GEAR ALL THE BEST EQUIPMENT FOR A BETTER SWIM ALL KITTED OUT
From what the pros keep in their kit bags to the latest gadgets, tastiest snacks and nutritional goodies, we check out all the top gear
SIBLING RIVALRY We pit two similar products against one another…
WETRONOME VS. FINIS TEMPO TRAINER A key variable for many open water swimmers is their stroke rate – the number of single-arm strokes per minute – but identifying, practising and maintaining that rate can be tricky. Small, waterproof metronomes that at ach to your swimming cap or goggles are a good way to record stroke rate. We tried two of the versions on the market to see how they fared.
WETRONOME This is a neat, lit le yellow unit you can set for a stroke rate of anywhere between 10 and 300 strokes per minute (a far greater range than any normal
swimmer will ever need). It has no but ons or display and is adjusted by waving a
magnet at it, which sounds weird but is easy to do. It can also be adjusted while under your swimming cap. The only downside is the lack of visual confi rmation of the programmed rate. £49 from
swimsmooth.com/wetronome.html.
FINIS TEMPO TRAINER The Finis Tempo Trainer does all the same things as the Wetronome but operates a lit le diff erently. Firstly, it has a display and two but ons, so it’s easy to see the programmed rate. The display shows the time interval between beeps, rather than the beep rate, which is fi ne in lap mode but requires a bit of mental maths to fi nd strokes per minute. The Tempo Trainer comes with a separate clip to at ach to a goggle strap but we found it easier to remove the clip and slip the device
straight under a swimming cap. £29.99 from
mailsports.co.uk
Fanfare, please… the items most
lusted aſt er by the H2Open staff this month were: FINIS FREESTYLER PADDLES
Many people think of hand paddles as strength-training
devices but a number of new models have appeared in recent years which are designed to improve technique rather than
WE WANT!
for brute force. These arrow-shaped paddles feature a skeg on the underside, which encourages a straight and streamlined hand-entry to elongate the stroke and encourage proper body rotation. The paddles feel relatively light so if you’re prone to shoulder injuries from using power paddles, these may be something you can use.
For everyone else, a worthwhile addition to the kit bag for when you
want to work on technique. £14.99 from
mailsports.co.uk
THE FIT4SWIMMING SWIM STORE
Experts in Swimming ○ Goggles ○ Swimwear Training Equipment ○ Team Kit and more…
As an H2Open reader, get 12% OFF anything… Even products on discount! Just use the discount code 12everything when ordering at our website.
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ASK DR SWIM I’m looking for an energy drink that’s got natural ingredients – I don’t react well to those with too much caff eine or Taurine in them. Can you help?
One product that claims to be a pick-me-up without synthetic
ingredients and refi ned sugars (which can adversely aff ect digestion) is Acai Action. This lit le shot of “Brazilian Acai berries, green tea, eight antioxidant fruit juices and a blend of guarana”, is designed to be taken once a day for added energy and joie de vivre! Buy 12 bot les for £36
at
acai-action.co.uk or order via Bhealthy Solutions, see page 69
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