From Goggles to Gear Bags: Building a Complete Swim Kit for Your Team
Competitive swimming requires more than just skills and training; you absolutely need the right gear. A well-composed swimmer will need the right swim gear, everything from goggles to the bag to carry them in, for both practices and swimming meets. Get ready for the ultimate checklist to complete your team’s swim kit. Find everything you will need to be completely concentrated on swimming and be sure your team is confident out and in the pool.
Full Swim Kit Checklist
1. Team Swimsuits
Swim team suits are the most essential items among the kit. For practices, choose long-lasting training suits that are manufactured from chlorine-resistant materials like polyester or PBT. For competition, tech suits are the preference of most swimmers to experience the effect of performance through compression and hydrodynamic materials.
Key Tip: Buy suits in either your team colors or with custom logos for a coordinated and professional look.
2. Goggles
A quality pair of swim goggles are not only a vision aid; they also serve as a protective cover. Each swimmer should have at least one pair of goggles, a high-quality pair for races and a backup for practice. Select anti-fog lenses, adjustable straps, and a secure seal to prevent the leak.
Pro Move: Swimmers should check the goggles in advance to avoid the mid-meet problems.
3. Swim Caps
Swim caps reduce drag and keep hair out of the swimmer’s face. Silicone caps are the best choice for comfort and durability while latex caps are more stretchy and affordable. Many teams opt for custom caps with logos and swimmer names to feel like a unit.
Bonus Tip: Keep a couple of extras in your bag in case the caps break.
4. Kickboard
Kickboards are a necessary tool for training sets and drill work, which isolates the upper body and work on the legs. These are a great way to get more practice in the water while helping the swimmers develop their legs. Many swimmers will use kickboards daily during practice, so comfort and durability are very important.
5. Pull Buoy
A pull buoy is a tool used to keep your upper body elevated and deliver a floating effect on your legs thereby allowing you to focus on your stroke mechanics. They are necessary for the development of stroke mechanics and arm strength.
6. Fins
They are used to train the kick, build leg muscles, and ensure proper technique. Always ensure to buy the correct size and style of fins; longer blade fins for beginners and shorter for more advanced training.
7. Paddles
Hand paddles are used to build upper body strength and improve stroke technique. They create resistance in the water, helping swimmers feel the correct catch phase of each stroke.
8. Snorkel
A front-mounted swim snorkel enables swimmers to concentrate on body positioning and stroke mechanics without turning to breathe. These really come in handy during drill sets and technique-focused workouts.
9. Mesh Equipment Bag
Compared to a classic backpack, mesh bags are designed specifically for the purpose of carrying wet gear. They are absolutely the ideal bags to carry kickboards, fins, and other swimming equipment to and from the pool.
10. Swim Backpack
The swimming backpack is the general staff headquarters. A great swim backpack has various compartments for dry clothes, wet gear, goggles, snacks, water bottles, and valuables to be packed. Choose those which are water-resistant, with strong zippers and padded straps.
11. Water Bottle
Water bottles that are reusable can be always included in every swimmer's daily routine. Choose insulated models to keep water cold even when attending long meets.
12. Towel (or Two)
These compact, absorbent, and quick-dry towels are ideal for swim meets. Some swimmers add an extra towel for quick drying between events or just lay one on the bleachers.
13. Parka or Team Jacket
For colder conditions or outdoor meets, swim parkas, or branded team jackets offer warmth and coverage between races. They are especially valuable during early morning practices or lengthy days at multi-session swim meets.
14. Slides or Sandals
Swimmers should walk barefoot on the wet deck to avoid slipping. Wearing a good pair of waterproof sandals or slides will help prevent that and also will keep your feet dry and clean before and after practice.
Keep Your Team Organized and Prepared
A checklist will be an efficient tool for each swimmer and the families to feel confident and equipped at the very start of the season and also it provides consistency all over the team. By normalizing what equipment each swimmer must have, you will free their minds of doubt and thus will considerably decrease the chances of having missed items on the right moments.
Many teams often measure it and make it easy by bundling their team gear together, which may include a suit, cap, backpack, and other basic equipment. This is handy to order and guarantees that everyone is at the same point when the season kicks off.
Gear Up, Show Up, Swim Strong
Swimming is a sport that needs good preparation and consistency, which starts with having the right gear. Whether it is the goggles that stay in place or the mesh bag that keeps wet things apart, every single item in a swimmer's kit is a contribution to performance, confidence, and team spirit. By providing your swimmers with a reliable, complete swimming kit, you’re setting them up for a successful and focused season in the water. Where to Get Suitable Gear for Your Team
In order to make selections of the best products, find a reliable swimwear supplier. Visit the Elsmore Swim Shop to discover great offers of high-quality competitive swimming gear from recognized brands such as Speedo, TYR, Arena, Dolfin, Mizuno, Nike, and Finis. Regardless of whether you are buying a for small club or an competitive high school team, with Elsmore's team sales program, you can create a specific team page, arrange fittings, and process bulk orders in a very easy way.
From personalized team swimsuits to tech suits and accessories, you’ll find everything you need to build a complete swim kit in one place. Explore the Team Sales page to learn more about building your team's gear list with expert support and service.