RACE Team Shop Options
Keifer Aquatics - If it asks for Team Credentials - Username - redmond / Password - aquatic / Team ID - 1742
Keifer supports the team with suit fittings, parka sizing and donations. %5 of sales from the website are donated back to RACE. Keifer offers an awards point program. Their embroidery is our fasted available online option. Free shipping on orders $75+. The customer pays shipping for any returns.
Swim Outlet - Free standard shipping $49+; Free return shipping if dropped at Ulta Beauty/Happy Returns locations; $5.99 restocking fee (waived if instore credit is selected). Embroiery orders take an extremely long time to process/arrive and we do not use them for any screen printing, logo sweatshrts etc due to poor results. Keifer is the better option for those items. Swim Outlet has the most popular Sporti Parka.
Swim Outlet Plus Membership - Costs $4.99/year. Offers lower pricing; 5% credit on purchases; Free standard shipping on $49+; Free 2 day shipping on $150+. The membership typically pays for itself in 1-2 orders.
RACE Family Favorites - Equipment
There are MANY suitable options for equipment. Too many to list! In some cases, coaches want specific items. We have compiled a list of popular equipment that works well for many swimmers. There is no need to replace something you already have unless requested by a coach. Swimmers can also have unique fit needs or preferences for things like goggles or suits. When in doubt, please ask a coach and/or experienced parent for guidance before purchasing.
PLEASE ALWAYS LABEL EQUIPMENT WITH THE SWIMMERS NAME WHEN POSSIBLE.
Goggles - Pay attention to junior or adult sizing and mirrored/non-mirrored for indoor or outdoor use. Some long course meets are outside and stare straight into the sun on backstroke. Always have a backup set of goggles.
Popular Picks - Arena Tracks, Python and Cobra; Speedo Vanquishers; Sporti S3. The Arena goggle case is also a favorite.
Swim Caps - Purchase silicone swim caps. Pay attention to youth vs adult sizing; some are specifically designed with extra space for long hair. Always have an extra RACE/Eel swim cap at a meet. Those can be purchased from the display case of the swim center. You may see some swimmers with special edition RACE caps in speciific colors. These are typically not for sale and were earned by qualifying for/attending championship meets.
Popular Picks for practice - Arena; Sporti; TYR.
Parkas - These are important to keep swimmers warm between races at competitions, and driving to and from the pool in cold weather. It is common to purchase them quite large for growing children. Baggy is great, just avoid anything too long to prevent a tripping hazard on bleacher seating. Much of the team has black exterior w/ dark gray interiors but you will see a variety of parkas. ASK TO TRY ON another swimmer's parka for sizing.
Options - Family Favorite --> Sporti Comfort Fleece Parka (comes in Youth and Adult sizing) Preferred quality for price. Soft and long lasting. It does not come with embroidery, though it can be taken to a local shop to be added. Sold by Swim Outlet.
ARENA Parka - Embroidered with RACE Eeel, swimmer name optional. Found on the Keifer Team Shop. This is a little thicker/more ridged.
RISE Parka from Keifer Aquatics - Embroidered with RACE Eeel, swimmer name optional. Found on the Keifer Team Shop. This has a more plasticy feel in the outer shell and a plastic zipper.
Suits - Suits should be VERY SNUG on land. Ask coaches/lobby parents for help on sizing. Black Arena suits from the Keifer Swim Shop are good for competition once a size is established at the pool. Ultimately fit matters above color.
Popular Picks - There are a variety of popular brands. Suits made of Polyester last a long time and retain shape. Nylon/Spandex suits are a lower price point and will continue to stretch with use.
Snorkels - Commonly used in practice to improve technique. Please remember to clean them once in a while.
Popular Picks - TYR Ultralite 2.0, Arena Swim Snorkel III, TYR Elite.
Nose Clip - Some swimmers need a nose clip when using a snorkel. TYR seems to fit many different noses, but this can take some experimentation.
Mesh Bag - To store/transport WET equipment for practice. Not intended to hold dry items, clothing etc. This sits on a wet deck and gets dragged through the pool at times.
Popular Pick - TYR Big Mesh Mummy Backpack. It comes in a variety of colors. There are oodles of other options as well. It is nice to have a second small pocket to separate some of the small bits and bobs.
Pull Buoy - Used to improve technique. Pay attention to adult or junior sizing. Ask a coach about size.
Popular Picks - Sporti, TYR, RISE just about any in-house brand. Nobody is too particular about a buoy.
Fins - The pool has loaner fins to start out. Most swimmers end up buying their own. Ask a coach before buying, as different fins have different functions.
Popular Picks - Sporti Essential "Training Fins"; Keifer Elite "Power Fins". (Do not buy the super long ones)
Backpack - This is LARGE. It is intended for meets so swimmers can carry bulky parkas, towels, lunch, water, suits, dry bag, goggles, card games etc. Swimmers typically buy these to attend travel meets.
Arena Team Backpack 45 - Embroidered with Eel Logo and optional name - Keifer Aquatics has been the best price and turnaround time to order.
Arena Team Panel Jacket - Good for warmer pools/summer meets when a Parka is a bit too much but the swimmer needs a layer. Swimmers often travel to/from meets in it as well, like a team jacket. (Always bring the parka. Even when you don't think you will need it!).
Silver and Gold Only
Paddles - Ask a coach what size to purchase. It is not about hand size. It is based on how much water a swimmer can/should pull in a workout.
Buy this set - TYR Catalyst Stroke Paddle
Parachute - Creates drag in the water. Used for conditioning.
Popular Pick - Finis 8" swim parachut in Red or similar in size/function.
Tempo Trainer - Purchase only when a coach asks you to.
Finis Tempo Trianer. The best price has been through Keifer aquatics in the past.
