Swim Gear
stephenrhinton
Posts: 522 Member
So what do folks consider to be essential swim gear?
Aqua shoes, do they help (like mini-fins) or create drag/fall off when doing laps? I picked some cheapies up today because about once a week I get interrupted by a water aerobics class, and I've found doing that is difficult on my bare feet. (Diabetic, very scared about my feet). I'm wondering if I should wear them doing laps as well.
Goggles - Are you just paying for name brands in pricier versions, or are there actual quality issues? Part of my issue with the crawl is disorientation with my face down in the water so much. (so i swim head up, terrible form) I'm wondering if goggles will help. (I own none now)
Swim Caps - Why? Is it to protect hair from chlorine? Dry Quicker? Or just to be more hydrodynamic?
And to make my own contribution I've found that a waterproof case with an armband and waterproof earbuds are AWESOME. They let me listen to audiobooks or music while I swim. Ive been using them about two months with no leakage or wear issues. But I still don't trust them with my smartphone, I use a cheap old MP3 player in them.
Model's I'm using:
QQ Tech Audio Waterproof Case
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0096KBS7Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The earbuds that came bundled with the case only lasted about two weeks, and didn't really keep water out of my ears. But then I got the replacements below.
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Water Sport Waterproof In-Ear Earbud Stereo Headphones
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F408EYK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
These earbuds do a really good job of keeping water out of my ear, have decent audio volume/quality and are CHEAP. About the only problem is that they fit into my ear so well the tips occasionally stay in when I try to take the buds out. I've ordered an extra pair and when they get here I am going to try superglue on the tips. I don't want to risk it until I have backups.
Aqua shoes, do they help (like mini-fins) or create drag/fall off when doing laps? I picked some cheapies up today because about once a week I get interrupted by a water aerobics class, and I've found doing that is difficult on my bare feet. (Diabetic, very scared about my feet). I'm wondering if I should wear them doing laps as well.
Goggles - Are you just paying for name brands in pricier versions, or are there actual quality issues? Part of my issue with the crawl is disorientation with my face down in the water so much. (so i swim head up, terrible form) I'm wondering if goggles will help. (I own none now)
Swim Caps - Why? Is it to protect hair from chlorine? Dry Quicker? Or just to be more hydrodynamic?
And to make my own contribution I've found that a waterproof case with an armband and waterproof earbuds are AWESOME. They let me listen to audiobooks or music while I swim. Ive been using them about two months with no leakage or wear issues. But I still don't trust them with my smartphone, I use a cheap old MP3 player in them.
Model's I'm using:
QQ Tech Audio Waterproof Case
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0096KBS7Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The earbuds that came bundled with the case only lasted about two weeks, and didn't really keep water out of my ears. But then I got the replacements below.
and
Water Sport Waterproof In-Ear Earbud Stereo Headphones
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F408EYK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
These earbuds do a really good job of keeping water out of my ear, have decent audio volume/quality and are CHEAP. About the only problem is that they fit into my ear so well the tips occasionally stay in when I try to take the buds out. I've ordered an extra pair and when they get here I am going to try superglue on the tips. I don't want to risk it until I have backups.
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Bathing Suit, Silicone cap (I have very long hair. It's more to protect the pool from hair clogs, and to reduce drag), goggles (I have a pair made by Tyr. Good googles are about comfort, but I don't think I've ever spent more than $20 for them).
I use a kickboard for drills, but I have enough fat in my butt and thighs, I have no use at all for a pull buoy.
I don't use any sort of media player, but that's because I was unsatisfied with the ones I used seven or eight years ago, and they're not allowed for "official" swims I want to do.0 -
Check out this thread!
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10023808/tools-of-the-trade/p10 -
I would never use swim shoes for laps. It would add extra drag and effect flexibility in my feet.
I always use a Cap, but like Noel it's because of long hair drag. And chlorine damage too. When I was a kid my hair actually started to turn green from swimming. But I still didn't get one for a long time, so it's not really essential.
You definitely want goggles. I couldn't swim laps without them. I use a pair of speedo ones, nothing fancy.0 -
heh after reading the other thread pointed out by AQ and the one about the goggle-based HRM I started having an amusing thought.
One Darth Vader like piece that incorporates it all. Snorkel, noseplugs, optical goggles with the HRM, swim cap with built-in earplug/headphones and an MP3 player
And it would automatically play bad*ss peronal theme music written by John Williams as I walk to the pool. Whereupon I would use the Jedi pinch on anyone not following proper pool etiquette ...
