Essential Swim Gear for Your Family

To many people, swimming is so much more than a sport. It is a passion, a practice, a form of relaxation, a form of exercise, or a hobby. Some even consider swimming a lifestyle! When it comes to achieving the swimmer’s lifestyle, in addition to mastering breathing patterns and the various strokes, it is also essential to have the right swim gear. The right swim gear can make a big difference when it comes to a swimmer’s safety and overall performance. Whether your favorite swimmers are at the beginning stages of their swimming journey or they are little fish in the water, the right swim gear will make a world of difference.

When shopping for a swimsuit, think about material, quality, design, and purpose. There are plenty of brands that make swimsuits specifically “suited” for swimmers. Companies also factor in chlorine-resistant fabrics to ensure the swimsuit will endure many sessions in the pool, and streamlined designs lead to minimal drag and ideal hydrodynamics.

For experienced swimmers, they will likely have a wide variety of swimsuit options in their closet and will choose the right one depending on the occasion. With that in mind, consider the differences between recreational, racing, and training swimsuits:

Recreational: Think of this type of swimsuit as the one you choose for vacation. They are most likely going to be more fashion-forward and fun–and probably won’t have too long of a life in your closet. Recreational swimsuits are ideal for recreational swimming, providing comfort and style for casual swimmers.

Racing: Racing swimsuits are typically only used when competing and are designed to make swimmers go faster. Companies spend a lot of resources testing out the right fabrics to figure out which float, glide, and and propel a swimmer through the water.

Training: Usually made of lycra or thick nylon, this material is built to stretch and last for thousands of hours in the pool.

When selecting goggles, make sure to go for three criteria: comfort, fit, and functionality. Some goggles are specifically designed for fitness and training purposes, offering features that enhance performance. Some goggles also offer UV protection and peripheral vision to further improve your time underwater.

When looking for a swim cap, the ones made out of silicone tend to be considered the most durable, elastic, and comfortable. Because swim caps come in a variety of colors and designs, swimmers can express their personalities through their swim cap, ensuring that any dip in the pool, ocean, lake or river is a fun one!

Along those same lines, paddles and fins are great additions to your list of swim gear. Hand paddles help strengthen the upper body, especially back muscles, shoulder muscles, and triceps. Paddles can improve someone’s swimming by propelling more water with each pull through, adding to strength and endurance. Fins can help swimmers improve their kick, increase ankle flexibility, and teach them to swim more efficiently…plus, they are fun! Who doesn’t enjoy swimming faster and pretending that they are a mermaid or a fish in the water? Swim fins come in various shapes and sizes, helping swimmers build strength, improve technique, and enhance ankle flexibility.

These important pieces of swim gear help to improve performance and target specific muscle groups, regardless of a swimmer’s experience. From beginners to advanced swimmers, all levels can benefit from training aids like these!

For example, consider using a waterproof digital watch to track distance, or an underwater mp3 player to immerse yourself in music. Incorporating advanced swimming gear, like smart watches and underwater mp3 players, can make swimming more enjoyable and effective. Smart watches in particular are great at doing both jobs: They can provide insight, entertainment, and motivation in real time. Especially if someone is into the idea of tracking their heart rate and distance while listening to the latest hit, a watch would be a great idea for tech-based swim gear!

Swim gear such as life jackets, swim vests, and flotation devices can be enjoyed by beginner-level swimmers all the way up to experts! By providing a buoyant way to enjoy the pool, kids and adults alike will get a boost of confidence and be able to participate in the water without fear.

Here are seven tips to ensure your swim gear is maintained well and is as good as new the next time you need to use it.

1. After Use, Rinse: Each time you swim, make sure to rinse off your swimsuit, goggles, and swim cap with fresh water to ensure you remove the chlorine, salt, and other contaminants.
   
   
2. Air Dry: Make sure your wet swim gear dries completely before putting it away. Air drying certain pieces of gear, such as swimsuits and caps, will add to the life of each item, but ensure that they aren’t getting direct sunlight. Direct sunlight might cause fading or deterioration of the materials.
   
   
3. Storage: Store your swim gear in an area that gets plenty of ventilation but is not damp or humid. This prevents mold and mildew from growing, because those are their preferred environments. Consider purchasing some mesh bags or having an open-air rack for drying wet gear after use.
   
   
4. Keep Away from Heat: When putting away your swim gear, make sure not to store it next to heat sources like radiators or heaters. This increases the likelihood of damage to the materials.
   
   
5. Keep Wet and Dry Separate: Make a point to store your wet and dry gear in separate places to prevent mold and mildew growth. We don’t want to think about someone forgetting a wet swimsuit in their gym bag! Consider designating a specific area for your family to hang any wet swimsuits or swim gear after use, like a clothesline or a specific part of your laundry room.
   
   
6. Use Storage Containers: Having storage containers is a great way to keep your swim gear in top condition when it is not being used. Plastic bins with lids, for example, will keep dust out, and because they are clear, they will be easy to find when you need them.
   
   
7. Check Regularly: Occasionally check your swim gear for any signs of wear or tear. Seams, straps, and lenses seem to be the parts that experience deterioration the fastest, and keeping an eye on signs of damage will allow you to replace them quickly. This ensures that any swim gear will be ready for use the next time you need it.

Choosing the right swim gear and taking care of it well means that you will get the maximum performance out of each item and you will enjoy it for many more swims to come! It is important to invest in the right swim gear based on each person’s individual swimming goals and preferences. We look forward to enjoying those swims with you the next time we see you at urSwim!

Check our website for information on our lessons for children and adults. Whether you choose to come to us, or you would like us to come to you at your home pool, we would be happy to help with any questions you have about the best swim gear for you and your family.