PALM PADDLE REVIEW - THE WORLD'S SMALLEST HAND PADDLE

Review Summary: Palm Paddles

Overall Rating

4.5/5

Buy on Masters of Tri

A minimalist tool with maximum impact. These tiny paddles force you to maintain a perfect pull path or they slip off, giving you instant, undeniable feedback on your stroke.

✅ Pros

• Instant feedback on hand path deviations
• Fits in pocket or swimsuit
• Zero shoulder strain (safe for rehab)
• Simple, durable design

❌ Cons

• Can be easy to lose due to small size
• Requires patience to master (frustrating at first)

Detailed Score Breakdown

Usability/Effectiveness

5 / 5

Material

5 / 5

Look & Feel

4 / 5

Value

4 / 5

This post is long overdue, but finally, I kicked myself to introduce you to the wonderful world of the Palm Paddle.

I am not kidding when I say it is the world’s smallest hand paddle.

At first sight, they’re so tiny and cute that you just want to cuddle them in your palm :). But don’t let the size fool you. These little tools have a huge impact on your swimming technique.

As someone famous once said, "one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind", we could say "one small stroke with the Palm Paddle, one giant leap forward in your swim technique". :).

Dive Into: Palm Paddles

• Why the Palm Paddle Is So Small
• How It Improves Your Pull Technique
• How to Wear Palm Paddles Correctly
• Additional Benefits
• Final Thoughts
• Frequently Asked Questions

Why the Palm Paddle Is So Small

Many swimming technique articles out there talk about the early vertical forearm (EVF) or high-elbow catch for freestyle.

And rightly so. Without mastering this, it’s hard to become efficient in water.

However, what’s often overlooked is what happens after the catch. You might start well, but your hand could easily slip sideways or cross under your body, losing the grip on the water mid-stroke.

That’s where the Palm Paddle comes in.

It teaches you to keep your hand driving straight back, maintaining the initial hold on the water you created at the start of your stroke.

How It Improves Your Pull Technique

The Palm Paddle isn’t worn like a normal paddle. You don’t strap it across your palm. You simply slide it over your middle finger, just past the first joint, so it hangs off your fingertip.

This delicate attachment means that if your hand veers off-path, the paddle will immediately slip away.

It gives instant feedback on your pulling motion, you’ll know right away when you’ve lost your line.

It’s an elegant, minimal tool that forces you to maintain a straight underwater pull, reinforcing muscle memory and awareness.

Once you can complete full strokes without losing the paddles, you can then focus on the feeling for water aspect, which is where these really shine.

If you’d like to explore a similar concept on a larger scale, check out my Antipaddle review. Both paddles share the same goal: helping you fine-tune your feel for water, catch consistency, and pulling strength, but they go about it differently.

How to Wear Palm Paddles Correctly

Don’t overthink it. The key is simplicity.

• Slip the paddle onto the tip of your middle finger.
• Make sure it hangs loosely, not tight.
• Keep your palm and wrist relaxed. The paddle should feel like it’s just balancing on your hand.

If you deviate from a straight pull, it will slide off, giving you instant feedback.

You can also try wearing it on different fingers to slightly change the feedback and angle of your hand in the water.

Additional Benefits

• Builds awareness of your hand trajectory and stroke path
• Strengthens the connection between catch and pull
• Improves your sensitivity and “feel for water”
• Reduces strain on shoulders - safe for injury recovery
• Compact - fits easily in your pocket or swim buoy
• Great for pool drills or technique tune-ups before open-water sessions

If you are in open water, they can be easily slipped into your swimsuit or wet suit for safekeeping while you swim without them.

Alternatively, if you already love the 360swim Swim Buoy, these fit right alongside your essentials - small, durable, and super practical.

Final Thoughts

So, are Palm Paddles worth it? Absolutely.

They’re an ingenious minimalist tool that helps you swim straighter, more efficiently, and with a stronger sense of control in the water.

If you’re looking to enhance your awareness and refine your catch, pair them with the Antipaddles. The Palm Paddle trains pull direction and hand path, while the Antipaddle develops feel and catch sensitivity. Together, they make a powerful combination for improving your freestyle technique.

In summary: Tiny paddles, big impact, and possibly the most portable swimming tool you’ll ever own.

Now, go out there and improve your underwater pull, so you can enjoy the benefits of fast and easy swimming.

You can grab a pair of Palm Paddles (or "trilobites" as my swimmers call them) here.