I'd need to get an extra long black beach towel to wear over my shoulders ...0 -
Don't forget the bicycle inner tube and spruce swimming aids, not to mention the water bike:stephenrhinton wrote: »heh after reading the other thread pointed out by AQ and the one about the goggle-based HRM I started having an amusing thought.
One Darth Vader like piece that incorporates it all. Snorkel, noseplugs, optical goggles with the HRM, swim cap with built-in earplug/headphones and an MP3 player ...
http://all-that-is-interesting.com/strangest-inventions
http://all-that-is-interesting.com/strangest-inventions/20 -
*gigglesnort* definitely need a big beach towel for a cape.0
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I need to get one of the bicycle inner tube swimming aids. It says you can swim at 93 mph with those on.0
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People pay big money for green hair.Kida_Adeylne wrote: »I always use a Cap, but like Noel it's because of long hair drag. And chlorine damage too. When I was a kid my hair actually started to turn green from swimming. But I still didn't get one for a long time, so it's not really essential.
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Cap, goggles, lap counter, Speedo kick board, Speedo Adult Pull Buoy, Speedo medium hand paddles, TYR Burner fins.0
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For me, suit and foggles err... goggles are the only essentials.
Not essential but I LOVE my Audioflood waterproof iPod.0 -
Bruceapple wrote: »I need to get one of the bicycle inner tube swimming aids. It says you can swim at 93 mph with those on.
Make sure you get the speed rated one, you don't want to suffer a blowout.....
For me I just need my suit, goggles (Speedo Hydrospex) & my waterproof iPod.....
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Swam in my new aqua shoes today. Didn't seem detrimental to my kick, nor were they falling off. Think I'll make it a habit to protect my footsies. I picked em up at the 5 below store so not a big investment.
Usually chlorine doesn't bother me, but tonight my eyes feel like sandpaper. So goggles are probably the next gear purchase.0 -
OMG, you gotta have goggles. With the distance you're doing, make sure you get some that do not leak. I like this model, which is actually a small mask. Note the large amount of plastic around the lenses that create a good seal that won't leak during long distances.stephenrhinton wrote: »Usually chlorine doesn't bother me, but tonight my eyes feel like sandpaper. So goggles are probably the next gear purchase.
https://www.swimoutlet.com/p/aqua-sphere-vista-mask-10227/
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Or from Amazon for less.
OMG, you gotta have goggles. With the distance you're doing, make sure you get some that do not leak. I like this model, which is actually a small mask. Note the large amount of plastic around the lenses that create a good seal that won't leak during long distances.stephenrhinton wrote: »Usually chlorine doesn't bother me, but tonight my eyes feel like sandpaper. So goggles are probably the next gear purchase.
https://www.swimoutlet.com/p/aqua-sphere-vista-mask-10227/
http://www.amazon.com/Aqua-Sphere-Vista-Trans-Clear/dp/B001Q3LTE6/
I like these ones from the same folks. Not as bulky. But still don't sit in the orbital bone.
http://www.amazon.com/Aqua-Sphere-Kayenne-Goggle-Regular/dp/B00208EIRQ0 -
ok so what I think I'm gleaning from goggle advice is don't waste my money on the low-end sub-$10 type ....there is a quality difference that makes it worthwhile to buy in the 20-40 range ....above that I'm probably paying for a brand name or a specialty device (built-in extra gadgets).
And at least some folks think getting 'optical goggles' with built-in magnification is worthwhile.0 -
ok so what I think I'm gleaning from goggle advice is don't waste my money on the low-end sub-$10 type ....there is a quality difference that makes it worthwhile to buy in the 20-40 range ....above that I'm probably paying for a brand name or a specialty device (built-in extra gadgets).
And at least some folks think getting 'optical goggles' with built-in magnification is worthwhile.0 -
I actually bought my last pair from Amazon because they were cheaper. The Kayenne are one of the ones that I am going to try.
Or from Amazon for less.
