Arena Elite Hand Paddle 2 - Sage/Lime

Choose a paddle that covers the palm of your hand and extends just beyond your fingertips. A paddle that closely matches your hand size gives the best technique feedback, while a size larger increases resistance and is better for strength and endurance work. Junior swimmers should start with XS or S, while most adult swimmers will find M or L most suitable. Speak to a member of staff at Allens if you are unsure.

Hand paddles enhance the feel of the pull and catch phase of the stroke, building a stronger connection with the water. The increased surface area adds resistance, which builds upper body strength and endurance. They also provide immediate feedback on technique — if your hand entry, pull path, or catch angle is incorrect, the paddle will feel unstable or create excessive drag, making faults easy to identify and correct.

Using paddles with a pull buoy is the most common and effective approach. The pull buoy supports the legs and isolates the upper body, allowing you to focus entirely on the pull and catch without the added effort of kicking. This combination maximises the benefit of paddle sets for both technique development and upper body strength building.

Yes, but beginners should introduce paddles gradually and start with a smaller size (XS or S to avoid overloading the shoulders. Begin with short sets — 4×50m is a good starting point — and build up the volume over time. If you experience any shoulder discomfort during paddle sets, remove the paddles immediately and allow your shoulders to recover before trying again.

The updated Arena Elite Hand Paddle features a 2-handle lacing system with comfortable silicone straps. This system holds the paddle securely across the back of the hand with two points of contact, providing a more stable and controllable feel during the stroke compared to single-strap designs. The silicone straps are gentle on the skin and easy to adjust for a precise fit.

Paddles increase the load on the shoulders, so incorrect use or too much volume too quickly can lead to shoulder discomfort. Always introduce paddles gradually, use a size appropriate to your strength and technique level, and avoid paddle sets if you have an existing shoulder injury or are experiencing pain. If in doubt, consult a coach or medical professional before incorporating paddles into your training.

Arena Elite Hand Paddles are most commonly used for front crawl and backstroke pull sets. They can also be used for butterfly, though the increased resistance on butterfly may be very demanding. They are not suitable for breaststroke due to the different arm action. For best results, use paddles with pull sets in front crawl to develop feel, power, and technique.

Rinse the paddles and straps in cold fresh water after every use to remove chlorine and salt. Allow to dry naturally away from direct sunlight. Store in a dry place away from sharp objects. The polypropylene paddle body is hard-wearing and chlorine resistant, while the silicone straps will remain flexible and comfortable with proper care. Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight for extended periods.