In a hand paddle (1) comprising a plastic element (10) and at least one attachment element (16) used to attach the hand paddle (1) to swimmer's hand, the flat element (10) is fabric (11) padded along a periphery or rim (12) at least at the front (17) and along the sides (18) by a stiffening element (20). In particular, the stiffening element, around the swimmer's hand, is horseshoe-shaped or flattened-arch-shaped.