What are /r/Swimming's favorite Products & Services?

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Cool! I would also recommend getting these Finis paddles if you can. They can help your upper body get stronger and improve technique by slipping if you pull incorrectly. I use them and they work great!

I struggled with the same thing through my HS and D1 college years. Firstly, having just 3 main meals is prob not enough. Need four major feeds I think, plus snacking.

My best recommendation is make some very high calorie smoothies that won't necessarily interrupt your huge meals. Buy yourself a Nutri Ninja (this thing is a-freaking-mazing)

First thing in the morning and last thing before bed make something like: spinach, berries, banana, almond/peanut butter, oats, protein, whole milk, avo. Don't ever drink protein shakes or smoothies before meals (they will inhibit your appetite for real food, so do them *after* eating as a way to force down a few more calories).

So depending on your schedule/budget I'd envision something like this:

• 0530: Smoothie
• 0600: Morning Practice
• 0800: Breakfast
• 1000: Snack
• 1230: Lunch
• 1530: Lunch 2
• 1600: Practice
• 1830: Dinner
• 2100: Cereal/desserts/random munching
• 2200: Smoothie
• 2230: Bedtime

I find it hard to believe you won't put on size doing this!

Also, keep in mind people often overestimate how much they eat. I suggest you actually track your intake to learn more about your eating habits with more granularity than eating "vast quantities of food"

Hope this helps, let me know if I can clarify or expand. Good luck dude

I wear a square leg style speedo. (https://www.amazon.com/Speedo-Endurance-Polyester-Square-Swimsuit/dp/B000YZAHEA/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8)

Would I notice a difference switching to a brief style speedo?

I personally prefer a square cut suit over a Speedo-style brief for workouts. They provide (minimal) additional drag for workouts, a bit of modesty and I find the material tends to last a bit longer.

Briefs for polo or races, though.

But, honestly, all three are good and it comes down to preference. Your form will dramatically improve and you'll find swimming a lot more bearable in any racing suit compared to trunks.

Edit to add: Also, you can get "grab bag" suits, which are usually team orders that have left over stock or unpopular prints that retailers are trying to get rid of, if you don't care about color. SwimOutlet has them here, but they're usually even cheaper if you pop into a brick and mortar shop.

There's actually a tool specifically designed to do this: https://www.amazon.com/Threader-Flexible-Drawstring-replacement-schaller/dp/B0052Y3RRM/

I've done it the old fashioned way too many times, so I bought the above. It makes life so much easier!

Target or Amazon has the "booth's 4 in 1 multi action lotion". As a born and raised Floridian, this is the best thing you can apply on a sunburn. (The banana boat blue aloe gel is great immediate relief, but this stuff keeps you from flaking).

Apply constantly if you're toasty, especially before bed. Also, take a couple (2-3 for me) advil or inflammation reducer of choice throughout the day. I personally won't take more than eight in a day but that's me, and I know my response. Also, not for days on a row or anything.

If the burn has blisters, see a dermatologist. Seriously.

Amazon Link: c. Booth 4-In-1 Multi Action Body Lotion - Lemon Sugar - 32 Oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NPF5HY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_G-8oxbK7DJN6T

The customer reviews at Amazon seem to be mostly positive which is encouraging

Reviews at their site are also fairly good

Seriously will consider this once my Sony dies eventually, if I can load Google Play into it I can swim to some of my playlists on that

I would say a 5k open water is not that big of a worry. I find ocean swimming easier because you have more bouiancy in salt water than a pool. During the guard season I swim 3-5k for a workout depending on how much time I have and I can do a 5k in around 1:20:00-1:30:00 depending on the long shore current and wind. You will most likely swim with the current because that is how most open water swims do it. I wouldn't worry about sharks or anything because they don't like humans. Definitely wear sunscreen and I highly recommend zinka on your ears and face. You will also want to lube up your arm pits because salt water can cause some serious chaffing. Here is one of my swims from the summer https://www.strava.com/activities/653501525

Get to really low body fat percentage. You can buy body fat clippers somewhere online. If your diet and exercise is good then eventually you'll see them. Everybody's body is different

I like mesh bags, specifically the speedo mesh bag deluxe. I keep all the stuff you listen in there plus more equipment and a protein bar/shake. I dunno though it may be a bit damp but drys real nice and is easy to carry and keeps for years.

https://www.amazon.com/Speedo-Deluxe-Ventilator-Equipment-Black/dp/B00EL3N29I/ref=asc_df_B00EL3N29I/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=192215022677&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10169921568830974743&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&...

Stretch marks are probably caused by stretching skin (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stretch-marks/symptoms-causes/syc-20351139). If you're at an age where you're growing, you may be growing so quickly that the volume of your body is increasing faster than the rate at which your skin can grow.

This could also be true in specific areas that are developing muscle where you previously didn't have much. So - if swimming is building up your muscles in those areas, you may get stretch marks there.

