Swimming is not only a great pastime, but it is also a great way to stay fit. Sometimes, however, we need to take it a step further. While professional swimming is still out of our reach, there is no reason not to try out in semi-professional swimming. The question is, what kind of gear do you need in such case? Apart from the swimming trunks, of course.

Goggles

I have always detested having water in my eyes. Pool water can also irritate your eyes due to chlorine and it is vital to see where it is you are going. You don’t need a heavy-duty pair of goggles, you just need something that will keep the water away from your eyes. Your goggles need to be tight, but not too tight. Consult an expert to see which goggles are perfect for you.

Swimming Cap

It isn’t the question of style and comfort – it is a matter of speed. Swimming caps lower the water resistance your hair will make, as well as keep the pool clean. In water sports, the swimming cap is the equivalent of a uniform, since it is difficult to recognize participants when all you can see is their head.

With the essentials out of the way, we can now shift our focus towards the equipment that helps you with your swimming practice. Again, this equipment is optional, though it is a good idea to keep it handy.

Snorkel

You want to work on your technique, but find it tedious to come up for air? Then, you need a swimming snorkel. People use it all the time to balance out their strokes, or just casually exercise without exerting themselves too much.

Kickboard

Athletes often divide their training sessions into segments that focus on particular body parts. This is difficult for swimmers, since your entire body is moving all the time to keep you afloat. A kickboard is a very useful tool for you to exercise your leg muscles and technique. They are not just a learning aid, professionals use them when they want to give their upper body a rest.

Swimsuit

Guys are okay with just a pair of trunks. However, for the top performance in terms of speed and water resistance, swimsuits have to be considered. The suits are designed to tighten the troublesome areas that would otherwise slow you down. Though they can be pricey, the cost is justified.

Tempo Trainer

This nifty little gadget gives you the option of setting your own tempo and following it. At first, it doesn’t seem like you would need this, but it is easy to forget yourself and slow down or over-exert yourself when speeding up. Steady pace wins the race.