Swim Club Members Login or Learn More
Swimwear Specialists for 50 Years
Currency



Other Colours:
Couldn't load pickup availability
Description
xThe enlarged paddle surface increases resistance through the entire pull phase of your stroke. Your arms, shoulders, chest and lats are all forced to work harder than they would bare-handed. Over time this targeted load develops swim-specific strength and endurance that carries over directly into faster, more powerful swimming.
Paddles do not just add resistance, they amplify everything happening in your technique. A correct high-elbow catch feels locked-in and powerful, while a dropped elbow or sloppy hand entry causes the paddle to slip or wobble immediately. That instant physical feedback makes flaws impossible to ignore and accelerates genuine technique improvement.
Each size comes with a distinct strap colour, red for Small, orange for Medium and blue for Large, so you can tell sizes apart at a glance in a shared kit bag or a crowded pool deck. The adjustable straps secure the paddle firmly across your hand and can be fine-tuned to suit different hand shapes within each size band.
Not sure on sizing? See our AK Team Paddle Size Guide or ask our swimwear experts for advice.
← Scroll to see all sizes →
| Size | Strap Colour | Paddle Width (cm) | Paddle Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Red | 13.5 cm | 14.5 cm |
| Medium | Orange | 16.5 cm | 18 cm |
| Large | Blue | 19.5 cm | 20.5 cm |
All measurements are body measurements, not garment measurements. For further guidance view our full size guide or ask our swimwear experts.
As a general rule, select a paddle that is roughly the same size as your hand or slightly larger. If you are new to paddle training, start with Small regardless of hand size, as the added resistance can place extra stress on the shoulders. More experienced swimmers can move up to Medium or Large to increase the training load. See AK Team Paddle Size Guide for more detail.
Hand paddles are best suited to intermediate and advanced swimmers who already have a reasonably consistent stroke. If you are new to paddle training, begin with a smaller size and shorter sets, building up gradually so your shoulders have time to adapt to the extra resistance.
Focus on maintaining a high elbow during the catch. If the paddle slips or rotates, that is a signal that your hand entry or catch position needs attention rather than a reason to grip harder. Use paddles for quality technique sets rather than grinding through long yardage, and pair them with a pull buoy to isolate the upper body effectively.
Rinse the paddles and straps in clean fresh water after each session to remove chlorine residue, and allow them to dry fully before storing. See full product aftercare guide for full guidance on caring for your training equipment.
View our full product aftercare guide to ensure you look after your kit properly.
Allens Swimwear is a family-run business founded in 1976 by Dennis Allen and his daughter Linda Beal. It started from a genuine need. “With 2 swimmers in the family it was often difficult to find the right kit, so dad and I took the plunge and started selling to local swimmers at our local pool in Kingsbury out of a suitcase and we’ve never looked back.” Today, Linda, her husband Richard, and three of their children Danny, Will and Jenna still run the business together. The suitcase may be long gone, but the founding principle of helping swimmers get the right kit remains exactly the same.
Shipping & Returns
xUK Delivery Options
🚚 Free UK Delivery
Free delivery on all orders over £40
For orders below £40, delivery charges will be displayed at checkout.
The total order value, including any deals or discounts (such as a discount code), must be over £40.
📮 Royal Mail
📦 UPS
🚀 DHL Courier
🏪 In Store Collection
Free in store collection is available. Simply choose this option at checkout and pick up your order at our store.
🕐 Delivery Times
EU Delivery Options
✈️ FedEx
International Delivery Options
🌍 International Shipping
📮 Royal Mail
🚀 DHL Courier
Important Information
FAQs
We offer several delivery options, including Standard Delivery, Express Delivery, and International Shipping.
Delivery times depend on the option you choose at checkout. Standard Delivery typically takes 2–3 days, while Express Delivery is usually delivered within 1–2 days. International delivery times may vary by location.
Delivery costs vary based on the shipping method and destination. Standard delivery starts at £4.99, and express delivery starts at £14.99. International shipping rates are calculated at checkout.