Swimming doesn't inherently cause stretch marks.

I have been distance swimming as part of triathlon training for a couple years now. Swim is always the most difficult to stave off boredom. Running and cycling often include much more mental engagement than swim for me, and so I treat long swims differently than I would a 4-5 hour ride.

This might sound bazaar, but over the past several months I have been using my swim time as meditation time. I am a pretty cut and dry, realistic person, and do not subscribe to a lot of "supernatural" ideas, but Buddhist meditation is very calming. Before any especially long swim, I will research a "Koan" or, illogical question, and spend my time in the water meditating on this topic. This has been a great use of my previously "mentally dead" time.

This may be a little too "out there", but I would encourage anyone to fully utilize their large amount of time in the water alone to their advantage.

More info on Koans here if interested. They are pretty bazaar: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/320734/koan

I saw a lady the other day with a pull buoy that actually strapped around her legs to hold it in place.

Just checked Amazon and found it: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0721QX1RT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_haCGBbYWREZNE

Alternatively, they make water exercise floatation belts, but I imagine they would be annoying to try to actually swim laps with.

As a fellow noob who started in February and is now in the 2000m range:

• 1 length, apparently. Until just now I thought it was out and back too.
• I found it difficult to keep count in the beginning too, but it mostly had to do with being uncomfortable in the water, getting distracted, then losing count because I had to concentrate on not drowning. It will get better with practice. Breaking up sets helps. If I do lose count, I go back to the last number I knew I hit—makes me swim more and adds a little punishment for forgetting.
• I took two coaching sessions which helped my technique. I was trying too hard and needed to relax more. I was fighting the water instead of trying to cut through it. Using a pull buoy helped me relax and find a comfortable stroke.

To piggy-back off the paddle recommendation, I do agree paddles are baller, but I prefer these synergy paddles because they are a bit larger and help you pull more water.

The Finis ones are fine, but I've flung those things off so many times I can't count. hahahaha

Download the Swim Coach app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gizmodus.myswimcoach

It really helepd me when I started swimming. You really dont need to knpw all for strokes as the app mainly focuses on Crawl

This is what I have.

Flow Swim Chamois - Quick Dry Towel for Swimming, Diving, Triathlons, and Other Water Sports (Blue) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0742R14NQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_6B7S5AMEAVQWGD7X9F7N?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

BALEAF Swimsuit

I hope this link works. I love this suit from Amazon. It’s inexpensive but well made ... fully lined. I have two and I swim in them 3 to 4 days a week since Jan and they have held up really well despite the high chlorine. I am your size and bought an XXL (which I believe is a 38). Since you are just starting out, maybe this price point is better.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DVS7GYL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

This is SUPER expensive.. but I have had mine for a year now and I love this thing. I am strictly a spotify girl so I can't easily download my songs and covert them to mp3 and load it up. THIS takes all of that out of the picture. I love love love this thing. I can listen to podcasts, audiobooks, or music.

As far as I know, this hip rotation tool, also from finis, is the only other type of tempo trainer out there that isn't even more expensive than the tempo trainer pro (the FORM smart goggles are $200.) Also wanting to throw out there personal experience with the tempo trainer pro - it does look pretty cheap, but my husband and I have both been coaches for 10+ years and we have quite a few that have lasted 3+ years for our team. They're easy to use too! Best of luck, whatever you decide!

Latex caps always pull out the little baby hairs around my hairline so I avoid them like the plague anyways. Silicone caps are the way to go. Here's the basic Speedo ones on Amazon but honestly silicone caps should be available nearly anywhere. Also her hair will probably get wet even with a cap, it's just not designed to be waterproof. Getting her some swim-specific shampoo like this stuff would be a nice present, I think! I don't personally use it (my hair doesn't seem to care) but a ton of girls on my team do.

I have a Syryn mp3 player from Amazon which works ok. The earbuds aren't great - one side has mostly gone out now. But it would suck swimming without it. I typically spend about an hour in the pool per workout and the battery seems to last 2 workouts ok. I've had the battery die after what felt like an hour or so before, though, so I tend to charge it after every session now.

Personally, when I get back to the pool in the autumn I'll probably get some of the gear from H20 Audio. They have waterproof cases for ipods as well as their own mp3 player, as well as custom-molded earphones that are a bit expensive but seem really nice.

I got a 2 pack of swedes for $23 and one pair took me from beginning of training to finishing a half IM. I really like them. Here they are on amazon. I also use my scuba diving defogger. The defog says not to use it with swim goggles but I put just a tiny drop on each lens and it works great

honestly, i am not breaststroker, but my other brother was and my coach (who went to OT) was. they say that a big thing to drop time is breaking down the stroke. they did a lot of breaststroke drills in practice including: breaststroke arms with a flutter kick and breaststroke arms with fly kick.

a big thing in all strokes are tempo trainers. you can have the most perfect technique but if the speed isnt there than the time will suffer. ill attach a link to a tempo trainer if you want one (amazon has the best prices).

i also think having a good coach who knows what he is talking about is a good way to improve; i have always benefited from being videotaped as well, so i can see exactly where i nee improvement. hope this helps:) best of luck!!

https://www.amazon.com/FINIS-1-05-120-Tempo-Trainer-Pro/dp/B005TVYVI2/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1538069462&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=tempo+trainers&psc=1

Hey guys looks nice! I'm the developer of Swim calculator and I like your material design look! I'm currently updating mine for material design and hope to update soon =)

Do you guys have an iOS version too?

