Choosing a Hand Paddle: Top 3 Things You Should Know

Hand paddles are very useful tools for those involved in swim training. They can provide just the right amount of extra resistance. It makes all the difference to have one that fits well with your hand and is a good design. After all, we care a lot about good design here at Underwater Audio. That’s why our Waterproof iPod is so great!

There are so many different styles to choose from. For this reason, we thought we would bring up 3 crucial details to consider when making your purchase.
 

Will It Be Effective?

When it comes to hand paddles, there is one main criterion in judging whether or not it’s effective. And that is: does it help you swim better? You can find this out by asking people who have experience with the product.
I also highly recommend reading the reviews online. A particular paddle that I find very effective is the strapless Agility Hand Paddles. They don’t strap on which makes them unique. “If, at any point, the swimmer loses pressure on the hand during the catch, the paddle will jar itself loose and slide off of the palm.” That’s instant feedback on whether or not you are swimming correctly.
 

Will It Cause Injury?

So many hand paddles are designed poorly in this respect. It seems counterintuitive to buy something that is supposed to help you swim better and then it ends up injuring you (making it so you have to temporarily stop swimming all together).
Here are a couple types of paddles that are designed with injury prevention in mind. First, there are the Freestyler Hand Paddles. “The narrow shape of the paddle reduces shoulder strain.”
Second, there is the Fulcrum Hand Paddle, which is special because the paddle is designed to extend passed the wrist of the swimmer wearing it. “This encourages, once again, the use of the entire forearm to pull through the catch, which in turn saves the shoulders from overuse and injury.”
 

How Much Will It Cost?

You can get a nice quality hand paddle from anywhere between around $13 and $25.
If you are spending a lot less than that, be wary. You’re either getting a killer deal on something that was originally priced a lot higher or it’s not the best quality. If you are spending a lot more than that, be wary. You may be getting ripped off.
 

Underwater Audio

While you are wearing hand paddles on your hands, you should try wearing an Underwater Audio Waterproof iPod Shuffle on your ears too.
It will make the experience so much more joyful if you listen to your favorite music at the same time. If you have any comments or questions, feel free to write to us in the comment section below.