Swim Gear Essentials
August 9, 2024
Basic Gear:
Every swimmer needs a few essential items to be prepared for practices and meets. Here’s a basic checklist:
- Swimsuit: For daily practices, swimmers typically wear a durable, chlorine-resistant swimsuit. Boys often wear jammers or briefs, while girls usually wear one-piece suits. Comfort and fit are key, as swimmers spend a lot of time in the water.
- Goggles: A good pair of goggles is essential to protect the eyes from chlorine and help swimmers see clearly underwater. Goggles should fit snugly to prevent water from leaking in but shouldn’t be so tight that they’re uncomfortable. It's a good idea to have a backup pair in case one breaks.
- Swim Cap: Swim caps reduce drag in the water and help keep hair out of the swimmer’s face. They also protect hair from chlorine damage. Caps can be made of silicone, latex, or lycra, with silicone being the most durable and comfortable for most swimmers. This is not mandatory for pre-competitive swimmers, but once swimmers start competing they will need to wear a cap.
- Towels: Swimmers will need at least one large, absorbent towel to dry off after practice and between events at meets. Quick-drying towels, like microfiber ones, are popular because they’re lightweight and easy to pack.
- Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial, even during swim practice. Swimmers should bring a large refillable water bottle to practice and meets to keep hydrated throughout the day.
Competition Gear:
The gear a swimmer uses for practice might differ slightly from what they wear in competitions. Here’s what to consider:
- Team Gear: We have team gear for our competitive swimmers to wear at meets - most importantly the team’s “blue shirts” (or competitive team clothing) and a Blue Fins cap. Wearing team gear fosters a sense of unity and pride and makes it easy to identify teammates at a meet.
- Tech Suits: For competitions, some swimmers opt to wear a tech suit, which is a specially designed swimsuit that compresses the body to reduce drag and enhance performance. Tech suits are made from high-tech materials and are usually worn only during important meets because they can be expensive and wear out quickly. We don’t recommend tech suits for swimmers who aren’t racing at a Provincial or higher level - tech suits are only helpful for swimmers who have consistently great technique.
Equipment Care:
Proper care of swim gear helps extend its life and ensures it performs well. Here are some tips:
- Rinsing Gear: After every practice or meet, rinse swimsuits, goggles, and caps with fresh water to remove chlorine, which can cause materials to degrade over time. This is especially important for tech suits and other competition gear.
- Drying Gear: Avoid leaving swim gear in a damp pile in a bag. Hang swimsuits and towels to dry completely between uses to prevent mold and mildew. For goggles and caps, pat them dry gently with a towel.
- Storing Gear: Store swim gear in a cool, dry place. For goggles, store them in a protective case to prevent scratches on the lenses. Avoid leaving gear in direct sunlight, as UV rays can weaken materials and cause colors to fade.
- Washing Gear: There are specially-made swim suit cleaners that can help remove chlorine out of suits, usually with a quick soak. Do not put swim suits in the washing machine.
Replacing Gear: Over time, swim gear will wear out, especially if it’s used frequently. Watch for signs like thinning fabric, stretched-out elastic, or persistent leaks in goggles, and replace items as needed to maintain performance and comfort.