I have a great website for you to check out, and you can do some of your own research yourself! http://www.patientslikeme.com/home

You can find people diagnosed with the same thing, same age range, same medications (etc.) and literally ask them/message them. It also has a great function called a Mood Map, and you can track so many variables about yourself and how you are doing. (I use it for my diagnosis, and know I have a better understanding of what gives me a good day/bad day and when I'm swimming fast, etc.)

Check it out and you can look up FIRST HAND reviews of each and every medication people have taken, and best of all it's Free!!

I found out about it through this TED video I stumbled upon http://www.ted.com/talks/jamie_heywood_the_big_idea_my_brother_inspired.html

Swimming isn't like running were you need to take days off to recover. It is low impact so you can swim 5 days without a problem. If you try to couple this with running that's fine but it will impact your stamina - take a lot of energy out of you.

As for building muscle, swimming is a mix between cardio and strength training. You wont get a body like Phelps or a weight lifter but you will get toned. The reason top swimming are so sexy is because they have been swimming for many years and also do weight training. At your stage weight training will only hurt you and slow your swimming progress. If you want a good stroke to swim, I'd say fly. But since you are just starting it will be very difficult and discouraging to swim lots of fly.

About eating a lot, that's understandable. When I was training I didn't worry about my diet at all I knew I would burn it off during the next practice. For fun you can play around with this from wolfram alpha to see how much you are working out. (not my stats, just default)

The two main places for swimming in the city are Ohio Street Beach, which has .25 and .50 mile marker bouys set up and has lifeguards during peak hours, and, farther south, Promontory Point.

hmmm try this:

https://www.wikihow.com/Tread-Water-Eggbeater-Style

learning how to do eggbeater (like polo players) is probably your best bet. Just imagine doing breast stroke kicks one leg at a time. Also, learning to do a sculling motion with your arms will make it feel even more effortless. Search up some tutorial vids on youtube go guide you. GL!

Ok, so I've not been for a swim in a while because i've been working on running cadence mostly but here's a swim from a bit ago where I do a mile in a 25m pool at 1:35 per 100m:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/439897829

On average I do 9 strokes a length. I'm not sure where that compares to really top flight guys but 20 seems ... lots? I'm not sure how efficient the pull can be if your stroke count is that high.

heh. I just went to a talk on molecular dynamics on the mesoscale last week (chemist here), and while the speaker was talking Reynolds, cilia, and flagella, I was thinking about the dolphin kick...

After writing the question, I started searching for proper sources, and there's some interesting empirical measurement stuff out there. Amongst them I found this cool surface-underwater comparison for mono-fin swimmers. I'm at home so I can't get at the gated texts, but the abstract seems to be suggesting that beyond technique differences there are intrinsic inefficiencies with swimming on the surface.

edit: man, there's some weird papers out there. Maze performance of rats under conditions of surface and underwater swimming: "Rats required to swim under water in a two-unit maze took longer and made more errors than did a control group swimming on the surface. [...] The writers account for the results by hypothesizing a mild panic state engendered by the under-water swimming condition." Really? People get grants to do stupid shit like that?

I had a $10 amazom credit and bought this a few weeks ago.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071SJBQ91/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_ZFEJ1ZKQ5V9PS3P97QZK?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Fits towel, liquid soap bottle, water bottle, goggles, swim cap, extra pair of clothes.

I washed it too recently. There are 2 pockets in the bag for dry and wet. Also a small pocket outside for small items like a small combination lock, wallet, keys, phone etc.

Its a really good value for $10

I have a duffel bag with a compartment for shoes (I keep a pair of swim flip flops and swap them out for whatever shoes I wore to the pool) and a compartment that is waterproof. It suits my needs well, fits in the lockers, and I can put wet towels/suits in the waterproof compartment without getting everything else wet. While unnecessary, I also got a small swimsuit pouch and small toiletry bag for shampoo/lotion/etc to help keep things comparmentalized in my bag.

If you want a link to the one I got it’s below, but there’s tons of variations on Amazon.

Kuston Sports Gym Bag with Shoes... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SZRRNLZ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Try the ones that stick over your ear instead of go inside the ear. They’re far more comfortable.

