Swimwear

You don’t have to spend huge sums of money on swimwear but choose carefully. There are a few pitfalls to avoid when choosing your gear, the main one being the lure of the boutiques! Don’t be tempted to spend big money in a store for something that looks impressive.

Think about the quality of the fabric. Will it cope with hours in chlorinated water and still retain its color and shape? Look for a high percentage of PBT. This fabric is a type of polyester which has excellent resistance to alkalis, salt water and chlorinated water. Good sports stores should have a comprehensive selection.

Wetsuit

If you’re going to spend time training in the sea, you may need to invest in a good wetsuit. This is really dependent on where you intend to swim and at what time of the year but, even if you’re training on the west coast, if you intend to swim in the fall or winter months a wetsuit will be essential for comfort. You definitely get what you pay for, so don’t cut corners and get a cheap one. You should be looking to pay around $200 to $300 for a good suit. Each of the brands will have a range of mind numbing technical terms to describe their suits, but don’t succumb to jargon, seek the advice of an expert. And remember, you can always hire a wetsuit if you don’t think a sea swim is going to be a regular part of your swimming training.

Lined swim top

It’s a good idea for guys in particular to invest in a lined top for use in colder pools. Not every pool is the same temperature and it’s important to have kit for every eventuality.

Goggles

To swim correctly with your head in the water you need a good pair of goggles. There is a huge variety available, including masks that give you good visibility, and generally speaking they cost around $15 to $20. Get some de-misting fluid to prevent them from steaming up.

Swim cap

Many swimming pools will insist that you wear a cap, but even if they don’t, it is well worth investing in one. They are inexpensive and will protect your scalp from the chlorine in the water. In the sea they are essential to keep your head warm!

Flippers

A good set of mini flippers can be useful in helping develop certain components of your stroke, especially your arms. It takes the pressure off your legs and enables you to focus on what’s going on at the top end of your body! Be aware though that many pools will not allow you to use them, but they are perfect if you’re heading to the sea.

Swim towel

Make sure you always have a large thick towel with your kit. There’s nothing worse than showering after a swim and realizing that you’ve left it at home!

Kit box

Buy a large plastic container for your gear. It’s much more practical than throwing wet gear back in a sports bag.