Ever wondered what you need to bring for swimming? Or which product/brand to choose? Well here’s a brief information about some of the things that you will need for swimming.
Swimsuit
Swimsuits are generally made of two types of fabrics: lycra and polyester. Lycra (Spandex) is softer and has greater stretch capability allowing for more flexibility. Its fabric has a rubberized elastic material. However due to the rubberized elastic material Lycra tends to breakdown earlier than Polyester. Polyester materials like Durafast Polester or Endurance Polyester are soft and comfortable for swimwear but the material has less stretch because it uses less rubberized elastic material in the fabric allowing it to last longer than the average Lycra suit. So if you’re looking for something that would last you longer, I would go with polyester one. And if you want your swim suit to be more stretchy and comfortable then you might want to consider the lycra ones. Brands don’t really matter it really is a preference but two well known brands are Speedo and TYR, which personally I have had both brands and both are good! Prices vary depending on the brands and type – somewhere between $30 to $60 should be an average price for swimsuits.
Swim Caps
Some people prefer not to wear a swim cap, but I HIGHLY recommend having it when you come swimming. Wearing swim caps can protect your hair from the chlorine and help keep the pool clean. It also prevents hair getting onto your face and distracting you from swimming. There are two kinds of swim caps: silicone and latex. I would recommend the silicone caps over the latex ones. The latex swim caps are much thinner and can break easily. Also, the latex caps pull on hair while putting on the cap and taking it off. The silicone caps are thicker and are much smoother and easier on your hair when putting the cap on and taking it off. The price range for swim caps are between $7-$15.
Swim Goggles
Personally I cannot swim without my swim goggles! I HIGHLY recommend having goggles for swimming. Swim goggles not only protects your eyes from the chlorine in the water, but also allows you to have your eyes open and see in the water – which helps you in learning to maintain a nice straight streamline position of your body while swimming. Price for swim goggles are anywhere between $10-$25. To choose the right goggle, you need to try it on. Here are the steps:
- Pick a pair of goggles you like.
- Put the goggles on your face (without the straps on). Press down lightly to test the suction.
- You should feel a quick suction as you press.
- If the suction is not enough and the goggle fall off of your face, do not purchase the goggles because they don’t fit your face and they won’t prevent water from going into your goggles. On the other hand, if you feel the suction is too strong on your eyes it can be uncomfortable and painful.
Care Instructions
After swimming make sure you hand wash your swimsuit, swim cap, and swim goggles with cold water only! You do not need to use any detergent for washing them. Do NOT put your swim suit in washer or drier, as it can destroy the fabric. After hand washing them with cold water, hang them indoors and out of direct sunlight. If you make sure you follow these instruction your equipment will last you for a long time and even be passed on for many more generations to come! (…well….not really! 🙂 )
Here are some stores in the twin cities that you can buy your equipment from:
DICK’S Sporting Goods : http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/
Elsmore Swim Shope: https://www.elsmoreswim.com/
You can also find swimming equipment at Target, Walmart and Kohl’s depending on the season.
Hope this helped! Let me know if you have any questions about swim suits, goggles, swim caps or any other swimming related questions! 🙂
-Atefeh-