Like these: Mack's Pillow Soft Silicone Earplugs - 12 Pair, The Original Moldable Silicone Putty Ear Plugs for Sleeping, Snoring, Swimming, Travel, Concerts and Studying https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G1MWHNR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_CBRXF4B2MF64582E4SK6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

They are not necessary, but in my experience they are nice: no water remaining in the ear for rest of the day any day, no water splashing annoyingly against your ear. At times it can get noisy in the swimming hall, so plugs are useful for some personal piece and silence as well :).

In addition to ear plugs (which I tried a few ones and then found these that actually seal my ear; fit probably varies person to person) I also use AfterShokz Xtrainerz for listening to music. I didn't have trouble with the swimming cap, but I think my ears are still a bit visible with the cap.

Those stick quite well to my ear so I don't really end up in a situation where I would lose them—but they are not very expensive, just buy a few pairs if you're expecting to lose them :).

Once I stick them in, the next time I take them out is when I'm finished. I highly doubt ears have a need to breathe..

Congratulations on trying to get into better health! That’s amazing. I just started swimming last summer myself, I have found that there are tons of really good YouTube videos that have helped me a ton. A couple of things that really helped when I first got started... I bought a lap snorkel ZIONOR Snorkel Lap Swimming Swimmer Training Diving Snorkeling Comfortable Mouthpiece One-Way Purge Valve for Pool Open Water https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XXTX6Y2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_Q6ZVTX7CPYFHPGN4AT42. It really helped me focus on my form while not running out of breath.

I also bought some fins and hand paddles to help me focus on different aspects of my stroke.

Good luck!!

I use Swim Spray to get the chlorine out of my hair after workouts. You can also use it on your skin, so I imagine it would work on facial hair as well.

Garmin Swim $120 USD on Amazon. It might be more than you want, but is fairly accurate (occasional +/- of 25 yards) with one exception, kicking. To work around the failure to count kicking laps, there is a Drill mode that allows manual entry.

You can buy little sprays of swimming anti-fog off Amazon or probably at a sport store. Usually spray it once at the beginning, but sometimes you don't need to do it every swim. Been using this one and find it works well.

If I was gonna spend that money I would spend it on these swim headphones. They aren't super expensive but honestly going to the pool and putting in the time is more important than anything else. Having music and just playing in the water has made me go five days a week. The pool is my happy place now. Build the habit, when you've stuck with it for a month then buy the jammers as a reward. Tayogo Swim Headphones

COUNTU GOAL.

I used it for about 2 years, and really love it. It's a semi-automatic swimming lap counter & timer with high accuracy, 50m water resistance and vibrate alert function. Recommended.

Hey! I started swimming again after years as well and I'm using this app for my workouts

swim coach

The subscription is like 20€ per year (or 5 for a single month) and allows for (at least for me) more than enough configuration:

• How much you want to practice each particular stroke

• Materials you have

• Create a training log

And some other stuff.

Pretty simple but effective.

I'm in no way related to this app or its creators but it got me back to the pool and swimming for more than 3 weeks already so you might find it as usual as i did!!!

Enjoy your swimming!

I'm terrible with screenshots and posting. There are some here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.formathletica.formandroid

The app and in particular the analyze your workout screen is well laid out.

If you also love music you should try these. They are fantastic in the water. I use them because my right ear tends to get clogged.

Waterproof Mp3 Player for... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BZ5D9TB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

You want these. Nothing gets past them. They are oy pod fur about 3 uses but you can buy them cheap enough if you buy a few at once.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Macks-Pillow-Silicone-Putty-Plugs/dp/B000KOKDW6/ref=asc_df_B000KOKDW6/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309981954457&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8585956565888644527&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&am...

I have these. They've never fallen out. been a year since I've had them. https://www.amazon.com/Macks-AquaBlock-Swimming-Earplugs-Pair/dp/B083QRZGLK/ref=sxts_rp_s_1_0?content-id=amzn1.sym.17af0c91-9bbd-4b60-8f2f-e62e6e6651a5%3Aamzn1.sym.17af0c91-9bbd-4b60-8f2f-e62e6e6651a5&cv_ct_cx=macks+earplugs&keywords=macks+earplugs&pd_rd_i=B083QRZGLK&pd_rd_r=f987b024-4a10-4b10-a126-47e2c80ea16b&pd_rd_w=470jy&pd_rd_wg=lScjX&pf_rd_p=17af0c91-9bbd-4b60-8f2f-e62e6e6651a5&pf_rd_r=9DMAJ50BNQKG5QMTFGP0&qid=1671673387&sr=1-1-f0029781-b79b-4b60-9cb0-eeda4dea34d6

Board shorts generally do, trunks not so much. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072JL1919/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 is what I usually wear when I'm in the pool with the kids or just getting in the hot tub at the Y. This will be fine for swim lessons and will work until you start swimming laps. At that time I'd recommend jammers.

Overcoming that instinct to panic is an important skill of learning to swim. You shouldn't have to have too much pressure around your eyes, but good goggles are important. I will only use Aqua Sphere goggles.

