WETRONOME - THE METRONOME FOR SWIMMERS

I’ve had a few swimmers comment on this blog about their stroke rhythm, and as it happens, I managed to get my hands on a new product called the Wetronome.

This small, simple device can help you refine your rhythm, timing, and stroke rate, acting as a metronome in waterproof form.

Quick Jump To:

• What Is the Wetronome?
• How to Set Up and Use the Wetronome
• Finding the Best Placement for Comfort and Sound
• How the Wetronome Improves Your Stroke Rate
  • 🎥 The Benefits of using the Wetronome
• Creative Uses Beyond Stroke Rhythm
• Update: Finis Tempo Trainer Replacement
  • 🎥 The Tempo Trainer
• FAQ

What Is the Wetronome?

As the name suggests, the Wetronome is like a metronome, but built for swimmers.
It emits a beeping signal at preset intervals, helping you maintain a consistent pace and develop an efficient stroke rhythm.

Each beep marks the start of a stroke, allowing you to fine-tune your timing and eliminate dead spots in your stroke cycle.

Your ideal stroke rate depends on the stroke type and distance you’re training for. Too slow and you create pauses, too fast and you lose power.
The Wetronome helps you find your personal “sweet spot” for stroke tempo.

How to Set Up and Use the Wetronome

Setup is very simple.

Use the small magnetic wand included in the package to tap the device and adjust your desired interval. A few beeps later, it’s ready to go.

You can even reset it through your swim cap. There is no need to remove it from your head between sets.

Once programmed, tuck the Wetronome under your goggle strap or beneath your swim cap, either in front of or just behind your ear.

Finding the Best Placement for Comfort and Sound

Proper placement is key to hearing the beep clearly without interfering with your stroke.

For me, the best position is slightly behind the ear, closer to the middle of the back of the head.

This lets me hear the beeps clearly while keeping my arms free to move.

Don’t worry about disturbing other swimmers, the beep volume is subtle enough that only you will hear it unless someone is swimming right beside you.

How the Wetronome Improves Your Stroke Rate

The Wetronome is more than a pacing tool.

It’s a stroke-rate training device.

By synchronizing each arm movement with the beep, you develop a steady tempo and avoid gaps in your pull.

This helps you:

• Maintain consistent propulsion
• Reduce dead spots in the stroke
• Improve your pacing awareness

It can be used with any stroke, not just freestyle, making it a versatile training companion.

🎥 The Benefits of using the Wetronome

Creative Uses Beyond Stroke Rhythm

The Wetronome can also be used for mindful or association swimming, using each beep as a mental cue.

For example, if you’re focusing on a high elbow catch, you can associate every beep with that movement:
beep - good catch, beep - good catch.

This builds muscle memory over time.

It’s also great for relaxation swims. Set it at a steady pace and just cruise, like a cycling spin session to good music.

If you coach a group, you could even use a submerged speaker version of the device to cue an entire team during drills.

Update: Finis Tempo Trainer Replacement

The original Wetronome is no longer produced, but a modern equivalent exists, the Finis Tempo Trainer.

It works on the same principle, with a slightly more intuitive interface and reliable construction.

🎥 The Tempo Trainer

Whether it’s the Wetronome or the Tempo Trainer, the concept remains the same, an audio cue for rhythm and tempo is one of the simplest and most effective swim-training tools you can use.