Water Toys

Swim gear can be used for many reasons, but the primary purpose is almost always to isolate different aspects of your stroke so you can focus on one technical component at a time. Here is some of the equipment you should always have in your bag to be able to get the most out of your training sessions:

Pull Buoys

Some folks swim faster with them, while for others they serve as an anchor, but everyone should do a healthy amount of pulling during their swim workouts. You have to find a set of pull buoys that fits your body type, but I like the ones that work as a kick board as well. There’s not as much flotation with this style, but that’s mostly a good thing. The buoys are usually placed between the legs at the crotch, but placing them at the ankles also offers some benefits.

Phelps Pull Buoy

$12 The Phelps Pull Buoy uses EVA foam construction that won’t waterlog, dries quickly and gives you all the buoyancy you’ll need for your next workout. No guarantee of Olympic medals, but it’s a start.

Arena Freeflow Pull Buoy

$25 The Freeflow uses a hydrodynamic figureeight shape so it’ll be a great fit for all levels of swimmers. Made with lightweight soft foam, this super comfortable pull buoy won’t chaff no matter how long your pull set.

Kick board

I could write a book on why all triathletes should work on their kick. Kicking is extremely important to all swimmers, and triathletes in particular. I like smaller kick boards – junior-sized or, better yet, the ones that can also be used as a pull buoy. The smaller boards don’t prop your front up so much – thus promoting that long, level body position we’re always striving for. If you’re using a full-sized board grab it close to the back versus laying on the thing and wrapping your arms around it.

Arena Pull Kick

$40 You can use this as a pull buoy or a kick board, making it a great travelling option as well. With numerous hand-position options while kicking, the soft material and asymmetrical shape makes it extremely comfortable for use while pulling, too.

Ankle Band

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times, if you can swim with only a band around your ankles, then you can swim. Using an ankle band is good along with a pull buoy, but it’s great without. It forces you to engage that core and get those hips up, with long, strong straight legs. It’s a great strength tool as well. You can track down a band at a swim store, or easier yet, make your own by cutting up a tire inner tube.

Huub Varman Buoyancy Short

$175 Rather than use a pull buoy to keep your hips higher in the water, the Varmin Buoyancy Short uses the same high-grade neoprene you’ll see in the Varman wetsuit to help you align your body so you can work on your kick to get the most out of your stroke. Huub’s exclusive +43 Foam provides 43 per cent more buoyancy than standard neoprene, so you’ll really notice the difference in your body position while swimming.

Paddles

The “big ring” of swimming. Toys come and go, but we’ll always use paddles. Paddles increase the load on the shoulders and increase the “feel” that creates a great swim stroke. Paddles are personal – there are literally hundreds of styles and sizes. I like to see swimmers with three sets – small, medium and large. Rotate through them and get stronger.

Speedo Power Paddle Plus

$22 This all-purpose training paddle is designed for increasing power on all swim strokes. Special tubercles on the lateral side increase surface area along the edge of the paddle to help push water and improve your pull. There are multiple holes to allow water to pass through and provide options for strapping the paddle to your hand.

Phelps Technique Paddle

US$20 Designed to improve your pull by helping with your wrist, forearm and elbow alignment, the Tequnique Paddle is designed to prevent you from bending your wrist and dropping your elbow. Vent holes are designed to help with your feel for the water, and you also have the option of alternative hand positions, too.

Fins

Another “big ring” piece of gear, fins increase the load on the quads but they’re also great for ankle flexibility. They also help with those annoying drills where you feel like you’re half way to the bottom of the pool before you’re able to get moving. Fins, like paddles, are personal –make sure they’re comfortable.

Arena Powerfin Pro

$75 With an innovative design that uses a sloping surface and hydrodynamic slits in the top, the Powerfin Pro fins allow you to maintain a a faster leg kick and better control. The open heel ensures the best possible ankle flexibility, promoting faster upward motion and a more powerful downward leg kick.

Speedo Switchblade Fin

$40 The unique 10 degree blade angle provides maximum stability and engagement throughout each kick, al-lowing you to kick faster without hurting your technique. There’s also a special midfoot flex point de-signed to eliminate cramping – always welcome for those end-ofthe-day swim sessions.

Snorkel

If something is going to go wrong while you’re swimming, it’s likely to happen while you’re turning your head to breathe. The snorkel removes that factor, allowing you to focus on your position and catch. You can watch your hands as they enter the water and carry through the stroke.

Arena Swim Snorkel III

$45 Thanks to a one-way purge valve, you won’t be sucking back half the pool on every turn, and the super-soft hypoallergenic silicone mouth piece is both comfortable and easy to clean. Thanks to the unidirectional silicone headband, you get a comfortable snorkel that stays stable even during the hardest swim and kicking sets, too.

Phelps MP Focus Swim Snorkel

US$35 The unique low-profile design in the Phelps Focus Swim Snorkel is engineered for maximum comfort and durability. There’s an adjustable lightweight head bracket to keep the snorkel snug and secure, while the silicone comfo-bite mouthpiece minimizes jaw fatigue. There’s a one-way purge valve to keep water out and the triangular tube shape inhibits side-to-side rotation for easier swimming.