Need advice on training fins

"Paul" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I'm interested in improving my kick. I know the kick is
not that

important,

Quoted message said:

but my kick is awful - I can't even get across the pool.
I've seen two types of training fins (1) short stubby ones
and (2) longer ones with a split in the middle.

Any advice? Paul

You will get fans of each (split or stubby).

One thing to watch out for, with the long ones, is that they
tend to flatten your hips in the water. This is not a great
technique to reinforce.

My guess is, if your kick is as challenged as you describe,
that your problem has more to do with a combination of
technique and flexibility.

I haven't seen you swim, but I have helped some new
swimmers. I recommend getting more formal ($$) assistance.
Ask around for someone (or a program) that is well regarded.
The staff at the pool is a good start (for opinions on a
coach/program).

Some guesswork:

Newbies tend to kick from the knees, increasing their "wash"
and frontal area.

Additionally, not pointing your feet is a common problem. I
suspect that this is a runners reflex to exertion(?) - -
kicking "toes-up". It is difficult to "unlearn".

Fins will not be the magic pill. Think of them like hand
paddles - - they are a strength/flexibility tool. If your
form is bad, it may only mask the problem.

rsquared

P.S. Don't spend allot of money. Do a Froogle or MySimon
search on some long fins. If you end up using short
ones, you won't feel bad about cutting them off.