As for getting water in your nose, exhale when your face is in the water. You can always snuffle hard to clear your nose of any extra water that gets in. Again, very normal and will soon become second nature. You could try nose plugs, but not recommended. It's better to learn how to breathe naturally in your strokes.

These are my fave ends. Mine never come out when sealed properly. I hate all other kinds of ends, and have never had luck with them. Especially the round ones.

https://www.amazon.ca/Waterproof-Earphones-Swimming-Earbuds-Extension/dp/B075QJPZX1/ref=sr_1_29?crid=7MC1BO2V66I9&keywords=swimming+headphones&qid=1671483094&s=electronics&sprefix=swimming+headphones%2Celectronics%2C119&sr=1-29

Way cool, great to hear your story. I never make fun of bigger people. Whenever I see an overweight person in my pool or gym, my very first thought is great for you. Because I know there are 1000 more such individuals at home on their couch watching TV and eating junk.

As for the nose plug, have you tried putting a primer on your nose before swimming. ELF makes a "gripping" primer. https://www.amazon.com/l-f-Gel-Based-Hydrating-Smoothing-Moisturizes/dp/B09XMYFTB7/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3YEQEMHJ90MW&keywords=elf+primer&qid=1671039763&sprefix=elf+prime%2Caps%2C155&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzVEdWSjYzVTJHUUxHJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDQwNjI5MU41VTFEMk1PVDdCMyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjc5NTUyU0k4U1ZQUzg1S1dMJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

I use this under my swim cap: Sync Hair Guard & Ear Guard Headband - Wear Under Swimming Caps

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016434UTS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It for the most part keeps the all the water out of my ears, though occasionally I have to adjust it. I tried earplugs and hated them - I find this so much more comfortable and easier to seal water out of my ears!

This is half-gold: https://www.amazon.co.uk/TYR-Durafast-Athletic-Jammer-Swimsuit/dp/B0B14NCTB3/ref=sr_1_11?crid=182OSWHFUE3BM&keywords=gold+jammer&qid=1670727478&sprefix=gold+jammer%2Caps%2C158&sr=8-11

Not sure on your top-half needs, but would something like this work? https://www.amazon.com/Synergy-SynSkin-Triathlon-Swimskin-Medium/dp/B07PW9YBX9/ref=sr\_1\_29?crid=1U93QYFPWXZJ5&keywords=Full+Body+Swimwear+men&qid=1670448598&rnid=7141123011&s=apparel&sprefix=full+body+swimwear+men%2Caps%2C257...

I have this tow dry bag, you should be able to get shoes, socks, etc in there and they'll stay dry.

Zone3 Swim Safety Buoy/Dry Bag 28L https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ALX5TF6/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_asin\_title\_o03\_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1&psc=1

Get twosports clickers!

One is your overall number of laps (it'll stay at one end)

The other is to help you not lose track with any length over 6. Once you're done with that set, add it to the overall number of laps clicker.

Have you considered a short flipper?

like here

I have thick, wavy hair down my back, and I've actually found some swim caps where my hair stays mostly dry. I've never been able to stay dry before, this cap works well. I usually wash my hair afterwards if I have time, but on days I don't I just get out of the pool, keep my cap on and rinse my body off quickly, and then pull my hair from the cap and brush it. I then wash later just in case.

Here's the cap if you're interested: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09TDP972H/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

If you can get your hands on a GoPro hero session 4, I recommend that. It’s water proof on its own. I have a normal GoPro too and find dealing with the water proof case a hassle. I also like it that the hero session 4 has a hinge door for charging, not a removable cover, which is easy to lose.

https://www.amazon.com/GoPro-Session-CHDHS-101-Waterproof-Camera/dp/B010H05JMQ

I previously got a long sleeve rash guard top from Private Island on Amazon. It lasted for a couple of years. I bought another of the same top ($28) and the color started fading unevenly after two uses. It was 80% nylon/20% spandex. Contacted Seller and returned it.

I replaced it with this Aqua Design rash guard top ($60) about three weeks ago and have used it six times in an outdoor pool. It’s worked well so far, no fading, keeps its shape. The fabric is thicker than my last rash guard, but I think it feels comfortable enough to swim laps in. Time will tell.

https://smile.amazon.com/Aqua-Design-Womens-Rashguard-Sleeve/dp/B019XXN8NK

Good luck! Please post back about what you end up getting and how it works.

>https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001LFHYW0/ref=cm\_sw\_r\_apan\_glt\_fabc\_WBTBN2C1VEBYTCWJG983?\_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

AquaGuard Pre-Swim Hair Defense. It is a conditioner that helps caps keep their grip.

My team uses these paper liners upside-down. That way water doesn’t get into the liner and pool at the bottom. You’ll have to train folks to slide the sheet up into them, but otherwise it keeps the paper mostly dry.

For the timers, we have these clipboards so they only have to expose the paper when they jot down the time. It’s not perfect, but helps keep the time sheets from being completely soaked before the first heat is finished.