Yes, we offer free delivery on orders over £40. Terms and conditions apply.
Yes, once your order is dispatched, you'll receive a tracking number via email to monitor its progress.
Yes, we deliver to many countries worldwide. Delivery times and costs for international orders are shown at checkout.
If your order hasn't arrived within the estimated timeframe, please contact us with your order number, and we'll assist you.
If you're not available, the courier will typically leave a card with instructions on how to rearrange delivery or collect your parcel.
We can make changes to your delivery address if your order hasn't been dispatched. Please contact us as soon as possible.
If your order arrives damaged or is incomplete, please contact our customer service team as soon as possible with photos and your order number, and we'll resolve the issue promptly.
Currently, we don't deliver to PO Boxes and BFPO addresses. Please check specific delivery options at checkout.
For express or special deliveries, you may be able to select a preferred delivery date at checkout.
Returns Policy
We offer a free returns service. We advise that customers keep either proof of posting or a receipt as we cannot be held accountable for items lost being returned to us.
Please note that this returns policy does not cover items such as special order swimwear, customised products and products ordered specifically at the request of a customer. Products such as these cannot be returned (unless faulty).
Free UK Returns
If you are unhappy with your purchase for any reason, then we will gladly refund you within 28 days of purchase. Simply click on the link below to begin the returns policy:
ALLENS OF KINGSBURY RETURNS
Returns outside of the UK are at the buyer's cost. Please return to us at the address below.
Please ensure that you have completed a CN22 Customs declarations form and that this has been clearly marked as being Returned Goods. Please mark the return parcel on the outside clearly as returned goods. Failure to do this could result in Customs charges being applied to the parcel on its return. I regret we cannot accept parcels with customs duties and charges payable — these will be returned to sender.
Non-Faulty Goods
Please return items with the original packaging if possible and to keep hygiene seals on suits, please also include a copy of the invoice received clearly stating on this that you would like a refund for the return.
Please note that we will not accept non-faulty items back that have been worn or without their relevant packaging, labels or stickers.
If you would like to exchange an item for an alternative size, style or item please follow the link to us along with a copy of your invoice, please note on the invoice what item is required as an alternative.
Faulty Goods
In the case of faulty goods, please contact us and provide details of the nature of complaint along with photos and the date of purchase and the care given to product.
In all cases of complaint we will endeavour to substitute faulty goods with an identical replacement, or substitute the goods with ones of similar value. This does not affect your statutory rights, and you may of course choose to have a complete refund if you are not 100% happy.
How to Return an Item
If you have any questions about delivery, please contact us.
Size chart
The AK Team Hand Paddles are part of the AK Essentials range, offering top-quality training equipment at an affordable price. By increasing the surface area of your hand, the paddles add resistance through the pull phase, making your arms, shoulders, chest and lats work harder to develop swim-specific strength and endurance.
Paddles also amplify your stroke technique. A clean catch feels powerful and connected, while a dropped elbow or poor hand entry will cause the paddle to slip or wobble, giving instant feedback on every stroke. Each paddle is secured with adjustable straps and is colour-coded by size for easy identification on a busy pool deck.
Available in Small, Medium and Large. Sizing is based on paddle dimensions — the paddle should be just slightly larger than your hand.
Shop Swimming Paddles →Measure your hand and compare to the paddle dimensions in the table below. The paddle should sit just slightly larger than your hand for the correct training profile.
| Size | Strap Colour | Paddle Width (cm) | Paddle Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Red | 13.5 cm | 14.5 cm |
| Medium | Orange | 16.5 cm | 18 cm |
| Large | Blue | 19.5 cm | 20.5 cm |
Dimensions are paddle measurements, not hand measurements. The paddle body is black with colour-coded straps. If between sizes, size up. New to paddle training? Start with Small or Medium.
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.
Thanks for subscribing!
This email has been registered!
Shop the look
Choose options
Recently viewed
Edit option
Have Questions?
Compare
| Product | SKU | Description | Collection | Availability | Product type | Other details |
|---|
Choose options