One of the great things about swimming is that it does not require a lot of equipment and what it does require is generally low cost. This guide will help you determine what you need, and choose the best equipment for you.
What you’ll require are Swimsuits, Rash Sun Guards, Swim caps, Goggles, Kickboards, Paddles, Pull buoy, Swim fins and a Nose clip.
Whether you are male or female you will need at least 2 good practice suits. Suits come in a variety of fabrics and blends. Most people swim in a pool that is treated with Chlorine or similar chemicals. It’s important that fabrics can take the chemicals without fading or deteriorating quickly.
Rash Guards are usually worn for when there is use of surfboards, but are great for any water sport that is performed in the sun. It’s a lycra blend stretchable long-sleeved shirt that can save you from sunburn. They can also protect you from stings if you are swimming in open water.
A swim cap protects your hair from chemicals, keeps it out of your eyes, and adds a small amount of warmth. Unlike latex and silicon swim caps, the lycra caps do not cut down on waterflow. The chemicals in the water will continually circulate around your hair, so if that is a concern, go for latex or silicon to limit the water flow and protect your hair better.
Finding the perfect pair of goggles can seem challenging. However, once you have them, you’ll enjoy swimming more. If you swim outdoors, get goggles with tinted lenses to help block the sun glare. If you swim indoors, a clear lens is preferred to let in more light.
A kickboard gives the swimmer an opportunity to rest part of their body. Whether rounded or pointed, kickboards should be a comfortable size. Look for kickboards that shed water quickly so it’s easy to pack and leave the pool quickly.
There is only one reason to use swim paddles; to build strength. Many swimmers and coaches claim they will help to improve technique, but because they create more resistance, the improvement in swimming techniques can’t be fully developed. However, if you are trying to build strength and muscle endurance then paddles are a good tool to use.
If you are learning to swim and trying to “swim downhill” as some programs advise then you will want to use a pull buoy. If you are trying to build strength in your legs or recovering from knee problems then swim fins might be good to use.
Very few swimmers use nose clips. Traditionally they are used by novices or by synchronized swimmers that flip around a lot. They can help swimmers who are sensitive to chlorine.