Swimming Equipment
Swimming doesn't have a lot of high-tech gadgets like running and biking, but you do need some gear, probably more than you would think. The swimsuit won't be difficult because they are pretty much the same. You need something that is just enough to cover you without interfering with your goal of smooth movement through the water. You are definitely not trying to make a fashion statement. Your best bet for the right kind of swimwear is a specialty shop or sporting goods store.
Seeing Straight
You will also need a good pair of goggles. Remember, you will be keeping your head down as you swim, turning to breathe and orient yourself in the pool. That means your eyes will have to be open. Swimming pool water always contains chlorine, and it will irritate your eyes if you don't have some protection.
Fit is very important for your swim goggles. If they don't fit right, water will seep in as you swim and you will be continually pulling off your goggles to get the water out. If the goggles fit properly, there will be suction that holds them on your face with a seal to keep the water out.
You may have to experiment with different styles of goggles to get the right fit, so try them on before you buy. If you go to a swim shop for your goggles, a knowledgeable staff member can help you pick out the best type for your needs.
You should probably also look for a swim cap. This is not necessary for your swim training, but you will be required to wear a swim cap in your triathlon, so you might as well get used to wearing one.
One option for swimwear for your training and for your race is a pair of bike shorts. They hug your body closely, and if you get used to swimming in your bike shorts, you will be ready to hop on your machine right out of the water without having to change.
Also consider purchasing a set of hand paddles. The primary use is helping you learn proper hand entry and the “catch and pull” part of the swim stroke. A key part of the stroke is “catching” the water and pulling backward to propel you forward.
Paddles also help strengthen the arms and shoulders because of the increased resistance. One caution: if you have a rotator cuff or shoulder problem, lay off the paddles until the injury heals. Using paddles could make either problem worse.
Next on your shopping list should be a set of fins. Proper use of them will help strengthen your legs and promote ankle flexibility.
Most pools have a pace clock you can watch while you swim, but you will probably be happier with a waterproof watch that you can wear to time your workouts. Look for a watch with lap and split-time functions so you can track and store your workout times.
A kick board is useful for your kick drills. You hold it out front for support as you do your kick drills.
Also useful is a pull buoy, a large piece of foam that you put between your legs to keep your back end afloat — and keep you from kicking — as you do drills to improve your stroke. Using a pull buoy, you propel yourself through the water exclusively with your arms.
If you find the water in your ears at the end of the swim annoying, consider earplugs to keep the water out. If you don't want to wear earplugs, there are alcohol solutions that work very well in ridding your ears of water after a swim. Finally, with all this gear you are buying, you will need a mesh bag to carry it.
One note: If you sign up for a swim class at a health or fitness club, check with the club to see if they have some of the equipment listed in this chapter. It might save you the expense of buying it and the bother of lugging it around.
