The short-blade fin known as the “Zoomer” has been around for quite some time. There is no substitute for the greater intensity these smaller fins bring to a workout. The added water pressure that Zoomers grab forces the user to engage the lower abdomen and hip flexors while also challenging the larger muscle groups in the legs, such as the quadriceps and hamstrings. The fins are small enough, however, to allow the user to maintain a fairly natural kick rate. The combination of these features makes them a perfect fit for swimmers of all abilities, from Olympic champion to weekend warrior.

The two most popular Zoomer fins at FINIS are the Zoomers Gold and the Z2 Zoomers. They both have unique characteristics that give the user a slightly different experience during a workout.

The Zoomers Gold are the traditional Zoomer fin. They are rigid throughout and require a decent amount of force to maintain a consistent rate. Swimmers of all abilities will find themselves having to extend past the limits of their comfort zone in order to swim with Zoomers for an extended period of time. As with anything else in swimming, you will need some time to adjust to these fins, but repeated use will give you the explosive snap and leg drive that is seen among the elite swimmers in our sport.

The Z2 Zoomers were designed to train a different sensation in the body. The blade is slightly longer than on the Zoomers Gold, and the patented “Flex Box” permits some give during the down-kick. During the up-kick, however, the larger surface catches the water and demands a greater amount of force from the hamstring and lower back. Recent research suggests that the most efficient aquatic animals, such as  dolphins, actually have a stronger up-kick than downward motion.