AK Team Hand Paddles - Black

Measure your hand length and palm width and compare to the paddle dimensions in the size table above. Choose the paddle where your measurements fall just within or just below the paddle size. The paddle should extend slightly beyond your fingertips. If between sizes, size up.

Hand paddles are best introduced once you have a reasonable stroke foundation. Complete beginners are generally better off developing technique without paddles first. If you are new to paddle training, start with Small or Medium and use them for shorter sets initially, building volume gradually as your shoulders adapt to the added resistance.

Paddles amplify the feedback you receive from your catch and pull. A clean catch with a high elbow and correct hand entry will feel powerful and connected. A dropped elbow, poor entry angle, or slipping hand path will cause the paddle to wobble or slip, giving you immediate, tangible feedback on each stroke that is harder to detect when swimming bare-handed.

A paddle that is too large increases the load on the shoulder joint with every stroke. Over time and during high-volume sets, this can cause shoulder strain or injury. Choosing a paddle that is just slightly larger than the hand provides the resistance needed for training benefit without placing an unsafe load on the shoulder.

Hand paddles are most commonly used for freestyle and backstroke pull sets. They can be used for butterfly but the additional resistance is significant, so only more experienced swimmers should use them for butterfly training. Paddles are generally not used for breaststroke due to the different arm mechanics.

The AK Team Hand Paddles use adjustable straps that loop over the fingers and around the wrist. Adjust the straps so the paddle sits flat and stable against the palm without the fingers pulling or bunching. The paddle should feel secure during the pull phase without restricting finger movement excessively.

Yes. Using paddles with a pull buoy is a common training combination. The pull buoy supports the legs so you can focus entirely on the arm stroke, while the paddles add resistance and amplify technique feedback. This combination is effective for both strength building and stroke refinement.

Rinse in fresh water after every session to remove chlorine and debris. Allow to dry naturally away from direct sunlight. Check the straps periodically for signs of wear or loss of elasticity and replace if needed. Store flat to prevent warping of the paddle face over time.