Advanced Swimming Gear Guide

Beyond Basics: An In-depth Look at Swimming Gear

If you’re serious about swimming, you need more than just a good stroke. This article dives into swimming gear and how it can elevate your performance in the pool.

So, whether you’re a competitive swimmer or an ambitious amateur, you should  pay close attention to the swimming gear that you use. It can streamline your training, and maximise your enjoyment of this profoundly rewarding sport.

Swimwear

Selecting the appropriate swimwear is critical. For women, a one-piece suit is the way to go. Designed for low resistance, it offers the edge in competitive situations. On the other side, we have two-piece suits. These are versatile and can be used for casual swimming, but you’ll face increased drag with these.

For men, swim trunks are a straightforward option. These are simple but practical, primarily for casual swimming. Rashguards are important too. Offering UV protection, they’re particularly useful for extended exposure to sunlight and are highly recommended for open water swimming.

Material should be a major consideration. Polyester provides robust durability but isn’t as flexible. Lycra is on the comfortable side but will wear  out faster. Gauge your needs based on how frequently you’ll be in the pool or open water. If you’re a daily swimmer, the durability of polyester might be your top priority.

Swim Caps

Swim caps are not about looks; they’re about efficiency and protection. A good swim cap reduces drag, enhancing your hydrodynamic profile in the water. Second, they offer a much-needed shield against chlorine, which can be harsh on hair over time.

Silicone caps are tough and durable, making them a solid choice for frequent swimmers. They also have the added benefit of not pulling your hair. Latex caps are lighter and cheaper but tend to wear out more quickly. Then we have neoprene caps, which are excellent for cold water swimming because they offer thermal insulation. The fit should also be just right; too tight will give you a headache, too loose and you risk it slipping off mid-swim.

Goggles

Goggles are indispensable. They protect your eyes from the chlorine in pool water, and in open water, they provide visibility. You have two main types to consider: racing and training goggles. Racing goggles are low-profile, designed to reduce drag at the cost of some comfort. Training goggles are padded for comfort and are more suited for daily use.

If you’re someone who wears glasses, consider prescription goggles. These specialised goggles can drastically improve your swimming experience by providing the vision correction you need. The fit must be snug to prevent water from seeping in, but not so tight that it pinches your skin. Pay attention to the nose bridge. It’s a common source of discomfort in poorly-fitting goggles. Some designs offer adjustable nose bridges for a more customised fit.

Strap adjustment mechanisms differ among various models. The primary goal here is to find a system that’s both easy to adjust and stays in place during your swim. Anti-fog is a nice feature, but it’s not permanent. Investing in a reliable anti-fog spray is the most effective way to ensure long-term clarity.

Fins, Paddles, and Snorkels

Let’s talk about specialised gear, starting with fins. Fins aren’t just for scuba divers. Fins serve multiple functions in training: they help improve kick technique, build leg strength, and increase speed. Choose the right pair for your goals. Short fins are good for speed work. Long fins are better for technique drills. Research and test different types to find what suits your needs.

Hand paddles are another gear that’s not to be dismissed. Often misunderstood as just an accessory, they actually offer critical benefits. They enhance your stroke mechanics and contribute to upper body strength. You have options, from contoured paddles that increase resistance to finger paddles that focus more on your hand’s catch phase. A word of caution: using paddles improperly can lead to shoulder issues. If you’re new, go for some swimming classes and learn how to use them effectively.

Frontal snorkels are designed for swim training. Unlike the side snorkels used in snorkelling or free diving, frontal snorkels allow you to keep your head steady and focus on your stroke. It helps in training lung capacity too. An added advantage: it keeps you from lifting your head to breathe, thus maintaining a streamlined position. Frontal snorkels may take some getting used to. Beginners might find it awkward, but stick with it, as the benefits outweigh the initial discomfort.

Training Suits vs. Racing Suits

Training suits and racing suits serve distinct functions. Training suits are built for comfort and longevity. They’ll withstand daily pool chemicals and intense training sessions. Usually made from a blend of polyester and PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate), they are highly durable but may not offer the same level of compression or water-repellency as racing suits.

Racing suits, on the other hand, are all about performance. These are engineered to reduce drag and provide muscle compression. Comprising lightweight, low-permeability fabrics, they’re not meant for extended use. The fit is tighter, designed to hold muscles firmly in place to reduce fatigue. Understand this: racing suits are an investment. They are typically more expensive, and their lifespan is significantly shorter than training suits.

The Right Footwear: Deck Shoes and Sandals

Footwear for pool decks is another element that often goes unnoticed. Proper footwear provides additional grip on wet surfaces, preventing accidental slips and falls. Some shoes are designed with quick-drying fabric and offer good drainage, which is useful for both pool and open-water locations.

Deck shoes are a popular choice among competitive swimmers. These offer excellent grip and are designed to be quick to put on and take off. Sandals or slides work too but look for ones with a contoured footbed for better support. The material should be water-resistant, ideally, and provide decent arch support. Don’t skimp on quality here; it’s better to invest in a sturdy pair that will last.

Advanced Training Equipment

If you’re past beginner level, advanced training equipment is your next frontier. Think tempo trainers, resistance cords, and even drag suits. A tempo trainer is a metronome for your strokes. It guides your stroke rate, vital for pacing in long-distance swims. Most tempo trainers are small and can fit under your swim cap. Resistance cords are for dry-land training. They help build strength in your stroke muscles. For proper use, anchor them securely.

Drag suits add resistance in the water, essentially making you work harder. Unlike training fins or paddles, the drag suit focuses on adding challenge rather than aiding your performance. A common misconception: they’re not just for sprinters. Distance swimmers benefit too. It helps build the sort of stamina required for long stretches of swimming. Do not, however, make them your primary suit. Use them in specific training sets only.

Smart Gear for Swimming Metrics

When it comes to metrics, we’re living in a golden age for swimmers. Wearable technology has changed the game. From waterproof smartwatches to specialised swim trackers, the options are numerous. They monitor strokes, laps, and even your SWOLF score, which is a metric for swimming efficiency. Some devices offer real-time feedback. It’s like having a coach on your wrist. But remember, gadgets don’t replace fundamentals.

GPS is another feature that’s becoming standard, especially for open water swimmers. It maps your course, useful for training and safety. Some high-end models even offer heart rate monitoring under water, though it’s not always as accurate as land-based monitoring. Before diving into a purchase, identify your specific needs. Battery life, ease of use, and data syncing capabilities are factors to consider.

Don’t overlook the app ecosystem supporting these devices. Some apps offer deep-dive analytics. They’ll break down your swim into individual segments for targeted improvement. Syncing issues can be a drawback. Check compatibility with your phone’s operating system to avoid surprises.

Looking for swimming lessons and classes? Check out our locations

Swimming classes & lessons Nunawading
Swimming classes & lessons Burwood
Swimming classes & lessons Ringwood
Swimming classes & lessons Glen Waverley