I’m sure there are better solutions, but this is what works for us. YMMV

I usually use glasses. They are not perfect, but choose the one closest to her eyes and it will be ok:

Somtehing like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Speedo-Vanquisher-Optical-Goggle-Smoke/dp/B07H43TPDQ/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=Swimming+Goggles+with+Prescription&qid=1667163921&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI1Ljk4IiwicXNhIjoiNS4yMCIsInFzcCI6IjQuOTkifQ%3D%3D&sr=8-5

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I don't know where you live, so choose your amzon or decathlon or intersport or whatever you have near by.

I use a large one of these: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01K1TWZOI

It's a microfiber towel and I usually hang it with my swimsuit overnight to dry. It's been super awesome and I use it 6 days a week.

Usually Jammers.

https://www.amazon.com/Speedo-Boys-Jammer-Swimsuit-Nautical/dp/B00FQ2AEUS

That being said, u/jeremy144 is correct about wearing a drag suit over it.

I use this spray I got off of amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00BMSGU9Y

Seems to work fine. It's not perfect but I doubt any solution really is for this.

I’m not sure I follow. The Sony Walkman operates like a thumb drive. Its music directory is drag and drop. Whether you’re using mac, windows, or Linux you can access the storage to add music without additional software. iTunes music downloads are in AAC file format so you should be able to just drag from iTunes since it can read MP3, WMA, AAC, and Linear PCM Audio Files. Hope this helps!

BLUETOOTH ENABLED - $150

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-NWWS623-Waterproof-Dustproof-Bluetooth/dp/B07343TRVR/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=2W5KYMSG5UCA5&keywords=bluetooth+sony+walkman+underwater&qid=1665930501&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIxLjQ3IiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3...

NO BLUETOOTH - $99

https://electronics.sony.com/audio/walkman-digital-recorders/walkman-mp3-players/p/nwws413lm

I drink an orgain protein shake within 15 mins after every workout. Timing is important. I drink it on site, I don't wait to get home to drink it. It tastes good, and it's super easy on my digestive system because it's all plant based.

I typically bring it pre-mixed in this shaker bottle.

I was in a similar boat! I got halfway through this before life got in the way, but now I can swim pretty much as far as i want as long as I go slowly: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/assets/swim-training-plan-1m-beginner.pdf

Wear a swim cap and you won’t notice any hair issues, but you can buy swim shampoo or basically any sort of vitamin c spray to neutralize the chlorine.

Also, anticipating this concern in your future… I prefer goggles that sit on instead of in my eye socket, otherwise my eyes look about 60 years older than they are when I get out of the pool. I tried a bunch and landed on these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005UDHZ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I think the most anxiety provoking thing for me is sharing lanes - if you can’t go at a time when you can have a lane to yourself, it’s ok - just try to find a lane with only one person in it and ask if they will split it. Splitting is a lot easier than circle swimming (which you have to do if there are more than 2 people total in a lane) because you go entirely at your own pace - it’s just like having a narrower lane.

Also, check your local pools’ adult swim classes. I did a swimming for fitness class once which was cool.

sure. If you want. it will help.

Just make sure if you are going to use it get the pure stuff. and make sure your are drink enough water once you start taking it. https://www.amazon.com/BodyTech-Creatine-Monohydrate-Unflavored-Supports/dp/B00012NJT6

I got a Syryn mp3 player with Swimbuds on Amazon several years ago and it's worked really well! I use it two or three days a week.

https://www.amazon.com/Swimbuds-Headphones-Waterproof-Shuffle-Feature/dp/B018YKTD1Y

Thank you - is this what you mean?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0170REZE2/ref=cm_sw_r_api_i_SBHZX6DY6R0A3X3C6XTP_0

It's pretty shallow and not any boats, but this does sound practical.

I guess the brand is sportcount, it's the only name I see on here. but it's this exact one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0016J9NE8?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

I've seen ones with chin straps as well. I think that would drive me nuts, but I've also never tried it!

I wonder if a googles strap without the goggles would work? So the regular goggles would be under the cap, and then there'd be an extra strap over it? Something like this: Swedish Goggles Strap

Perhaps one issue is your tempo (strokes per second), it looks a bit low for a race pace. Although distance per stroke is the flavor of the month, a faster tempo is also another strategy for speed. Ideally you have both.

Here's a triathlete with a tempo that I think you might try. He really makes it work, easily swimming a 30s 50m (26s 50m), taking quite a few strokes, but with a faster tempo.

Try experimenting with some 50's or 100's with a faster tempo and note how tired you feel, and your times. You may find a sweet spot with a faster tempo and faster times that doesn't leave you significantly more tired. Be sure to take advantage of the extra breathing opportunity this provides; although your heart rate may be higher you should still be aerobic with plenty of O2.

