Canal Winchester Dolphins

Many summer team swim parents are new to swimming and may not know much about the equipment your coach requires. This blog on summer league swim gear can be a handy reference for the brand new swim parent.  

Before buying anything, please talk with your coaches on whether the item is necessary and the best place to find it.  

Basic Equipment for Practice/Meet:

• Goggles
  • These should be a pair that just covers the eyes, rather than the kinds that can cover the nose as well.
  • Common brands are Speedo, TYR, etc.
  • Swim Outlet and Amazon are good places online to look!
• Towel
  • One towel is needed for after practice to dry off/get warm! At meets, multiple towels may be necessary to ensure you have a dry one after multiple events!
• Water
  • Water is a necessity at both practice and meets. For practice, water can be placed at the end of the lane so swimmers can stay hydrated throughout the practice.
• Swim Suit
  • A swim suit is a necessity for both practice and meets.
  • For meets, swimmers usually wear team colored suits whether it be blue, black, a mix of those two, etc. However, it is not required.
  • For a meet suit, it is good to be a little tighter to reduce drag!
  • Common brands are: Speedo, TYR, Dolphin (Dolphin Uglies are popular for younger girls), and there are many others on Swim Outlet.
• Swim Cap
  • While it is not required, it is recommended, especially for those with hair that may get in the way.
  • Each swimmer will have a team cap and it is an easy way for spectators to know which swimmers are Dolphins versus other teams.
• Healthy Snacks
  • Healthy snacks are a necessity in between meet events to help refuel before the next race.
  • Common options: fruit, power bars, pretzels, etc.
• Warm clothes for colder days
  • Yes, I know it is summer. However, some days, especially at morning practices, it is chilly! It is important to keep the swimmer's muscles warm and to do so, warm clothes such as sweatshirts and pants are needed.
• Towel/Blanket
  • This is needed for meets to sit on in between events! Folding chairs are also a great option.