TYR Catalyst Brites
TYR produce a range of six paddle sizes for use by everyone from beginners to elite swimmers.
The paddles tested here are medium sized, and, according to TYR, are suitable for ‘older secondary school males, senior national females, mid-level masters and triathletes’.
The paddle design has two major features to aid technique. The first – and extended wing lateral edge – is designed promote correct entry, extension and pull by creating lift and increasing resistance. The second – a smaller area on the inside edge – is designed to reduce pressure on the biceps and supraspinatus (one of the four rotator cuff muscles) during the pull phase.
Together with a cut-out flow hole in the centre of the paddle (to increase feel for the water and multi-finger strap options) the paddle sits comfortably and has the effect of allowing the swimmer to focus on a strong catch early in the stroke.
They also improve the line taken by the hand underwater, which will improve technique without paddles.
Contact : www.tyr.com
Matt Baird
Editor of Cycling Plus magazine 
