Every serious swimmer should have a large swimming net filled with all kinds of swimming equipment. Using swim gear in your swim training is pretty essential - but if you don't use it at the right times and in the right series, it's not going to do you any favours.
But what does "different swimming equipment" mean? What kind of equipment should you have and what is required in most swimming clubs? And what kind of swimming equipment do you need as a regular swimmer? Questions like these are asked by many, but we'll answer them here! If you have any further questions about swimming training with swimming equipment, feel free to ask them in the comments section below.
Why should you have a swim net with swimming equipment at all?
There is one and only one reason to swim with swimming gear. It simply improves your swimming technique and makes you swim even faster. That should be enough reason for you to invest in the swimming equipment below.
So how much do you use swimming equipment in your swim training?
This depends very much on your level. If you only swim 1-2 times a week, the amount of swimming equipment you use in swim training is limited, while elite swimmers use it a lot in their daily training. Similarly, there are also some swimming clubs and coaches who use swimming equipment more than others. It's quite individual and depends a lot on the individual. But one thing is certain! You will definitely use swimming equipment.
The writer behind this guide - Daniel Johannesen (owner of Watery.dk)
Behind this guide is Daniel Johannesen, founder and owner of Watery.dk here. I've been swimming pretty much all my life, from the age of 6 when I started baby swimming with my mum and dad to now being a competitive swimmer for over 10 years at Horsens Svømmeklub - the last 2 years on the club's first team with 7-8 weekly swim training sessions.
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Watery swim cap - Signature - Black
So I have tried all of the equipment listed below, and it is also based on this experience that this guide has been prepared. However, if you have any questions or are in doubt about anything in the guide, please write in the comments section or send me an email at support@watery.dk - I'll get back to you as soon as possible.
And now let's get down to business!
Basic swimming equipment for the new swimmer + recreational swimmer
This is the most essential piece of equipment that we recommend (and many swim coaches tell their swimmers to have) that you should at least have. It's also the swim gear that is by far the most used in training - and that we also recommend swimmers to have. That's why it's really important that you/your child at least has this.
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Flippers/Fins
You've probably heard of flippers. They're those rubber fins you put on your feet, and they're probably the single most important piece of swimming equipment. So if you could only choose one of these pieces of equipment, you should probably choose a pair of flippers.
A pair of flippers can greatly improve your technique. Wearing them gives you a kind of "propeller" in your feet - extra turbo and speed. This allows you to take your focus off your legs (because they keep themselves moving with the fins) and instead focus on other things in your swimming, such as your arm stroke, body position, head position or other things.
In addition, fins can also help improve your leg kick strength and help create a stable and powerful leg kick.
Also, flippers are just plain fun to swim with. Just in general.
Overordnet findes der to slags svømmefødder, som svømmere i dag bruger:
- Full heel swim shoes (i.e. where the heel is not free)
- Free heel swim feet (i.e. where the heel is free)
The advantage of full-heel flippers is that you have more feeling with your fins. You can better feel when you kick your feet, which is a big advantage. They also support your feet well.
On the other hand, the advantage of free heel flippers is that they don't fall off as much during training and they feel more comfortable and nice to swim with over longer distances.
We strongly recommend that competitive swimmers (younger and older) and recreational swimmers choose a pair of free-heeled flippers, as they place significantly less stress on the ankle/calf and thus minimise the risk of injury. In addition, they are also more flexible, which makes swimming more natural.
Daniel recommends these flippers: DMC Elite Flippers.
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Pullbouy
A Pullbouy is a small rubber dummy that you place between your legs to focus on the pull with your arms. A widely used piece of swimming equipment that many swimmers praise. A pull-boy is incredibly effective.
The main function of the pullboy is to disable your legs (and at the same time keep your legs up in the water) so that you can focus and push extra hard with your arms. In addition, you can also better focus on the arm stroke itself - i.e. your catch on the water or the finish at the hip.
Basically, the different pullbouy are very similar. There is not much difference, as they all perform the same task in the same way. However, some may splice a little between the legs, which is never a daily occurrence.
Daniel recommends this pullboy: Speedo Elite Pullboy..
This red pullover from Speedo has been a favourite with many swimmers for many years. This is not least because once you put it between your legs, it stays there until you take it off (due to its unique shape). It's also great for keeping your legs up in the water.
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You might not be surprised that a snorkel is used a lot in swimming training. After all, a snorkel is a very effective piece of swimming equipment that can disable a function (namely side breathing, and thus the head) so that you can focus on other parts of the swim instead.
Quite simply, the snorkel allows you to breathe in the water without having to lift or turn your head - this is done through the snorkel, which sits in front of your head (which, by the way, you can easily do a somersault turn with. It's no problem if you just learn the technique of "spitting" the water out after you've completed the turn). This way, you can focus on your body rotation, the end of the arm stroke or other small things.
Before you buy your snorkel, you should be aware that there are now a number of different types, and to be honest, they come in very different qualities. As a starting point, you should go for the more simple snorkels that don't have all sorts of strange extra features, etc. That's when the quality starts to suffer.
Daniel's recommendation for snorkels for children (6-14 years): Watery - Hydrolite
Daniel's recommendation of snorkels for competition + recreational swimmers: MP Focus Snorkel.
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Swimming board
A swimboard is probably the earliest piece of swimming equipment you'll come across in your swimming career. It's understandable, because a swimboard can be used for many good things. Not least to disable your arms so you can just swim legs instead.
