Strokemakers were designed to build strength and provide stroke correction. The hand should fit completely on the paddle with the thumb and first finger near the edge allowing the pinky to have some space on the outside edge. Hand size in relation to the paddle is the primary way to determine correct sizing. The hand being slightly offset allows for fully finishing the stroke and the outer edge water foil builds strength without putting pressure on the joints. Strokemakers were designed to be oversized, so while age and experience factor into sizing, hand size should still be the primary way to determine the correct size. Most swimmers drop down 1 to 2 sizes from their freestyle size for fly/back/breast as well as during taper. Going up a size or two for drills is also very beneficial to emphasize proper technique and to work on maximum distance per stroke. For additional sizing recommentions, please reference the size chart.
