Required Practice Equipment
Learning proper technical skills takes lots of dedicated hard work. Swimmers don't use a lot of equipment and compared to many sports our equipment is pretty inexpensive. The three most important pieces of equipment are suit, cap and goggles . . . but swimmers around the world also use a few additional pieces of equipment to help them acquire good skills. Here's a brief explanation with a chart listing the required equipment for each squad:
Practice suit -- practice suits should be snug but do not need to be as tight-fitting as a racing suit. Suits that are too big catch extra water making it more difficult to move through the water. Most novice swimmers make the mistake of wearing a suit that is as much as 2-3 sizes too big! Remember-- it will stretch over time.
Racing suit-- experienced swimmers wear a different suit for racing. Racing suits are usually tighter fitting and always the standard Team Uniform. LFSC is a Speedo-sponsored team and we select our Team Racing Suit at the start of each short course (Fall/Winter) season.
Team Cap-- most swimmers (male and female) wear a cap. Caps keep longer hair from getting your face and provide a protective barrier against pool sanitation chemicals. LFSC Team Racing and Practice caps are available in both latex and silicone models. Swimmers develop a preference for latex or silicone over time; novice swimmers should choose latex.
Goggles-- it's simple: goggles make it easier to see under water. The current trend for goggle manufacturers is to make them highly complex with elaborate fastening systems . . . complex and very expensive. But don't be fooled, goggles just aren't that complicated! The best choice is a goggle that the swimmer can adjust on their own. We recommend a well-fitting eyepeice and bungee-style strap,
Swimmers Snorkel-- this is the most significant and important piece of equipment ever invented for swimmers. EVER! The swimmers snorkel allows the swimmer to achieve near-perfect body position thereby concentrating effort on developing proper kick and stroke fundamentals. The FINIS Swimmers Snorkel is the only model currently available.
Fins-- fins help swimmers develop both strength and skill. We recommend the simple Speedo or Kiefer training fin. A tip: they don't fit like shoes so be sure to test them before you write your name on them.
Mesh bag-- keeps all of your stuff together at the pool and between training sessions.
Kick board-- used to develop both strength and skill. We have a limited number of kickboards available at all of our training pools. Most swimmers eventually want their own board but novice swimmers do not need to have one immediately.
Pull buoy-- older and more experienced swimmers use a pull buoy (leg float) to develop strength and skill. We have a limited number of pull buoys available in practice. Most swimmers prefer their own pull buoy.
Older and more experienced swimmers also use other pieces of equipment listed on the chart. If you are unsure about how to use any piece of equipment talk to your squad coach.