A swimboard is used for specific leg series - which there is often at least one for each workout. In other words, where you focus solely on improving/strengthening your leg kicks in the water. You just put your arms up on the board and use your legs. Very simple, but incredibly effective, and therefore widely used in Danish swimming clubs.
In recent years, there has been a major development in swimming discs. Where it used to be just a rubber plate, the plates of recent times are equipped with specific handles for the hands, and you should also be able to streamline with them.
A good swimboard keeps your upper body above the surface of the water, feels natural to hold on to and doesn't make your shoulders, upper body or back hurt.
Daniel's swim plate recommendation: TYR hydrofoil plate.
This swimboard from TYR is characterised by being incredibly comfortable for both shoulders/upper body/back. You can actually use your swim legs for longer periods of time without discomfort. It's also great for keeping your body on the surface of the water and your arms rest naturally on it.
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Swim net
This isn't actual swimming equipment, but it's still pretty essential. With a swim net like this, you can keep track of all the above equipment by putting it all in it. Incredibly easy and efficient.
Nowadays, there are a few different types. The classic ones, where you can just carry your equipment, or the more total ones, where you can carry your swimwear, towel, goggles etc. along with your equipment.
Daniel's swim net recommendation: TYR Big Mesh Mummy Bag
Swimming equipment for the competitive swimmer/serious exerciser/triathlete who trains 3-7 times per week.
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Finger paddles
A pair of finger paddles can greatly improve your training and strengthen your swimming. You'll be able to push extra hard on the water, improving and increasing your catch on the water. So, finger paddles are an incredibly important piece of swimming equipment if you want to take your swimming training to the next level.
Using finger paddles is fairly simple. You just put your fingers into the straps and you're basically just swimming.
Daniel's recommendation for finger paddles: Speedo Biofuse finger paddles.
These finger paddles from Speedo are used by the vast majority of swimmers. This is not least because they are just the right size (not too big, not too small) and they stay on the hand (unlike many others that fall off suddenly). They also fit really comfortably around your fingers - they don't pinch.
Protip for these Speedo Biofuse finger paddles:Take the bottom strap out of your finger paddles so that they are only attached to your hand with one strap. This way, you'll be able to better recognise when you make a wrong move in the water because the finger paddle will resist.
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Hand paddles
A pair of hans paddles are actually just a larger version of finger paddles. They don't just fill your fingers, but instead the whole hand (and then some). This way, you can achieve even more pressure on the water and improve your strength.
NOTE: These are only recommended for elite swimmers aged +16 years and very experienced recreational and triathlon swimmers, as they can put too much strain on the shoulder if used too early in your body's development.
Daniel's recommendation for Hand paddles: Speedo Biofuse Hand paddles.
As with finger paddles, Speedo has the best and most popular hand paddles. Again, this is because they fit really well and comfortably on the hand.
It may hurt in the moment, but after using it, you'll feel the greatest sense of happiness (and so will your body). A foam roller is regularly used by many swimmers, as it is great for "loosening up" the muscles after swimming training. With a foam roller, you simply roll out the muscles. This is great for recovery, which is why many coaches recommend using foam rollers immediately after training.
Daniel's foam roller recommendation: Triggerpoint foam roller (the original ones)
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Drag parachute
Maybe your club has a drag parachute for use in water, maybe not. But in any case, it's a fantastic tool for older competitive swimmers in particular to take their swimming, especially speed and strength in the water, to a whole new level.
Because a drag parachute is quickly strapped around your waist, it also creates a lot of resistance while you swim, as it unfolds like a large parachute underwater. In this way, it slows you down for the moment, but it helps to boost your endurance in the water in a crazy way that you can't do any other way.
Some of the best swimmers use this tool on a daily basis.
Extra equipment for every swimmer
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Swim bag
You're not a swimmer without a swim bag. It's just the way it is. Just look around at all the other participants at various swim meets and in the pool. A swim bag is simply essential for every swimmer, and for several reasons.
Firstly, it has a unique size and number of compartments adapted to swimmers' equipment. Often a swim bag is between 35 and 45 litres in size, making it perfect for both daily swim training but also for swimming competitions. These litres are often divided into several different compartments, so there is room for goggles, towels, swimwear, foam roller and whatever else you don't bring to training.
Plus, a swim bag is always water resistant (funnily enough). They also come in a wide variety of colours and styles, but they all look similar in design. So if you want to look as professional as the others in the pool, a swim bag is a must.
Daniel's swim bag recommendation: TYR Alliance Team 45L (available in a variety of colours)
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Bathing cap
This may be especially relevant for girls or boys with longer hair, but a shower cap just makes swimming more enjoyable as you don't have hair over your eyes all the time. It also protects your hair from the chlorine in the water, which can quickly wear it down.
Daniel's shower cap recommendation: Watery Signature, which can wear out quickly.
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Swimming goggles
A bit obvious, but critical nonetheless: a pair of goggles to swim with. Just as swimming gear is important, goggles are probably more important than swimwear.
Read more about the requirements for swimming goggles in this guide.
Daniel's recommendation for swimming goggles: Speedo FS3 Elite Mirror - Black.
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Bedding as a swimming lane
Not quite as important as all the other equipment, but still a really fun and cool thing. Namely, bedding for swimmers designed like the bottom of a swimming lane. Now that's pretty cool.
It may not do much for your swim training, but who doesn't want to be able to swim at home in bed? Or dream about swimming while you sleep? You'll be able to do just that if you lie under this swimmer's duvet cover. At least that's what I do.
We made it to the finish line - now it's just a matter of getting started with swimming and the new equipment.
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