Gear Requirements for Each Group
We train a lot in swimming, as a result we need gear equipment to support our training needs. Below is a list of gear that is recommended for each group! If a certain piece of gear isn't on the list, you will not need it! All equipment listed can be purchased online at websites such as Team Aquatic, All Tides, or SwimOutlet. Swimsuits, Goggles and Caps can be purchased locally! You can check out our page here about places to buy equipment. Also, we have an exclusive coupon for Team Aquatic, you can see our Shark Card code here.
Any equipment with an * means it is optional.
Intro 2 Swim
Mini-Bugaboos
1. Swimsuit
2. Goggles
3. Caps*
4. Team t-shirt*
Bugaboos
1. Swimsuit
2. Goggles
3. Caps*
4. Team t-shirt*
Competitive & Winter Maintenance
Monashees
1. Swimsuit
2. Goggles
3. Caps
4. Team t-shirt
5. Kickboard
6. Pull buoy
7. Fins
8. Mesh bag for your equipment
Rockies & Valhallas
1. Swimsuit
2. Goggles
3. Caps
4. Team t-shirt
5. Kickboard
6. Pull buoy
7. Fins
8. Paddles
9. Snorkel*
10. Mesh bag for your equipment
Purcells
1. Swimsuit
2. Goggles
3. Caps*
4. Team t-shirt*
5. Kickboard
6. Pull buoy
7. Fins
8. Paddles
9. Mesh bag for your equipment
Not sure what type of gear to purchase? Here's our recommendations:
Swimsuit
Can't swim without a swimsuit! Mini-Bugs and Bugaboos are welcome to wear any suit they are comfortable with. Monashees and up are recommended to wear one piece swimsuits (girls) and jammers (boys). Board shorts will slow you down too much and bikini style suits are not designed for swim training.
Goggles
Goggles are an integral part of swimming. For Mini-Bugaboos and Bugaboos, we recommend goggles that have a flexible rubber nosepiece and individual lenses for each eye. Avoid scuba style goggles as we breathe out through our nose!
Monashees and up wear goggles that fit their face. Purchase goggles that have adjustable nosepieces, tinted lenses, and aren't too bulbous as they'll fall off when diving.
Caps
Caps are recommended for those with long hair. Caps help protect hair from chlorine damage and help prevent hair from covering the face when breathing which can lead to choking on water. Purchase silicone caps as cheaper latex caps can rip hair and are overall less comfortable to wear.
For swimmers attending meets. Team Caps are mandatory at races!
Team Shirts
Team shirts are mandatory when on deck at a swim meet! It is great to rep your team shirts when you're out and about!
Kickboard
Our most used piece of equipment. Kickboards come in different lengths. We recommend a board length that allows the swimmer to rest their elbows but doesn't extend into the armpits.
Pullbuoy
Used to isolate the pull and keep our legs afloat. Monashees are recommended Jr sized pull buoys, and Rockies are recommended regular sized pullbuoys. One piece buoys are recommended as two pieces are harder to hold with your legs (especially for boys!)
Fins
Helps develop ankle strength and flexiblity while allowing swimmers to swim race pace in training without the effort. Purchase short fins only! Long fins (what the local pools have) cause damage to your ankles, knees, and kicking technique!
Paddles
Provides extra resistance when doing pull. Purchase a paddle that is comfortable for the hand and is the same size or a little bigger.
Snorkel
Used to isolate the head position and allows the swimmer to breathe without moving the head. Do not purchase a scuba snorkel! They are not designed for swim training.
Mesh Bag
Designed to hold all your wet gear in one place. Mesh bags are designed to get wet allow the gear to dry out between sessions. They also help make sure swimmers don't lose their equipment, but that is not guaranteed...