The best gear for beginner swimmers: what you need to get started
As a beginner swimmer, it’s important to have the right gear to make your experience in the water safe and comfortable. For children in particular, first experiences at the pool can influence their confidence and how they relate to the water moving forward; in short, you want to ensure that first experience is enjoyable!
Here are some essential items to consider:
Swimsuit: Choose a swimsuit that is comfortable, fits well and allows for free movement. Look for a suit that is made of a stretchy, quick-drying material like nylon or polyester, and if you’re likely to be spending the majority of your time in an outdoor pool, consider a design that provides good coverage and is UV rated. If you’re someone who swims often, two swimsuits are a good idea so that you always have a dry one ready to go – there is nothing worse than pulling on wet bathers!
Goggles: Goggles are a must-have for any swimmer, especially beginners who may not be used to opening their eyes underwater. For children, getting water (especially highly chlorinated pool water) in their eyes may be a part of the experience they struggle with – so ensuring they are comfortable in that respect from the get-go will help ensure they are comfortable and relaxed in the water. Look for a pair of goggles that fit well and have anti-fog lenses, as there’s nothing worse than having to take your goggles off to rinse them repeatedly!
Swim cap: A swim cap can help keep your hair out of your face while swimming, for greater comfort and fewer distractions. When children are in the water and following their swim teacher’s instructions, the fewer distractions the better! A swim cap also protects hair from the chlorine in the pool; while the odd swim won’t harm your hair, if you’re someone that’s in the water a lot you’ll be well aware that it doesn’t exactly promote hair health. Look for a cap that is made of silicone or latex and fits snugly on your head.
Swim bag: A swim bag is essential for carrying all your gear to and from the pool. Look for a bag that is waterproof and has enough compartments to keep your gear organised – for example, you don’t want wet bathers sharing a compartment with a dry change of clothes. When you’re in the after-school rush and heading to a swim class, it’s handy to have a dedicated bag that’s already packed so you can grab and go.
Kickboard: There are many different tools that can help a beginner swimmer, however a kickboard is probably the most versatile and useful; its primary use is to practise kicking technique and build leg strength. Here at Aquastar Swim Schools we have equipment such as kickboards on hand for use in our classes, however if you’re planning on a little extra practice in your own time it may be useful to purchase your own. Look for a lightweight, buoyant board that is easy to hold onto.
Remember, while these items can be helpful, the most important thing for a beginner swimmer is to practise consistently and work on building their technique and endurance in the water. Here at Aquastar Swim Schools, we offer lessons that cater to a wide range of ages and abilities – and we even have beginner swim classes for adults!
