faster and more efficient.

One of the main characteristics of a sit-in kayak is that it covers your lower body. This is beneficial when you are in a cold environment as it helps regulate temperature. This will also prevent your lower body from getting wet.

Sit-on-Top Kayaks

By contrast, a sit-on-top kayak refers to a boat where the upper body is exposed. There is a raised seat, which is often removable if you are looking for versatility.

These kayaks are also wider and more stable. This is great if you are afraid that you will lose your balance in the water. As a bonus, it is also easier to launch.

It comes with an open design, which prevents it from being restrictive. This also provides easy access to the things that you will need. Plus, you can jump out easily when you want to get in the water.

Inflatable and Foldable Kayaks

If your main concern is portability, these kayaks are the best choices. They are easy to transport, and they are space-efficient. They will not take a lot of space in your car. You can easily place them inside, unlike other kayaks that you have to strap on the roof of your car.

2. Find the Right Material

Via: https://thecoastalside.com/what-are-kayaks-made-of/

The material of the kayak is an important consideration because it will have a huge impact on its durability. This can also affect the ease of use, as well as price.

Polyethylene

If you are looking for an affordable kayak, polyethylene is the best material of choice. It is also great in terms of its durability. Its weight, however, can be a problem since this is heavy. It can be difficult to carry and to paddle. Another common problem with this kayak is that the UV rays can cause the color to fade over time. With this, it is important to have it covered when not used or store it indoors.

ABS Plastic

It is more expensive compared to polyethylene, however, the durability is almost similar. It is known for being abrasion-resistant. It is also known for being lightweight. The UV-resistance is also better, so you can be confident that the color won’t easily fade even with sun exposure.

Composite

If you don’t have an issue with the price, this is the best choice. Some of the best composite materials include carbon fiber and fiberglass. They are the lightest from the class, so you will love it if you are after portability. However, if you are in a rocky location, composite can be easily damaged.

3. Consider the Length and Width

The length and width are important considerations because they will affect the stability and maneuverability of the kayak. It will also have an impact on its ease of use. As a general rule, narrower and longer kayaks will be straighter and faster.

If you are going to use your kayak for fishing, you will benefit from choosing one that is wider, which will provide generous space for your gear. For larger and heavier users, wider boats are also recommended. A wider kayak will also be easy to turn, but the problem is that it can be slower.

For most recreational kayaks, the length usually runs from 8 to 13 feet. This will work even in narrow passages. If you need a touring kayak, on the other hand, the length should be anywhere from 14 to 18 feet.

4. Choose the Right Seat Type

Via: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LuZZLAI2UY

Especially if you are choosing a sit-on-top kayak, the seat is one of the most important considerations. A removable seat is the best option since it can offer versatility.

The seat should be comfortable. Consider the backrest, especially if you are kayaking for an extended period. Aside from an ergonomic design, it is also important for the seat to be adjustable so that you can customize the position depending on what you are most comfortable with. Pick a seat with thick padding so that you won’t easily feel tired as you paddle.

5. Consider the Hull Type

The hull refers to the bottom of the boat. The shape is important because it affects the performance and stability of the kayak. This will also affect your safety. Consider the water conditions when deciding the right hull type.

If you are looking for a stable and maneuverable kayak, you should go for one that comes with a flat hull. It is ideal for flatwater conditions and recreational kayaks.

Rounded hulls, on the other hand, are better if your priority is the speed of the kayak.

If you want a kayak that will travel in a straight line, V-shaped hulls are the best.

Pontoon hulls, on the other hand, are known for being the most stable. The problem, however, is that the speed can be compromised.

Conclusion

Especially if it is your first time to buy a kayak, you will be overwhelmed with the long list of possibilities. Every manufacturer will claim that they have the best. Do not decide in haste. Consider our suggestions above on how to choose a kayak and you will make a decision you won’t regret. From the type of kayak to the length and width, there are many factors to consider