Triathlete Buyer’s Guide: Swim Training Tools

Five swim training tools featured in the 2011 Triathlete Buyer’s Guide.

Written by: Sara McLarty

Finis Fraid Nots $19.99

Triathletes regard stretching like Brussels sprouts in a pre-race meal. Coaches tell us to do it because it’s good for us, but we ignore them anyway. The Finis Fraid Nots, with included DVD and instructional booklet, will help any triathlete clean his or her plate of tight muscles, injuries and stiffness. Finisinc.com

Stretchcordz Deluxe Mini Modular Set $68.95

The perfect training tool for any triathlete on the road. Just toss this bag of tricks into your luggage and get a swim-specific workout anywhere in the world. Arm straps, leg straps, tubing and door-mounting gear included. It’s everything you need without leaving the hotel or finding a pool. Nzmfg.com

Endless Pools, See dealer for prices

Testers agreed: Nothing tops the ability to roll out of bed in the morning and swim a mile, nonstop, in a private pool! Endless pools will make the drive to your local water hole obsolete. And you will be a better open-water swimmer for it—no walls, no turns and no stopping. Endlesspools.com

Go Swim Triathlon Skills with Sara McLarty DVD $29.95 (streaming online), $39.95 (DVD)

This instructional DVD is perfect for triathletes not living near a body of water, as well as those who would rather practice open water techniques in the comfort of a pool. Its three chapters—drills, pool, open water—demonstrate the best way to turn around buoys, dolphin dive, draft and sight during a race. Goswim.tv // Jené Shaw

Tyr Catch Paddle $15.50

Paddles are one piece of equipment that helps improve technique and build strength. The extended side blades overemphasize the catch phase of freestyle and encourage high elbows underwater. Testers found the small size to be gentle on their shoulders but said the strap installation was a bit tricky. Tyr.com