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1. Practice Suits—Suits worn by swimmers during workouts are generally made of lycra or nylon. These suits can be any color or style. Many swimmers swim with multiple suits or larger sizes for additional water resistance or drag. Multiple suits make the experience of swimming with just one suit at meets more dramatic. These suits can wear out due to the excessive time in the water, so be frugal! Help suits last by rinsing them in cool fresh water after exposure to chlorine. Boys should wear Speedo-type suits (not shorts). Swimming with long shorts or swim trunks causes excess drag and will likely make the swimmer less efficient.
2. Caps—A latex, lycra, or silicone swim cap is used while swimming to cut down resistance and to keep hair out of the eyes or mouth. As an added bonus, they keep swimmers warmer and protect hair (somewhat) from chlorine damage. After wearing, caps should be dried inside and out and sprinkled with baby powder. This extends life of the cap, as does keeping them out of sun and wet bags.
3. Fins—Flippers worn on the feet during practice are used for technique, speed, and strengthening.
4. Goggles—Protective eyewear is a necessity for competitive swimmers. They must be able to see the walls and their competition clearly. In addition, hours of exposure to pool chemicals can irritate the eyes. Have a spare pair ready at all times.
5. Kick Board—Device made of Styrofoam used to work the legs exclusively.
6. Pull Buoy—Made of Styrofoam, this device is placed between the legs to keep them afloat while the swimmer isolates the arms. This strengthens the arms and helps technique.
7. Hand Paddles—Made of plastic and rubber tubing, these devices are worn on the hands to assist proper hand entry into the water. Hand paddles are often used in conjunction with pull buoys to increase upper-body strength and stroke efficiency.
8. Competition Suit—Minnetonka Swim Club is in the process of deciding its new competition should.
Please note: The racing suit for meets should fit snugly. Do not buy suits that swimmers will “grow into”. Smaller is better: Less resistance = faster (and easier) swimming.
9. Sweats—These warm clothes are used constantly at meets and in the winter.
10. Towels—Bring two large, thick towels to meets.
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