For a beginner, the swimming pool can be very terrifying. Beyond the technical and speed aspect of swimming, there are a lot of other things to consider when you are contemplating doing the swimming sports, one of which is your swimming gears.
Contrary to popular swimming opinions, it has been proven that, having the right swimming gears actually helps give you a competitive edge. A lot of sports have different accessories for training and help in improving athletic performances. Swimming is no different, swimming sports accessories are available for beginners to help with training, clothing, and their overall safety. There is a lot of gear to consider, but below are the basic equipment most beginners would need to start their swimming journey.
Swimming Goggles
Old-school swimmers maintain that they have no need for goggles while swimming. While they are not a must, you should invest in a pair of swimming goggles if you are serious about swimming. You would need goggles to maintain a clear field of vision for maneuverability. This is because, humans can’t see clearly under water. It also helps to protect the eyes from redness and irritation.
Swimming Cap
To answer the most obvious question, it doesn’t keep your hair dry, what it does is keep your hair from obstructing your view and also protecting your hair from the effects of the chemicals in the pool. Swimming caps also keep your hair on your head, so that strands of hair do not fall in the pool. You have a choice between silicone caps and latex caps.
Training Suits
This equipment is something that brings out mixed emotions among male swimmers. Swimming in your regular shorts isn’t ideal as you will feel as if you are swimming with a weight around your waist. When choosing a training suit, endeavor to choose a nylon made one because they are generally more durable. Using Speedos or swim briefs helps to increase your speed.
Earplugs
This can be essential for certain individuals to avoid water from entering their ear canals which can cause ear infections. Earaches are not fun, so this should be mandatory for beginners.
Safety Precautions for Beginners
Swimming is a fun sport that is very demanding physically, and also entails a lot of risks. Below are a few common safety tips:
Never Train Alone
When working on your swimming technique and speed, always endeavor to train with someone like a trainer, or lifeguard, to help in case of an emergency.
Take it Slow
Try not to push yourself too fast. Adhere to safety tips such as doing workouts with respect to your own swimming ability, and also increase difficulty slowly.
Don’t Drink Before a Swim
For your own good, don’t ever consume alcohol or any of its bye products before you swim, as this can impair your judgment in the pool.
Drink Water
Always make sure you drink water before and after every swim to avoid dehydration.
Don’t Swim While Sick
If you have any health concerns like a cold, dizziness, nausea, or even a small injury, endeavor not to get in the pool until you are in great shape.
Swimming is a sport that has a lot of fans and many participants, but for somebody who wants to delve into swimming as a sport, it can be complicated. What equipment to get, the training required, and safety measures can be overwhelming. Utilizing the above-recommended equipment and safety tips will simplify the process for you.
