This article will guide you through what kit you need for swimming and what it would be good to have if you have the spare cash.
If triathletes like anything, it is kit! We, after all, have 3 sports to do, which means three times the amount of kit we get to spend on. So that being said, over the next few articles, we will be looking at each element individually and highlighting essential kit for training and racing and add in a few extras, which are just nice to have. On the way, we will point out brands that are popular and work well and a few up and coming brands to look out for.
So let us start with the swim. Most of us will do most of our training in the pool, so Trunks or Jammers for men and swimsuits for women. Both will need something with a comfortable and streamlined fit, yet not overly tight. Board or beach shorts won’t do you any favours. For racing, you will probably also need a Trisuit. the main considerations here is how much money you want to spend, how comfortable you want to be and how cool you want to look 🙂 If you are going short distances, then a fleece cycling pad and the single-piece suit will do fine, but if you are looking at longer distances, a good cycling pad is a must, and consideration should be given to having a 2 piece suit; for that midpoint, toilet stop!
The choice and price range is vast, to say the least. Be prepared to try a few pairs before choosing, or end up with a bag full of goggles. I find it best to use a good pair for pool and open water use—something with a good seal around the eye and a little bigger than race goggles. Also, try and go for something with a moulded nose bridge as its not uncommon for these to come apart if glued or replaceable. A popular brand is Zoggs, Perennial favourite Speedo and Aquasphere do a few decent models. Also, check out TYR, Swann, Roka (more on these in another article), Orca (editors choice), Zone3, Arena and Huub.
Now for pool training equipment. I will stick to equipment available at most pools to borrow, but it is nice to have your own if you can.
That odd-looking 8 shaped float that goes between your legs. Don’t bother going for an oversized one, as most of the time; a standard one will be fine.
Go on your feet to highlight kick errors and help with the balance of certain drills. Most go by shoe size. Look for training fins, not diving fins!
The flat things that strap to your hands. Look for a pair no more than 10% bigger than your hands. Best used little and often with a pull buoy. Ask your coach for more advice on these and any other training equipment. Speedo, Finis, Arena TYR, Zone3 and Huub will have you covered for all of this kit.
Open water swimming; you will most likely require a wetsuit. If possible, try and get fitted as a well-fitting suit will be more beneficial than an expensive feature-packed suit. If you are new, you could look into hiring a suit for a race or a season. Popular brands are Huub, Orca, Zone3 and aquasphere. You sometimes see TYR, 2XU and Roka, depending on where you race.
That’s pretty much all you will need for swim training and the first stage of your race. In the next article, we will look at the bike leg.
Happy training.
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