Get Started Lap Swimming - Beginner Swim Gear

Looking for how to get started lap swimming for health or weight loss? Here's our recommendation on the basic pool equipment.

Kickboard: Hold it in front of you for buoyant support, letting you to focus on training your legs. This lets you swim longer when your arms are tired, or work on your kicking technique.
Buoy: Goes between your thighs to keep your legs in place. Stop kicking and focus on upper body technique and training.
Paddles: Agility paddles guide your stroke, helping you train proper entry technique.
Fins:  Train for longer and keep up your heart rate with fins. We recommend short fins here, but long fins are available for extra assistance.
Goggles: Speedo Vanquishers are the standard, but check out our goggle guide.
Cap: Keep your hair out of your face. (It won't keep your hair dry.)
Mesh bag: Set it down on the side of the pool next to your lane for easy access.
Water bottle: ALWYAS stay hydrated! Being in water doesn't mean you sweat less.

A note on swimwear: Always wear what you feel comfortable in, but we don't recommend lap swimming in anything baggy, ruffly, or heavy. (Men, that includes trunks.) The drag will tire you out quickly.