Abstract: A swimmer training paddle with a textured leading surface for increasing a swimmer's arm strength and hand stability is disclosed. The paddle takes the form of a rigid, planar fluid resistance member having a textured first surface that directs and momentarily captures water thereon and a second surface configured to engage a swimmer's hand. The momentary capture of water by the textured paddle increases the thrust achieved with each stroke. Water resistively contacts the textured surface of the paddle for a longer period of time than does water contacting the smooth surface of a conventional paddle. In the preferred embodiment, the textured surface comprises diagonally extending, interconnected, contiguous linear recesses or channels which have been found to provide increased thrust without compromising rotational stability.