Wetronome (Improve Your Stroke Rate)

I have had a few swimmers comment on this blog about their stroke and the rhythm, so I decided to put the following info together for you.

Have you ever heard of a Wetronome? This little and simple device can help you with the rhythm, timing and the rate of your stroke. Device is put under the goggle strap and cap right in front of your ear and is set to beep in some interval of your liking. Then the swimmer basically just starts a stroke with every beep to improve the stroke rate of the swim. Stroke rate is basically how many strokes a swimmer takes per minute. This is very dependent on what stroke you swim and what event you swim, but the basic idea is the same. An ideal stroke rate is different for each person, however, if it is too low, dead spots appear in your stroke and if it is too high, you are probably not pulling the right way and might get tired too fast. Hence swimming with Wetronome will help you achieve the ideal rate for you and improve upon it, so your stroke is not off rhythm as some might say.

I am not too sure how long I could endure constant beeping in my ear, however, the beauty of self setting the timing of the beeps is great. I'd say if you can find a few songs with the same beat and put it in your iPod and waterproof case, it might be a bit enjoyable. Anyhow, the idea is quite nice and Paul Newsome has put together an explanatory video and an article which will tell you more about how it works and why one could improve their stroke with using Wetronome.

If any of you already tried the Wetronome or is going to, I'd be very glad to hear your comments as to how you liked it, so don't be shy and tell me what you think.