With a faster tempo, you'll be recovering the arms over the water more quickly, so be careful to not splash them into the water and create drag. Also, you won't be able to glide as much, so you'll need to initiate the stroke more quickly, so the arms will enter into the water at a bit more of an angle and the pull will initiate more quickly (much less glide).

There is a device called a tempo trainer that might help you work on your tempo, should you decide to experiment with this further.

Of course, a faster tempo may not be ideal for you. Just test it out for a few workouts, see how it feels, and abandon or continue.

I wear $16 nearsighted optical goggles. The strongest ones have a -6 diopter correction which is much less than my contacts, but which gives me very clear underwater vision and adequate air vision.

I did this a bunch last summer while training for a triathlon. The pool I swim at is ~1.5 miles from my house. I ran in triathlon shorts - which are a lot like jammers, but more comfortable for biking and running.

One thing that helped gear-wise was getting a lighter-weight towel to dry off after swimming. I stuck my goggles and swim cap in the same pouch it came with, and I had another water bottle that had a pocket that I kept my gym pass in (and, obviously, water).

After swimming, I would wipe the water off, throw my shirt and shoes back on, and get running again, and shower back at home.

I got these, I did a lot of research and none of them can use bluetooth while in the water from what I recall. You need to load it up with MP3's. Luckily I have quite a few audiobook MP3's. I paid over a hundred but they're only $55 now! I hold them tight to my ears with my swimcap which is the style with a strap under your chin.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09KMWKPWL/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

Although it's not the best in the long run a swimmers snorkle can help you get used to co-ordinating hands and feet.

https://www.amazon.com/FINIS-1-05-009-50-Original-Swimmers-Snorkel/dp/B004O6ECL

You don't learn to rotate properly with these but they are fun and will keep you going till you can learn to breathe on your own. You learn to relax and breathe

don’t just take my word on this one since i haven’t tried this case myself, but i did come across this during my research for a water proof case

https://www.amazon.com/Catalyst-Waterproof-Silicone-Resistant-Protective/dp/B07JP41D5R

you should check into it more yourself but i thought i’d share it, hopefully it helps

I wet my hair before getting in and use a nylon swim cap to avoid tearing my hair when I take my cap off. I rinse off afterwards and always use either a leave in conditioner or serum. I also got a special brush for tangled hair called tangle teezer. It works well and doesn’t just yank my hair out like normal brushes.

https://www.amazon.com/Tangle-Teezer-Compact-Detangling-Hairbrush/dp/B07B9YNTL9/ref=mp_s_a_1_16?adgrpid=55032727814&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6Krw5PO5-QIVNRitBh1ffQhgEAAYASAAEgLVnPD_BwE&hvadid=274742841733&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9031300&hvne...

It really depends how soon your wedding is, but if you've got a couple weeks or more, I would try aquaphor ointment on it at night, or scar patches like these: https://www.amazon.com/ScarAway-Professional-Silicone-Treatment-Packaging/dp/B001AJ4L1E

If it's sooner than that, and you have the means and desire to do so, I'd see if you can get an appointment with a dermatologist (but maybe still try the above in the meantime).

Also try posting in r/Skincare_Addiction, they've got more folks with knowledge about this than this sub does most likely.

new pair unfortunately my friend

those look fairly worn but I'm sure people here will have durable suggestions if yours keep breaking. I've gotten these to last 1.5-2 years but goggles are designed to not last much longer than that

I always loved throwing handfuls of change into the deep end and seeing who could bring up the most on one breath. also if you can find them, those missile shaped things you can throw underwater are awesome: https://www.amazon.com/ZHMY-Diving-Torpedo-Underwater-green3/dp/B07BPV7VKR

Just the ease of use, if it’s too tight just one spring instead of having to fiddle with the plastic thing at the back of the stock band. This is what I’m talking abt https://www.amazon.com/Flow-Goggle-Strap-Kit-2-Pack/dp/B079DGML2P

I recently took swim lessons at a swim school and the instructors (who were not Muslim) would wear rash guards (short or long sleeve). One would wear surf/swim leggings, so she was covered from her neck to her ankles. So being covered up would not look unusual and if anyone is giving you a hard time about this, they shouldn't and don't have any real reason to be.

I wear a one piece rash guard like this and swim leggings over them https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VHXN7XK/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_Q5VEJEPGQRXQ3TGZA8AB?psc=1 I can move very comfortably and have no issues

I just wear a $17 cheapie you can buy on Amazon here. Doesn't do anything fancy, but you can time yourself with it.

I'm sure the $200 and $300 watches are way better, but if you don't want to spend a lot of money and just need basic functionality, that's the way to go.

tl;dr: you're dehydrated. drink more water/electrolytes

I had the exact same issue my sophomore year of HS. All it took was a 32 oz Gatorade bottle filled with 50% Gatorade and 50% water to solve the problem. Typically went through about 64 oz of this 50/50 solution in a 2-hour practice. Now, I use Skratch Labs hydration mix. I typically go through about 48 oz of this stuff in about 2-hours - I find it keeps me better hydrated than convenience store "sports drinks". A bunch of my teammates also swear by Pedialyte

Hand paddles as well if you can get your hands on em. Looks like this. Basic idea is that because the paddle extends the area of your hand that’s actually driving you forward, inefficient movements are more obvious to you, and the reverse is true as well. For a bigger challenge only loop around the middle finger.

