Training Gear Explained 🏊

When to Use Each Tool and Why

If you’re new to swimming or getting back into it, walk into any swim shop and it can feel overwhelming. Snorkels, paddles, fins, tempo trainers… where do you even start?

The good news? You don’t need everything at once.

Each piece of swim gear has a specific purpose, and when you understand when to use it in a session, it becomes much less intimidating and far more effective.

Below is a simple breakdown of core FINIS tools, what they help with, and exactly where they fit into your swim.

Snorkels - Improve body position without overthinking breathing

If you’re still building confidence in the water, breathing can feel like the hardest part. A centre-mount snorkel removes that stress so you can focus on body position and stroke technique.

• FINIS Stability Snorkel - A bracket-free snorkel designed for competitive swimmers. It’s lightweight, comfortable and great for high-speed or technique-focused training because it removes the need to turn your head to breathe, keeping your body streamlined.
  

• FINIS Original Swimmer's Snorkel - A classic centre-mount snorkel that allows any swimmer to maintain a consistent body line and focus on efficient stroke mechanics.

When to use: Include snorkel drills early in your session during technique work or longer aerobic sets, and let them help you develop stable body position without the disruption of breathing patterns.

Paddles - Build Strength and feel through the water

Paddles increase the surface area of your hands so you can feel the catch phase of your stroke more clearly. They’re not about going faster straight away, they’re about building awareness and strength.

• FINIS Agility Floating Paddles - Great for developing feel for the water, reinforcing proper hand placement and building upper-body strength.
  

• FINIS Iso Paddles - Focus more on stroke correction and muscle engagement, which is especially useful if you’re refining your pull or addressing imbalances.
  

When to use: Introduce paddles during short, controlled sets after your warm-up. Focus on smooth, deliberate strokes rather than power. Think quality, not quantity.

Fins - Strengthen Kick and Maintain Body Line

Fins add propulsion without extra effort from your upper body, allowing you to swim at speed while focusing on technique.

• FINIS Zoomers Gold Training Fins - Great for building kick strength and improving ankle flexibility.
  

• FINIS Edge Fins - Ideal for swimmers seeking power development and endurance through longer kick sets.
  

• FINIS Long Floating Fins - Perfect for glide and balance drills; also useful for warm-ups or long aerobic swim sets.
  
  

When to use: Use fins in kick sets, pacing sets, or technique work where you want extra propulsion but still want to prioritise body alignment and rhythm.

Tempo Trainer - Master Your Pace and Rhythm

• FINIS Tempo Trainer Pro - A small wearable device that beeps at your target stroke rate, helping you develop consistent pacing and improve your distance per stroke.

When to use: Use the Tempo Trainer during pace control sessions or race prep. It’s especially helpful for open-water swimmers and distance athletes who need a consistent rhythm.

Using Gear with Purpose

Gear becomes powerful when paired with clear intention. Each tool should support a specific training goal, whether that’s body-position awareness with snorkels, strength and feel with paddles, propulsion with fins or rhythm with tempo trainers.

Here are some practical tips to make gear work for you:

• Avoid using multiple tools all at once unless each has a focused purpose.

• Rotate gear throughout the week so you maintain balance in your training.

• Pair gear use with specific session goals: technique, speed, pacing, or endurance.
  
  

The most important thing to remember? Gear is there to support your confidence and progression. When it serves your goals, not the other way around. Training becomes more effective, more insightful, and ultimately more rewarding. Used intentionally, it helps you swim smarter, not just harder.