Fins, especially shorter, Zoomer-types, can be a very effective tool in swim training for open water and triathlon events. They can also be addictive and actually prevent you from improving your stroke and your race times. If you are looking into using fins, make sure you first understand how they will help you in accomplishing your goals.

Keep a low stroke count Rotate hips Reduce intensity of your kick Keep your elbows high Glide with each stroke

These same tips do not all necessarily apply to Olympic level swimmers. These swimmers have reasons for doing things differently:

They may have a fast turnover rate and a high stroke count for sprinting Their hip rotation is not as pronounced- they don’t have as much of a need to “conserve energy” as a triathlete does The kick may be very intense and strong, especially for shorter events Most of Olympic swimmers have been practicing for many years, and some have perfected a stroke that is less than ideal for a non-swimmer doing a triathlon (i.e. Janet Evans is considered best female swimmer of all time, and had a unique straight-arm stroke that very few have been able to master)

So watch and admire these world class athletes, but be careful what you try to emulate and don’t feel bad that you’re not moving through water with same ease and grace they are!