I have this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B082S2CBRV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I've never checked how effective it is as a dry bag, but it's help up nicely over several swim seasons. Easy to inflate, easy to deflate. It is a bit large compared to some, but I've not noticed it affecting my stroke or speed particularly.

I have this one in orange:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QB2FZF3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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Super light, don't even really feel it when swimming, sits very high in the water, very quick inflation and deflation, and you can store things inside if you need food or water in there.

If you're a reading/visual learner, pick up Swim Smooth's book. It has taught me to get a solid freestyle stroke as a beginner after 20 sessions in the pool. Plenty of photos in there too to grasp a visual understanding of concepts.

If you don't savvy reading, consider getting some swimming lessons.

echo the "heavy compound" comment. fyi, a compound lift is one where you are activating multiple muscle groups at the same time. for example, the barbell back squat, which imho is the best lift there is, activates your calves, hamstrings, quads, hip flexors, lower back, and core. when you do compound lifts (squat, deadlift, bench press, shoulder press) your body benefits much more than a single joint lift, like bicep curls for exmaple, which only activate once muscle at a time.

if u want to get into this, reading about it is not optional. its a hard discipline that will get u hurt if u do it wrong. books on form and program design are paramount. best book on form that i like is this. many books on program design exist. hit up other subs to ask their advice on it. seriously, do yourself a favor and read the books. it will change your life. it changed mine...

Pretty good explanation of he knows how many he needs above.

Someone swimming at a high level generally has access to nutritional guidance. Getting 8000 calories in is absolutely based on a daily plan. Probably a combination of 3 meals plus pre-workout nutrition and post-workout nutrition in the form of snacks and shakes.

Athletes at this level are not only using hunger as a guide to know when to eat. Often, they will have to eat despite not feeling hunger, especially as they progress in their careers. In times when they are not hungry, they will stick to their plan so they can perform in practices and at meets. Additionally, nutritional requirements on practice days and meet days vary widely but are easily adjusted based on daily workloads and goals.

Nutritional needs vary widely from athlete to athlete. There is so much more to what Phelps ate in a day than 8-12k calories. For a good introduction to the topic, I'd recommend Nutrient Timing for Peak Performance. It was a good resource for me who had no background in nutrition.

Malibu Swimmers Wellness

Tried this kind of ear plug? https://www.amazon.ca/Earplugs-Sleeping-Cancelling-Reduction-Musicians/dp/B07PFJ5Y9V/ref=sr_1_15?crid=6MGOJ7WKWYZB&keywords=ear+plugs&qid=1649040414&sprefix=earplugs+%2Caps%2C256&sr=8-15 i swim with earphones like this and their great for keeping out water.

Why not stick something like this in a vacuum sealed bag? https://www.amazon.ca/VOCOO-Magnetic-Countdown-Brightness-Classroom/dp/B09SH5FCPR/ref=sr\_1\_19?crid=1L82RDAPSPCW2&keywords=digital+timer+large+display&qid=1648782586&sprefix=digital+timer+large+display%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-19

Best solution out there: WaterDam Swimming Ear Plugs Great Waterproof Ultra Comfy Earplugs Prevent Swimmer's Ear https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BN43BDN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3W36NVVZJ4SJMETY5JD2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Putty silicone or the “Christmas tree” style ear plugs never work for me to prevent getting water in my ears, so I’d be interested in hearing about any other ear plug type recommendations. To answer your question OP though I like these caps that cover my ears and it prevents water for a bit not never completely. I’ve thought about trying these little “ear shower caps” under a cap like you describe above - it may not prevent water but could possibly make a treacherous path and make it hard for water to get there during a swim: Keeygo 120 Pack Disposable Ear Covers For Shower, Waterproof Plastic Ear Shower Caps, Ear Protectors for Hair Dye, Hair Dryer, Bathing https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HBYB1JM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5NNASB36XNJJNC7Y4HHZ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Love love love my swim bag, got it in high school when I swam and it fits everything. 2 towels, swim suit, shoes, goggles, 25 swim caps, toiletries, etc. Everything you need! Use it now Andy's for the whole family to swim

Speedo Unisex-Adult Large Teamster

I don't know in UK but in southern Europe this kind of trunk is not allowed in a swimming pool. Here you should wear something more like this one https://www.amazon.co.uk/Speedo-Mens-Tech-Panel-Aquashort/dp/B08NXNG5Z3/ (that gives you less drag in the water, too)

And a swimming cap (I suggest something like https://www.amazon.co.uk/Arena-Team-Stripe-Royal-Size/dp/B07F35B2B9/ )