The FINIS Backstroke Wedge is literally all FINIS claim it to be. I ordered mine for my private coaching company, Ace Swimming, in April and used it to test out its suitability and ease of use within a club setting. I have now used the wedge at 4 different pools, each with a different block design. The performance is consistent in each. The wedge is lightweight and easy to transport between pools and takes less than 3 minutes to set up and adjust for a pool, compared to 30 minutes for the system used at our local 50 metre pool.

After a successful trial and positive feedback from the swimmers within Caradon, we invested in a set of 4, to allow us to use them for a full squad and local meets. We have a number of regional backstroke swimmers but starts have always been an issue due to our training pools having very slippery walls. The FINIS Backstroke wedge has greatly aided our athletes’ preparation for the regional events. Issy Aspen (regional backstroke swimmer) has said “I have noticed a vast improvement in my confidence and my ability to hold an efficient starting position on backstroke since using the FINIS wedge. I have always struggled with my backstroke starts, I am fast in the water but my starts have needed work on them. I have liked doing the work with the wedges as this has boosted my confidence and I know I can swim a faster race now with the aid of the wedge.”

The wedges feel great to use, they are as good as any top range branded wedge but far simpler to use, quicker to set up and a fraction of the cost. The grip and angle of the wedge is perfect; it really does allow for a more explosive start with agile flight and entry. Jackson Spry, who is currently preparing to race the 200m Backstroke at the English Championships, says “the
wedge makes any pool feel like a pool of a much higher standard, as previously I really struggled with backstroke racing practice at top speed from a start. Before I had access to the wedge my only experience of proper backstroke starts came from races, so my technique was poor. With the wedge I have come on in leaps and bounds and it has allowed me to do so much more. My backstroke speed, in particular start and underwater phase, has improved significantly resulting in much faster times when racing.” Developing the start, a race specific skill, with the help of the FINIS wedge has resulted in Jackson qualifying for his first English Nationals Championship this year. In any high performance sport it is rare to come across a product that is affordable and delivers all the manufacturer claims in every aspect , but the FINIS Backstroke wedge does!

I fully endorse this product and recommend every swim club to own a set.

Jason Quiterio
Founder Ace Swimming
Head Coach Caradon Swimming Club