“To loosen up after travel, try dolphin kicking on your back wearing Force Fins for about 10-100 meter sets Then swim 3 or 4 – 50 meter sprints to re-condition your respiratory system. This excercise was part of my pre-competition warm-up after traveling to win at International Masters swimming events in New Zealand, Japan and Denmark.”
This advertisement ran in “Swimming World” nearly thirty years ago. After a couple decades of kicking, James Ryan needs a new pair of Slim Fins. They are on their way, and we look forward to publishing more suggested workouts from him and others whose swim training has been enhanced through kicking Force Fins and Slim Fins. Thank you, James, The Force Fin.com Team
James Ryan’s Rank
James Ryan, USMS 57 National Top Ten postings, 14 FINA World Masters Top Ten postings, 2 -Time Long Distance All-American, 4 Gold medals… 1500, 800, 400, and 200 mens Freestyle.. 2022 Huntsman World Senior Games. Given all of that, you’ll understand why I want to get this right.
When I am training for a USMS National Championship, a FINA Masters World Championship, or Huntsman World Senior Games, I go “all-in” with my Force Fins.
In a flip turn, because of the design, open toe, and material flexibility, the swimmer can practice the “truest” turns.
Some fins are so rigid, the swimmer needs to slow to plant and can’t properly push off the wall. With Force Fins, they promote or facilitate the faster turn.
I have experimented with many different types of fins. Workouts break down quickly when friction causes blistering and bleeding on the tops of the toes. For one, it makes it painful to continue the workout. Once the bleeding and pain stings enough, one is inclined to quit the workout. The open toe design of the Force Fin allows me to do as much yardage as I want. It’s on me to decide when the workout has been enough. The adjustable nylon heel has permitted me to secure the fins. Many brands have either closed heels or wrap-around heel. While cheaper, a tight firm fit leads to foot cramping in the arch. Comfortable fit often leads to the back of the feel irritating the back of the heel and, in some cases, the fins can fall off and, as I have witnessed, go down the gutter. In our pool, once it goes in, it is gone. Another plus regarding the open toe is, the fins that have a partially open toe have the tendency to wear on and cut the toes pressed against the edges, discouraging full workouts. Even worse, when the swimmer isn’t confident the fins will stay on, they tend not to go all out. Again, no such problem with Force Fins
