Equipment
Goggles
What they’re for: keeping water out of the eyes
How to use them: The straps should go directly around the head in line with the eye area. Don’t pull the straps down around the base of the scull, have them too high, or put them over the ears.
How to choose them: Every decent pair of goggles easily come out of the packaging, always try them on BEFORE buying! They need to fit the swimmer’s face. Ensure they feel suction around the eyes when the goggles are pressed to the eye sockets. Leave them on for a minute and turn from side to side. Make sure there is no air moving into the goggles, in the pool this will be water coming in! Goggles that have an adjustable nose piece are helpful for correct fit. Mirrored lenses block the sun’s glare, helpful for outdoor swimming.
Other tips: Goggles should not need to be super tight to keep the water out. They should be worn as loosely as possible for comfort. If goggles are leaking and you have tried tightening them and adjusting the nose piece to no effect, throw them away and try another pair! They will not magically start fitting better!
Goggle Anti-fog
What it’s for: anti-fog coated goggles don’t usually work. Using a goggle anti-fog solution keeps goggles clear all practice long.
How to use it: rub a small amount of the solution on each of the goggle’s lenses, rinse it off in the pool before wear. One application should last all session.
How to choose it: the tried and true swimmer formula is to use a mix of one part baby shampoo (no tears), with two parts water. Get a small squeeze bottle and mix your own. Viola! You’re in business.
Swim Cap
What it’s for: to keep hair out of the eyes and face and to make the swimmer more streamlined. This is required for meets, but not for practices. For meets, it is required that you use a team cap or a solid color cap. Our team has them available for $15.
How to use it: hold the center fold of the cap in the middle of the forehead and pull the cap from the front of the head to the back (the fold is not meant to go ear-to-ear, but little kids sure look cute with it that way!). Swimmers with long hair should put it in a low pony tail first, then wind their hair into a bun and tuck it into the cap, keeping the bulk of their hair closer to the base of the head rather than the top. A lot of swimmers like to assist other swimmers in putting on their caps, just ask a friend and they’ll be happy to help!
How to choose it: Silicone caps generally last longer and are more comfortable (they don’t pull the hair). They are also warmer. If it gets too hot, try a latex cap. Latex are perfectly good, and are cheaper. Dry them out after use and keep them flat to make them last longer.
Swimsuit
Practice Suit: Any one piece suit that can comfortably be worn for lap swimming and diving.
Meet Suit: For girls, the team suit or a solid black one piece suit must be worn for the meet. For boys, the team jammer or a black jammer is required.
Our team suit is the same as last year. If you find your swimmer needs to order a new size, or you have a new swimmer, you can visit:
Under team login, type in “ “ and you will be directed to order the same suit. Your order will come to the team and we will distribute your suit to you prior to the first meet. If your swimmer needs to try on suits to determine the correct size, we will have them available to try on at registration on March 3rd.
Sunscreen
What it’s for: when doing laps, swim shirts can be heavy and restrictive. Sun protection is essential, but for 30 minutes to 1 hour of lap swimming sunscreen is the best choice. Swim shirts are for before and after practice and anytime kids are poolside playing.
How to use it: Apply 30 mins before getting in so it doesn’t immediately wash off.
