Swimming Equipment
Note that Sierra Nevada Masters derives no income from any equipment vendor and that we have no recommendations regarding which vendor you use for your purchases. We have a promotional relationship with Xterra that allows Sierra Nevada Masters members to purchase wetsuits and other Xterra merchandise at a substantial discount. Contact Jim Lawrie for the URL (website link) and purchase code that allow you to receive the discount. The pictures below are intended for illustrative purposes only. Sierra Nevada Masters does not endorse any particular product or brand.
Some or all of the following equipment may be used during Sierra Nevada Masters workouts (note that kickboards are provided at the pool but the models available may not suit your tastes – eating in the pool, especially kickboards, is discouraged.
Swim caps
Pool chemicals are very damaging to hair. Covering your head with a cap helps a lot (both men, at least those with hair đŸ˜‰ and women). A silicone cap will last much longer than a regular latex cap and it doesn’t have a strong chemical odor when you remove it from the package.
Goggles
Don’t leave home without them! Goggles are an absolute requirement. They protect your eyes from the pool chemicals and they allow you to see under water to make those snappy flip turns. It may take you a while to find goggles that fit comfortably but when you do, buy a few of them. They don’t last forever and manufacturers change models fairly frequently.
Fins
Here’s an item you’ll probably want, especially for those demanding IM or kick sets. Some of us use them for a lot more than that. There are MANY choices. Ask your lane mates what they’re using and why.
Pull buoy
While a few of our swimmers never use a pull buoy, almost every SNM workout includes a pull set. A pull buoy positions your body properly in the water and makes it easier to focus on correct stroke technique.
Paddles
Paddles are typically used with pull buoys but not always. Quite a few of us choose not to use them because of the stress they can put on your shoulders. While they’re good for improving shoulder, arm and back strength, choose carefully. A few models specifically advertise that they put less stress on the shoulders.
Mesh gear bag
You’ll probably need a bag to haul around your swim toys. Just make sure its mesh so your stuff will dry between workouts.
Wetsuit
You’ll need at least one of these if you’re a triathlete or if you do open water swims in cold (is relative) water. As mentioned above, Sierra Nevada Masters has a promotional arrangement with Xterra that gives our members a substantial discount on all of their merchandise. Contact Jim for the URL (SNM has a special pricing page on the Xterra website) and purchase code.
Towel
Mentioning this might seem foolish but you never know what you’re going to forget. I will say that a chamois towel can be very handy. No matter how wet it gets, you can always wring it out. Or maybe try one of those fast drying microfiber towels.
Sport watches
Not really necessary but can be fun to use. They can track distance, stroke, lap times, heart rate, etc. Helps in open water but GPS doesn’t work under water so accuracy of distance tracking is variable, even on the same course (you’ll find yourself swimming on land). You have a lot of choices but the watch has to be waterproof to at least 2 meters depth. How does Jim Hart do it?
MP3 players & water proof ear buds
These are great if you do a lot of workouts in open water. Don’t buy the cheap ear buds. You’ll regret it. Ask Jim for recommendations.
