Equipment

We've set out below a list of common equipment used by competitive swimmers. Not all equipment is required for every swimmer, and your child’s coach will tell you exactly what your swimmer needs.

MUST-HAVES FOR NEW SWIMMERS

·       Goggles: Swimmers use goggles to protect their eyes from the chlorine as well as to gain a clear view of their surroundings in the pool. There are a variety of colors and styles depending on the preference of the swimmer. Goggles range from $7 – $30.

·       Cap: Caps are designed to keep hair out of the swimmer's face and goggle straps in place. Caps range from $4 - $20. GHAC caps are $15 and can be bought from your child’s coach or email [email protected]ghacswimming.ca to organize a time to pick one up.

·       Fins: Fins are a device that fit on a swimmer's feet to increase kicking speed during practice. Fins range from $20 – $50.

·       Practice Suit: Practice suits are used during workouts. They are created with a stronger material for durability. Some may create extra drag to make the workout more challenging. Women’s practice suits range from $30 - $100.  Men's practice suits range from $20 - $50.

·       GHAC Clothing: You may purchase GHAC apparel at http://www.teamheadquarters.ca/product-category/teamwear/ghac/

·       GHAC Swim Suits: Are ordered in the fall.

ITEMS YOU MAY NEED

·       Mesh Bag: A mesh bag is used by swimmers to hold their training equipment. Mesh bags range from $6 - $20.

·       Kickboard: A kickboard is a floating device used by swimmers during practice to enhance their kicking skills.  Kickboards range from $7 - $25.

·       Paddles: Paddles are a plastic device placed on a swimmer's hands during practice. to add resistance to the pulling phase of the stroke. There are a variety of paddles available, depending on the purpose of the pulling drill. Speak to your child's coach to ensure you purchase the most appropriate paddles.  Paddles range from $8 - $20.

·       Pull Buoy: A pull-buoy sits between the swimmer's legs to enhance body position during a pull set when the swimmer is not kicking. Pull buoys range from $7 – $12.

·       Racing Suit: Introductory swimmers may wear the same suit in which they, only a little bit tighter.  As a swimmer advances to the higher (faster) stages, you may consider purchasing a racing suit which is considerably tighter and beads off water.  An entry level racing suit can be a few hundred dollars.

FOR ADVANCED SWIMMERS

·       Competition Suit: Competition suits are used during meets. There are a number of brands and styles, depending on a swimmers preference and body type. Women’s competition suits range from $85 – $650.  Men's suits range from $35 - $500.

WHERE TO BUY:

·      Team Aquatics Supply Store. If you are already a team member make sure you login and go under the parents section to get your "Shark Card" (discount card)