OMG, you gotta have goggles. With the distance you're doing, make sure you get some that do not leak. I like this model, which is actually a small mask. Note the large amount of plastic around the lenses that create a good seal that won't leak during long distances.stephenrhinton wrote: »Usually chlorine doesn't bother me, but tonight my eyes feel like sandpaper. So goggles are probably the next gear purchase.
https://www.swimoutlet.com/p/aqua-sphere-vista-mask-10227/
http://www.amazon.com/Aqua-Sphere-Vista-Trans-Clear/dp/B001Q3LTE6/
I like these ones from the same folks. Not as bulky. But still don't sit in the orbital bone.
http://www.amazon.com/Aqua-Sphere-Kayenne-Goggle-Regular/dp/B00208EIRQ
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stephenrhinton wrote: »ok so what I think I'm gleaning from goggle advice is don't waste my money on the low-end sub-$10 type
I find that the cheap goggles don't last. straps break, seals leak etc. You can buy 3 cheap ones or one good quality one and be money ahead.0 -
juliet3455 wrote: »stephenrhinton wrote: »ok so what I think I'm gleaning from goggle advice is don't waste my money on the low-end sub-$10 type
I find that the cheap goggles don't last. straps break, seals leak etc. You can buy 3 cheap ones or one good quality one and be money ahead.
Very good advice.
And unless one is a racer, the inside the socket goggle suck bad. They hurt after a while.
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I only use Swedish goggles. Run about $4/ pair. Have had the same pair for many, many years.0
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- Swimsuit
- Swimming cap (I use one specially made for long hair)
- Waterproof Ipod (mine is from Audioflood. Got it at a discount just before Christmas)
- Lap counter worn on the finger.
I am still a bit of a newbie and I swim breaststroke only because of shoulder issues (still get my mile in though) so I don't need goggles. i do have a pair for when (hopefully) I can start doing the forward crawl.
I also take a water aerobics class 3x a week. I tried shoes but they were just too awkward so I go barefoot in the pool.0 -
If you can find inexpensive goggles that work for you that's great! The trial and error to find the right goggles for you will probably be the most expensive part.
I tried many different kinds and was always disappointed. Usually the problem was that they were uncomfortable i.e. felt like they were sucking my eyeballs out and left me with raccoon eyes, or they leaked no matter how much I played with the adjustments. I've been swimming with the Barracuda Ultimates for a few months and have been very pleased. At ~$20 they're not the cheapest around - not the most expensive either - but I swim at least a few times a week so it seems like a small price to pay for comfort and not having problems that distract me.0 -
I've always used speedo goggles (~$15CAD), and the only reason I had to replace my last pair was because I lost them.0
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NoelFigart1 wrote: »
The only real problem I have with the breast stroke is that in the pool in China, no lane ropes. No etiquette. And 90% are doing a space hogging breast stroke without regard for anyone else around them. I am tempted to wear a cup to avoid permanently singing soprano if I and twisting at exactly the wrong time.
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fishgutzy - lane ropes are no assurity for protection. I've been whomped several times by a ridiculously wide breast stroke in the other lane.0
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That sounds horrifying @fishgutzy!0
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Me too. One guy kicked me 5 times in just a few laps. In that pool I usually made it a couple between hits.Kida_Adeylne wrote: »fishgutzy - lane ropes are no assurity for protection. I've been whomped several times by a ridiculously wide breast stroke in the other lane.
In China I got head butted, had my goggles ripped off a few times.
This next trip will be to Hangzhou so little if any chance to swim. Lots of walking though. 7.2 miles a day plus up and down the 20th floor twice a day min. And 9 floor up and down from the corp apartment.0 -
Interesting. What kind of work do you do, fishgutzy, that takes you to China so frequently?
Me too. One guy kicked me 5 times in just a few laps. In that pool I usually made it a couple between hits.Kida_Adeylne wrote: »fishgutzy - lane ropes are no assurity for protection. I've been whomped several times by a ridiculously wide breast stroke in the other lane.
In China I got head butted, had my goggles ripped off a few times.
This next trip will be to Hangzhou so little if any chance to swim. Lots of walking though. 7.2 miles a day plus up and down the 20th floor twice a day min. And 9 floor up and down from the corp apartment.
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In her book Swim Speed, Sheila Taormina sets out some developments in swimming that she indicates have brought down swimming times over the years! She says this about goggles:Invention of competitive swimming goggles. First introduced in the early 1970s, goggles enhanced a swimmer’s vision in the water. At the 1972 Olympics in Munich, goggles were not allowed. The first Olympics with goggles was in 1976.
Longer training sessions. In addition to enhancing a swimmer’s vision, goggles also impacted training methods. Swimmers could stay in the water longer, thus longer training sessions were possible, positively affecting aerobic capacities and endurance capabilities in swimmers.0
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