Swim Gear Essentials (Part One): What Every Swimmer Needs in Their Bag

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned swimmer, having the right swim gear can make a significant difference in your performance, comfort, and overall enjoyment in the water. From enhancing your speed to protecting your skin and hair, these essentials ensure that you're fully prepared for your time in the pool. Here's a checklist of must-have swim gear to keep in your bag, so you’re always ready to hit the water.

1. Swim Goggles

A quality pair of swim goggles is at the top of any swimmer’s list. Goggles protect your eyes from chlorine and salt water while providing clear underwater vision, which is essential whether you're training in a pool or enjoying the open sea.

Why you need them:

• Protection: Chlorinated pool water and salt can irritate your eyes, and goggles provide a protective barrier. If you are swimming outdoors, we would recommend choosing a goggle with a tinted, smoked or polarised lenses.
• Visibility: Goggles help you see underwater, allowing you to swim more confidently and focus on technique. You can also choose prescription lenses to make your swim so much more clearer!
• Fit and Comfort: Look for goggles that fit well without pressing too hard against your face. Adjustable straps and anti-fog lenses (most of our goggles come with an anti-fog coating), are also key features to consider. With so many brands and shapes of goggles, you are sure to find the perfect fit goggles at Simply Swim!

2. Swim Cap

A swim cap is another essential item, especially for regular swimmers. Not only does it help streamline your swim by reducing drag, but it also protects your hair from chlorine and salt water, which can be harsh and drying. You can choose from a range of different materials: latex, silicone (especially useful if you have a latex allergy), fabric in a variety of different patterns or polyester.

Why you need it:

• Hair Protection: Chlorine can damage and dry out your hair. A cap provides a protective barrier.
• Speed and Hydrodynamics: By keeping your hair out of the way, a swim cap reduces drag, helping you move more efficiently through the water.
• Comfort and Hygiene: Caps also keep your hair from clogging pool filters and ensure your hair doesn't get in your face while swimming. We also offer different sized swim caps for adults and juniors and also have specially designed caps for long hair.

https://www.simplyswim.com/collections/adult-caps

https://www.simplyswim.com/collections/junior-caps

3. Training Fins

For those looking to improve their swimming technique or strength, a pair of training fins can be incredibly beneficial. These fins help swimmers build leg strength and improve their kick technique.

Why you need them:

• Strength Building: Fins give your legs a more intense workout by adding resistance.
• Technique Improvement: They help swimmers focus on improving their kicking motion while also giving them a feel for moving faster through the water.
• Versatility: Fins come in various sizes and shapes. Shorter fins are typically used for speed and technique, while longer fins are great for endurance training.

https://www.simplyswim.com/collections/training-fins

4. Pull Buoy

A pull buoy is a small, lightweight tool placed between your thighs while swimming to isolate and work on your upper body.

Why you need it:

• Focus on Upper Body Strength: By keeping your legs still, a pull buoy helps you focus on building upper body strength and improving arm strokes.
• Improved Technique: It also assists in developing a better swimming posture and proper alignment in the water.

https://www.simplyswim.com/collections/pull-buoys

5. Kickboard

A kickboard is an essential training tool for both beginners and advanced swimmers. It's used to isolate the legs and help swimmers focus on their kicking technique.

Why you need it:

• Leg Workout: Kickboards allow you to focus solely on your leg movements, helping to build leg strength and endurance.
• Technique Focus: For new swimmers, a kickboard can help you develop a strong and effective kick without worrying about coordinating arm movements.

https://www.simplyswim.com/collections/kick-boards

By packing the right swim gear in your bag, you can enhance your performance, protect yourself from wear and tear, and ensure that you’re comfortable both in and out of the water. Whether you’re heading to the pool for a casual swim or training for a competition, having these essentials at your disposal will help you make the most of your swim sessions.