Rec's for weak legs? calf cramps and kicking practice.

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Ladyvalea

Contributor
Messages
101
Reaction score
1
Location
Fort Worth, Texas, United States
# of dives
25 - 49
Hi! I need help! I have weak legs and every time I practice putting on my BC in water you know when you have the tank butt facing away from you and you put your arms in the arm hole and go underwater and flip the bc over your head and pop into it... I always get massive almost drowning calf cramps...cuz I'm kicking forward???
Plus, my instructor says I have poor finning technique in general...

I'm using the Mares Avanti X-3 .....maybe that fin is just to big and wide for my weak legs.... I'm thinking of buying "zip excersice fins" or "Zoomers" something to use?
TYR CrossBlade Training Fin at SwimOutlet.com
Finis Zoomers Swim Fins at SwimOutlet.com
Zip Fins at SwimOutlet.com

what are your thoughts on these fins for gaining stonger legs? suggestions?
thanks... oh...any links to videos on finning would be great..
 
I my experience it is best to train/ practice with the fins you plan to use for diving. I switched to long blades a while back (Cressi gara 3000) and got lots of cramps in the beginning. Then I started wearing them in the pool a couple times a week and they are great now. I can dive or snorkel all day and have no problems. This also serves to "train" against blisters and such.
I think the proper kick stroke is a little different with each fin so it is important to wear your diving fins.

I usually have one or both of my kids on my back which is good for simulating dive gear. :)
 
Unless you're going to dive in situations where you need powerful finning, such as against currents you might try shorter, more flexible or split fins. These require quicker finning but at a lower effort. It's analgous to riding a bike (or driving a car) in lower gear at higher rpm's vs pushing a high gear at low rpms.

I'm sure this is going to start lots of debate, but definately faster finning at lower force is less likely to cause cramping. After a while, when your legs strengthen, you revisit your fin choices if you want to.

If you don't want to change fins, swim laps wearing your fins and build up the affected muscles.
 
thanks...but when I try swim at the surface my fins or my legs? are floating on the top of the water ...so I'm more lilke slapping the surface water...How do I keep my legs in deeper?

Oh...what is an example of a shorter fin ???? brand???
 
thanks...but when I try swim at the surface my fins or my legs? are floating on the top of the water ...so I'm more lilke slapping the surface water...How do I keep my legs in deeper?

Oh...what is an example of a shorter fin ???? brand???


You seem to have two problems(?)
Floaty feet and not to strong muscles.

Have a look at the Oceanic V12 splitfins.
Full rubber splitfins,no more floating and less cramps.

On the other hand the problem you have with putting on the BC at the surface,you can do this without the the strong fins,aslong as your arms are strong enough.Just push the BC down and sit on it.:wink:
 
If you don't want to change fins, swim laps wearing your fins and build up the affected muscles.

I meant swim laps underwater either breath hold or using scuba. If you go the scuba route, try to stay level at 3-5' depth, this will also be good practice for bouyancy and trim.
 
1st I suggest increasing your potassium levels and make sure you drink plenty of water. Do you wear heels? It sounds like your calf muscles are too tight. You need to do some stretches prior to the pool. sit with knees bent to your chest and grab your toes. point your toes as high up(towards your chest) as you can and then pull with your hands until you feel the stretch. Hold for 2 seconds. Do about 10 reps for each foot.

I can get bad charley horses in my calves. The split fins have helped me out a lot!
 
Hi! I need help! I have weak legs and every time I practice putting on my BC in water you know when you have the tank butt facing away from you and you put your arms in the arm hole and go underwater and flip the bc over your head and pop into it... I always get massive almost drowning calf cramps...cuz I'm kicking forward???
Plus, my instructor says I have poor finning technique in general...

I'm using the Mares Avanti X-3 .....maybe that fin is just to big and wide for my weak legs.... I'm thinking of buying "zip excersice fins" or "Zoomers" something to use?
TYR CrossBlade Training Fin at SwimOutlet.com
Finis Zoomers Swim Fins at SwimOutlet.com
Zip Fins at SwimOutlet.com

what are your thoughts on these fins for gaining stonger legs? suggestions?
thanks... oh...any links to videos on finning would be great..

...you need to get to the pool & the gym. Buy a pair of full-foot slipper fins & take them, along with m&s, to the pool and do laps - on surface, underwater, utilizing all the fin kicks you've learned. Concentrate on form. Start slow, then build your endurance.

Go to the gym, do a variety of cardio work, do calf raises, do light weight exercises - condition those legs!

If you can only do one - do the pool. Hands down, there is no substitute for muscle conditioning by doing what you're conditioning the muscles for...

Now...get swimmin'!!!

Best,
InstructorManDan
 
Hi! I need help! I have weak legs and every time I practice putting on my BC in water you know when you have the tank butt facing away from you and you put your arms in the arm hole and go underwater and flip the bc over your head and pop into it... I always get massive almost drowning calf cramps...cuz I'm kicking forward???

I don't know what you're doing, but it's way too much work.

To put on your BC, you only need to get your right arm though the hole, then roll your body until your left arm lines up with the other arm hole and stick it through.

There shouldn't be any flipping involved.

In fact, getting better at SCUBA involves doing less work, not more. The best divers have an amazing economy of motion, and if you're working hard at any of the skills, something is probably wrong.

Terry
 
If you want to use your bigger leg muscles and give your aching calves a break, simply switch to Force Fins.

Give them a try.
 

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