Get Nerdy with Swim Gear
What swim gear should I get? This is the question on everyone's mind when starting out. Pools offer baskets of toys and gear but often not enough or those are things we prefer not to touch. A lot of the gear available for athletes is there to help strengthen, form, speed, stroke and more.
In this article, we list off swim gear and explain the purpose behind the use. Thanks to Nerd Triathlon Tarren for use of the videos explaining some of the swim gear.
The Pull Buoy
The pull buoy comes in many different shapes and made with different materials. Most of the time the material is closed cell foam and formed in a figure-eight shape. The pull buoy is made to fit between the legs snug inside the thigh. The buoy helps float the bottom torso keeping it more hydrodynamic.
The pull buoy is made to increase the workout for arm stroke while giving support for the hips and legs. The pull buoy can help with bilateral breathing and stroke strengthening.
https://youtu.be/fJiAewhMTeM
The Snorkle
The snorkel may look silly and kinda nerdy but it is. Not all snorkels are built the same and are different from the leisure vacationing snorkel. Many leisure snorkels are built straight and fix to the side of the head. However, the training snorkel fits in front of the head with a slight curve. The fit in the front helps keep you hydrodynamic cutting through the water. The bend helps prevent water from entering and with flip turns at the end of a lap.
The snorkel is good for balancing out your stroke, kick sets and sprinting. It's also valuable to new swimmers as they don't have to worry about breathing techniques and can get accustomed to the pool and technique.
https://youtu.be/IIDciqxUEsk
Swim Paddles
Swim Paddles come in different shapes and sizes. Some are solid and some have micro holes throughout. None the less they all have a purpose for training.
They develop power in the stroke, speed, and efficiency as well as increase a better catch. They have a time and place in training and give a pretty good workout in the shoulders. If you are new to the front crawl stroke it's important to strengthen your crawl first and easing into using the swim paddles. Paddles can be an awkward fit at first but you will get used to them.
https://youtu.be/OrwhFBcpRpg
Kick Board
Many pools have spare kickboards but it's nice to have your own. The board helps with your flutter and strengthens your kicks. What you will find with this is that your overall motor will get faster over time. Plus, it helps mix up your routine.
https://youtu.be/cWAuusRYFGk
Fins
Fins will be one of your favorites. Feeling the speed will make you feel like a superhero but you will have to tell yourself not to wear them all the time. Fins will help you with flexibility, a dynamic range of motion in your ankles and help your breathing at a higher velocity.
https://youtu.be/CV1Stj_pd4c
Form Goggles
Of course, goggles will be on top of the list but Form Goggles are very different. These goggles are a little nerdy but they give you full read inside the lens for stroke rate, heart rate, distance and more. These are a real breakthrough and help keep the guessing down. These goggles will help you with pace and also give your coach a new way to train in intervals. These goggles aren't necessary but are very fun to use. Check them out in the video below and ask us how to get a discount when purchasing form goggles.
https://youtu.be/RuOGgcgzrbU
Conclusion
New swimmers can be nervous and unsure about what swim gear to use. Swim gear is very handy and we promote using them especially for any new athlete getting into the water for the first time. Snorkels and Pull buoys are a good first purchase and nice to have if you have to train at different pools. Good luck with training and if you have any questions leave a comment below or leave a message on our social media platforms.
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