What accessories for swimming against the current?
Using accessories during your training sessions with your counter-current swimming system is an excellent way to refine your technique or work on your endurance or power. Depending on the chosen swimming accessory, the benefits may vary. They will allow you to diversify your training sessions.
Want to learn more? Check out our guide to counter-current swimming
The Pull Buoy
The pull buoy is a small flotation device that is placed between the swimmer’s legs to focus muscle work on the upper body by keeping the legs at the surface of the water. This facilitates concentration on developing arm strength and endurance.
Exercise with a Pull Buoy
Set the Swimeo turbine to a moderate to high intensity and place the pull buoy between your legs. Then, replicate the “rowing” movements of the crawl to work on your pull, coordination, and breathing. Preferably use the crawl or backstroke.
The Front Snorkel
The front snorkel is an ideal accessory for focusing on muscle work and endurance without worrying about breathing. This allows you to easily refine your technique and your grip. Not having to turn your head to catch your breath allows for better concentration on your movements. The snorkel also promotes good body alignment to improve your swimming efficiency.
Also read: How to Swim with a Counter-Current System?
Tips for Swimming with a Snorkel
However, this accessory should be used in conjunction with traditional training to avoid creating a dependency on underwater breathing, especially if you practice competitive sports where bilateral breathing is generally necessary.
The Kickboard
The kickboard allows for isolation of the lower body muscles by focusing solely on leg movements. Holding the board in front of you with arms extended, the legs perform a steady flutter kick to keep you in position against the current.
The Plus of the Kickboard
Using a kickboard is also beneficial for decompressing the spine and strengthening the lower back; however, be sure not to arch your back and maintain a straight posture while performing leg kicks.
The Paddles
Worn on the hands, the paddles serve the same function as fins but for the arms. They allow for greater strengthening and improve grip while also increasing power as they enhance the propulsion of arm movements. In freestyle, they are an excellent way to work on the positioning of the arms and forearms or to correct certain technical flaws.
Also read: Swimming Against the Current or with a Band?
Tips for Choosing the Right Paddles
The right paddles vary according to your needs. Choose smaller paddles, just slightly larger than your palm, to improve your grip, and larger ones for muscle strengthening. However, only use the larger paddles when you have mastered the smaller ones in freestyle. Prefer flat and perforated paddles to allow water to flow through.
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