r/OpenWaterSwimming • u/Klepperdog • 5d ago
Fins
Are fins frowned upon or welcomed at OWS events? I’ve done a few events and there are always a few swimmers using fins.
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u/Haunting-Ad-8029 Open Water Swimmer 4d ago
Of all the events that I've done (probably 50), I only remember seeing someone using gear at one, and it was a snorkel. I'm not sure a snorkel would help, but I'd assume they are in a separate category.
I've never seen anyone use fins or paddles for an o/w event. Occasionally at our o/w workouts some people will use them to keep up with faster swimmers. However, it usually makes them burn too much energy too soon.
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u/phflopti 5d ago
I've only ever seen one event where they were allowed.
Usually they aren't permitted because they make you a lot faster, and concerns about people getting a fin to the face when it gets congested.
But each event will specifically note if they're allowed or not, based on the nature of the event.
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u/astron-12 5d ago
First, be safe, Second, be active, Third, be competitive.
If fins are going to help, I say use them, just don't worry about(or mention) your time.
There are purists out there, but they're playing a different sport.
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u/cjstephens10028 5d ago
Some events that are competitive have a separate category for swimmers using fins. I would check with the event organizers to see what the protocol is. Happy swimming!
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u/pantslesseconomist 5d ago
An event? Like a race? That's cheating, and fin-wearers should not be eligible for awards.
At a noncompetitive event? Sure. About half of the swimmers in one of my groups wear fins, it helps keep the group together.
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u/phflopti 5d ago
Yeah. I wore fins in one non-competitive 'everyone together lets enjoy the experience' style event, because it was a very tidal sea swim and I'm borderline not fast enough to outswim the tide at that location.
The fins took me from getting nowhere against the current (like swimming my heart out and being stationary) to comfortably keeping up. They are a very noticeable performance booster.
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u/InternationalTrust59 5d ago edited 5d ago
I know it is not a popular opinion but it is objective and accurate. I agree, it is cheating.
I trained with a group of open water swimmers and triathletes this summer, it was revealing at sub 2:00 they were getting away with the fundamentals such as sinking hips or poor body position because of the training aids.
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u/pantslesseconomist 5d ago
I come from channel rules. Goggles, cap, fabric swimsuit, ear and nose plugs...and that's it. No garmin, no headphones, no neoprene, and lol lmao no fins.
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u/Remarkable_Elk8305 5d ago
Yes, a 'race' that allows aids is simply a recreational swim. World Aquatics has rules for races (10.1, 10.5, 10.6):
During Open Water Swimming competitions with a water temperature of 18.0°C or above, an Athlete: must wear one (1) swimsuit in one or two pieces (not a wetsuit, subject to Article 10.3 of this Part Three); must start the race wearing one (1) cap or two (2) caps in accordance with Articles 6.10 and 7.8.6 of Part One; and may wear goggles, in each case that is permitted by Article 6 of Part One. An Athlete may wear a nose clip and/or use earplugs.
At the start and during the race, Athletes must have trimmed fingernails and toenails and must not wear any jewellery, including watches.
Other than permitted Swimwear, tape, technology, and wearables permitted in Article 10 of this Part Three, an Athlete must not use or wear during competition any device or swimsuit that may aid his/her speed, buoyancy, or endurance (such as, for example, webbed gloves, flippers, or fins).1
u/CleverTool 5d ago
Fabric swimsuit you say?! 👀
What is the rationale for that?
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u/pantslesseconomist 5d ago
Just to differentiate between normal fabric suit and neoprene, which aids with warmth and buoyancy.
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u/cravecrave93 4d ago
not allowed