This equipment can be expensive initially but most of it lasts for
years. VSC is an officially sponsored Finis Team, and VSC
members receive a 20% discount when purchasing from Finis (any
Finis logo on this web site will take you to the Finis web store).
To receive your discount, enter coupon code "Vancouver" when
checking out.
In addition, Team Unify
(our internet provider) has TYR brand equipment in the online store
which is built into our web site, and VSC gets 5% cash back with
every item you purchase.
You can also call JD Pence at 1-800-547-2520;
they carry Finis brand swim gear as well as a
host of other brands.
Please make sure that the swimmer’s name is
on all pieces of equipment, and that the swimmer has a mesh bag to
carry it in. All equipment and bags should be brought out
on deck during practice, and never left unattended in the
public dressing rooms. Marshall Center has lockers available
for 25 cents (small) or 50 cents (large), but swimmers are
encouraged to simply bring their bags out on deck and save the
money. Remember that the locker rooms at Marshall Center
serve the entire facility not just the pool, so the most secure
storage is right by the pool.
You can order Team Logo items directly from Fired
up Graphics and order VSC team caps
HERE!
For further information
on selecting equipment keep reading:
What does a swimmer need to start
swimming?
There is no shortage of equipment that a swimmer
could own, but what every swimmer at every level really needs is
something money can’t buy - a desire to improve.
If you are ever unsure about what a swimmer
should have or which style to buy, ask a coach. They will be glad
to share their opinion (and they definitely have opinions on
equipment). You can also ask other parents and they will be happy
to tell you what they have learned.
Goggles
Everyone needs goggles, for visibility and to prevent irritated
eyes. Make sure the goggles are adjusted properly. If you are not
sure how to adjust them, ask a coach to show you. Tinted goggles
are nice for outdoor meets in the summer. Anti-fog goggles are
recommended.
There are many varieties of goggles available, so
feel free to ask your child’s coach for brand
recommendations.
Suits
Great suits don’t make great swimmers – great swimmers
will perform well in any suit. But speaking of suits, polyester
appears to be the best suit for general use. Nylon suits are much
cheaper, but they wear out very quickly when worn regularly. Soon
they can become faded and transparent (yikes). For the extra money
spent, a 100% polyester suit will last much longer and be cheaper
in the long run. Keep the suit snug – loose suits fill with
water and create drag. One piece suits only, please.
There are high-end performance suits, but they
are generally not recommended until a swimmer has reached a high
level of competition, where saving a single second justifies the
high price. The official team suit should be worn at all swim
meets.
Boys have a couple of options for suit style.
"Jammers" are snug fitting suits that go from the belt line to just
above the knee, while "briefs" are much, well,
‘briefer’. Which one to use is really a matter of
preference, but most starting swimmers feel more comfortable in
jammers while higher level swimmers may insist on briefs for
competitions.
Don’t wash your suit in the washing
machine. It really isn’t very “dirty” since it
has been swishing back and forth in a chlorinated pool for most of
its life. Instead, rinse it in cold water, squeeze it out then hang
it up to air dry.
Fins
Basic Fins are needed for strengthening a swimmers kick and
stride. There are several varieties of fins, designed specifically
for certain strokes, but simple straight fins are very adequate for
general training. Before buying fins, take a look at what the other
team members are using.
Caps
A latex team cap is provided free to each swimmer when they join
the team. Some swimmers don’t like the snug feel of latex,
and find silicone caps easier to pull on and off, so you may
purchase a silicone team cap from the team apparel person
(link).
For practice, use any cap you like. Girls need
them to keep hair out of the filter and keep hair healthier. The
caps are optional for boys with short hair during practice. Some
parents like to buy their swimmers brightly colored caps to make
them easier to pick out in the water during practice, but the
team cap should always be worn for solidarity at swim
meets.
Bags
Some kind of a bag is needed to keep everything together. Bags
should be carried out on deck during practice for security, not
left in the locker room. There are very nice swim gear bags
available, with seperate compartments for dry items and wet gear.
Bags with mesh panels will let air in and help things dry out between
practices.
Some swimmers have a separate mesh bag for wet
items, and a gym bag for dry items. Other
swimmers use a combination swim bag. Check out what other swimmers
are using and ask team parents what they chose. VSC parents are
happy to share the wisdom they have gained. In the end, choose what
you think will work best for you.
Kickboards
Kickboards are needed for practices from the very beginning. There
are usually a few of them on deck to borrow, but most swimmers
appreciate having their own unique kickboard. Remember that
kickboards are really just flat floats, so spending a lot of money
for a high-tech design may not be worth it. There are arm
fitting wedge shaped boards or standard rounded shapes. Both work
well.
Water Bottles
An essential piece of training that is sometimes overlooked is the
water bottle. Remember that practices can last 45 minutes to 2
hours, and with that much physical exertion a swimmer can become
very thirsty. Even though they are surrounded by water, they need
clean drinking water to remain healthy and happy. Having a water
bottle at the pool side keeps them in the pool instead of making
trips to the drinking fountain.
Snorkels
Some of our swimmers are beginning to use a
front snorkel. This piece of equipment is to assist the swimmer to
learn good body balance in the water without having to raise the
head to breath. The junior size is for swimmers 9 and under, and
takes into account the swimmer’s lung capacity.
Pull buoys
Pull buoys increase the upper body workout by lifting the lower
body and driving the head and shoulders down. There are
several different sizes to fit children or adults. Smooth buoys may
be preferred over rough buoys for comfort but they are harder to
hold onto with the thighs. Have your swimmer try out different
types during practice before deciding which one to buy.
Hand Paddles
Hand paddles increase water resistence on the hands and increase
arm strength. There are many sizes, so follow your coach’s
recommendation on which size to buy. Using too large a paddle can
cause shoulder injuries.
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