New to Masters Swimming?
Here are some items you’ll want to have in your gear bag!

When you join a Masters group, of course, you know to bring suit, goggles, cap, and towel… but there are some other pieces of basic training equipment that will both enhance your training and help your swimming evolve. 

If you look around at the bags on the pool deck of any Masters workout, you’ll notice a variety of equipment in a bunch of different shapes, sizes and designs. Many of these items have been acquired by swimmers over years of swimming. If you’re just starting out, keep it simple and use things that will help your technique

Here’s a list of the basic items that most programs use and why they help or enhance your training. 

Fins
These are a staple for a lot of Masters programs and for good reason. First, they provide extra resistance when you’re kicking. This helps strengthen the kicking movement as it’s pretty complex and goes beyond just having strong legs, as many Masters swimmers who come from a running or cycling background have discovered. You’ll also notice a variety of blade lengths and designs. If your goal is extra propulsion, skill acquisition and strength building – it’s best to start off with the short-blade fin. If the fin is too long, it may cause poor technique and damage to your ankle, especially if you lack flexibility in that area. 

Pull buoy
These little foam devices, placed between your thighs while swimming allow you to float your hips. There are several reasons for using one but for most, it allows you to focus on just the pulling motion rather than pulling and kicking at the same time. These are great for setting up an effective catch while eliminating that sinking feeling when you slow down your stroke rate to focus on your technique. There are lots of different designs out there but they all have the same basic function.

Centre Snorkel
These are centred in front of the face rather than off to the side of the head as scuba snorkels are. They’re awesome because you can leave your face in the water and concentrate on your stroke without worrying about needing to turn or lift your head to breathe. A snorkel allows you to isolate just one skill to work on, while staying aerobic.

Things You Can Get Later On

While you were looking around at bags on the pool deck, you probably noticed a bunch of other equipment in other swimmers’ bags. Some of it may be a good idea depending on what you are doing but not necessary to get started.

Kickboard
Most would put this in the basic category of equipment, and many facilities have them available for use. Not all swimmers should use them, as laying your arms on the board, craning your neck up, and arching your back can cause some discomfort and throw your swimming posture off. There is benefit, however, especially when working on breaststroke kick, to having the ability to be in the head up position to kick. To alleviate neck issues, you can kick with the board extended and your face in the water, and even better, use a snorkel.

Hand paddles
Here again, there are lots of shapes and sizes. In this case size matters a lot. The shoulder is a very complex joint. Paddles add extra resistance and over time using them can cause damage. Shoulders are not like fingernails—they don’t grow back after you damage them. Start with small paddles until you build skill and strength, then try larger sizes if you wish. It’s important to remember that this is only helpful if you have good technique.

Ankle strap
These are used typically with a pull buoy and keep the feet and legs together, so you don’t have to squeeze your thighs to keep the pull buoy in place. It’s impossible to kick while wearing one, so that tendency to kick with your pull buoy is eliminated. An ankle strap is great for working on alignment and using your core for rotation rather than your feet.

Nickey at SwimKit.ie will help – but before you start adding to your online cart, check with your fellow swimmers and coach. They may have some recommendations and suggestions for you, and often will let you try out their equipment to see what you think.