Various training aids are available to help swimmers improve on their technique and stamina.
For safety reasons training aids are NOT allowed in a Great Swim event.
- Kick Boards: are very useful when training in a pool. By isolating the legs, swimmers focus on exercising the legs only.
- Pull Buoys: are placed between the legs to provide buoyancy and to minimise the use of the legs. This allows swimmers to concentrate on their arm technique without having to kick hard to ensure their legs don’t sink.
- Hand Paddles: add further resistance to the stroke pull. Hand paddles put additional strain on the shoulders and need to be used sparingly at first. They may also not be allowed in some public swimming pool sessions.
- Neoprene Fitness gloves: serve the same purpose as hand paddles. However, because they are soft and allow the hand to bend, are more forgiving on the shoulders.