The Best Swim Gear for Optimal Performance

If you're serious about swimming, then you know that having the right gear can make a big difference in your performance. Whether you're just starting out or you've been swimming for years, it's important to have the right gear to help you practice and compete at your best. In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the best swim gear for both practice and competition.

Swimsuits

Let’s start with the most obvious one: the swimsuit. Swimmers need the proper swimwear in order to have the best experience in the water. There are generally two types of swimsuits that are worn: racing suits & practice suits.

Racing suits are designed to provide the swimmer with the least amount of drag possible. They are usually made of a lightweight material such as lycra or spandex and are form-fitting to the body. Racing suits should be tight and aerodynamic but can be less comfortable for everyday use.

Practice suits are designed for, well, practice. They are usually made of a more durable material such as polyester and have less of a form-fitting cut. This allows the swimmer to move more freely and comfortably during practice sessions.

For both practice and meet, I don't recommend using t-shirts, rash guards, or swim skirts. They will slow you down as they will create extra drag in the water, or prevent you from moving with ease.

Which models to use? You can use your racing suit during your practice if you or your kids feel it’s comfortable enough. This is very common and cost effective, especially for young swimmers who grow fast and need a new swimsuit every year.

You can find many models on Amazon or swimoutlet based on your preferences. My daughters like the TYR SPORT Women's Phoenix Splice DiamondFit Swimsuit It comes in many colors, and they use it for both practice and meet.

Swim Goggles

From my experience, goggles are critical to getting confidence in the water. You don’t want to be distracted by a leak, losing them when you dive, or anxious before a meet. In addition, googles help protect your eyes from chlorine and other chemicals in the pool water and allow you to see clearly underwater.

Plenty of models are available, so which one to pick?

When choosing a pair of swim goggles, it's important to find a pair that fits snugly on your face without being too tight. Consider getting a pair of goggles with mirrored lenses; this will help reduce glare from sunlight while you're swimming outdoors. Polarized lenses are also available and can be helpful for reducing glare; however, they will not allow you to see as clearly underwater since they filter out some of the light that passes through them.

You can ask for recommendations from your coach or your friends, but my suggestion is that your goggles should be able to suction your swimmers face. Attention, the suction shouldn’t be too strong that will make it uncomfortable, but it should be enough so you don’t even need the head band when you test them.

The model my kids love is the TYR Nest Pro Nano Goggle.

At the end of the day, remember that even the best athletes have issues with their google during a race, and you just have to be comfortable with that.

Swim cap

Swim caps help streamline a swimmer underwater and reduce drag. If you have long hair, a cap will keep your hair out of your face while swimming. For the meet, you will probably have to wear the cap of your swim team.

There are a few different types of swim caps that can be worn for a swim meet. The most common type of cap is the latex cap, which is designed to keep your hair dry and help you move through the water more quickly. There are also silicone caps, which are often used by competitive swimmers because they provide a tighter fit and can help reduce drag.

Swim parka

There's nothing worse than being cold at a meet, and a parka is a great piece of gear to help you to stay warm. In addition, keeping your body warm will directly impact your performance.

There are a few things to look for when choosing a parka. First, make sure it's waterproof. You don't want to be wet and cold during a meet. Second, make sure it's warm. You'll be grateful for the extra warmth on those cold days. Finally, make sure it's comfortable. You'll be wearing it for a while, so you don't want it to be too tight or too bulky.

My kids picked the Speedo Team Swim Parka, mainly from a style preference.

Swim Fins

Swim fins are an essential piece of gear for swimmers of all levels. They help you move through the water more efficiently and build up your leg strength. If you're just starting out, swim fins are a great way to get some extra help when you're first learning how to swim. They'll also come in handy when you're doing drills in practice.

When it comes to choosing a pair of swim fins, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the material they're made from. You'll usually find swim fins made from rubber, plastic, or silicone.

• Rubber fins are generally the most affordable option, but they also wear down more quickly than other materials.
• Plastic fins are a bit more durable than rubber, but they're not as flexible, which can make them uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time.
• Silicone swim fins are the most expensive option, but they're also the most comfortable and durable.

Another thing to keep in mind is the size of the fin. It's important to choose a size that fits snugly on your foot without being too tight. If the fin is too loose, it will slip off while you're swimming. If it's too tight, it will be uncomfortable and may cause blisters.

It was possible to try different types of fins at the pool we practice, and my kids like the FINIS ones.

Swim Bag

There are many benefits of having a swim bag, but here are just a few:

1. You can pack everything you need for a day at the pool in one bag, including your towel, sunscreen, and snacks.
2. Swim bags are usually made of quick-dry fabric, so if your wet swimsuit or towel gets thrown in, everything will air out and dry quickly.
3. They often have compartments or pockets specifically for things like keys, phones, and sunglasses, so you can keep track of all your belongings while you're swimming.
4. A good swim bag will last you for years and years, making it a great investment for anyone who loves spending time in the water.

Again, mainly from a style preference, my kids picked the speedo teamster backpack

What You Need in Your Swim Bag

Take a look at our latest article highlighting the must-have items that you should pack in your swim backpack for a meet.
Towel: For when you are finished with your swim so you can dry off faster, and wear your parka or warm clothes.
Water Bottle: Must have to stay hydrated before, during, and after swim practices and meets.
Snacks: Hunger strikes at the worst times and you will spend a lot of energy during your events. You will need something to eat after practice or between events at a meet.
Extra hair ties and bobby pins: Because we all know how much of a pain it is when our hair starts falling out during practice.
Sunscreen: You will be in the sun all day at meets so it is important to put sunscreen on before you get in the car to leave as well as when you arrive at the pool deck.
A sharpie: Very useful to write down the meet information on your arm

Having the right swim gear is essential for both practicing and competing at your best. Now that you know some of the best pieces of swim gear, you can hit the pool with confidence !

Happy swimming!