they don't need to be tight, just enough to keep them on by bending your hand to put pressure against the straps. There are also styles of paddles that you hold onto rather than them holding onto you, enabling you to let go and free the paddles. Riveraholic makes a great set. I keep mine tight enough that they're still a little annoying to get on, and have never had an issue getting them off when adrenaline kicks in.