| Please remember to clearly label all equipment and personal items with the swimmer's name. This may need to be re-done every month or so, as the name frequently wears off in the water. |
Why Extra Equipment?
Many parents look at the equipment we use and think it's unnecessary -- that kids should just "swim." But there's a lot to think about when swimming; head position, core engagement, body alignment, kicking from the hip, hand entry, early
vertical forearm -- and depending upon the stroke a child is learning, many other things. There is no way most developing (or even advanced swimmers) can focus on every detail and learn to swim well this way.
Recommended Equipment
Fins
Medium blade training fins:
- Fins are an essential tool to help develop your stroke technique. A mid-length silicone or rubber fin gives you good support so that you can focus on performing the drill well without worrying about staying afloat or kicking very hard to move forwards! When used for a specific and focused purpose, fins really aren't cheating! No snorkling long fins!
Paddles
- Finis Agility Paddles - Resistance paddles with a natural hand position.
- Speedo BIOFuse Finger Paddle - Allows the swimmer to focus on and improve hand positioning in the pool, including catch position and arm pull. By allowing the surface area of the palm to stay exposed, it offers a greater feel of the water whilst placing less strain on the shoulders.
- Please be aware that paddles are like shoes and must fit the swimmer’s size and ability. Smaller paddles are better suited for novice swimmers.
Pull Buoy
- Used to help you focus on your technique and body position while helping the legs to float. Using this tool also helps to minimize the kick for long sets. By eliminating the kick, you can keep your heart rate lower and really focus on your form.
Paddles
Finis Agility Hand paddles:
• Finis Agility Paddles - Resistance paddles with a natural hand position.
• Speedo BIOFuse Finger Paddle - Allows the swimmer to focus on and improve hand positioning in the pool, including catch position and arm pull. By allowing the surface area of the palm to stay exposed, it offers a greater feel of the water whilst placing less strain on the shoulders.
• Please be aware that paddles are like shoes and must fit the swimmer’s size and ability. Smaller paddles are better suited for novice swimmers.
SIZE GUIDE
Ages 11- 14 purchase size 0.5
Ages 15 & older purchase size 1.0
Kickboard
Snorkel (front)
Front Snorkel:
- Used to work on two aspects of your stroke technique - head position and body roll:
- Head Position: The snorkel helps you find that sweet spot between looking too far forward (with legs potentially dropping) and too far down (with the head being too deeply submerged). At either of these extremes, you will suck up water through the snorkel - immediately prompting you to correct your head position!
- Body Roll: The snorkel is used to help control the head itself and focus on keeping the eyes in one spot while the whole body rolls independently - great swimming technique.
Team Suit (optional):
Each swimmer needs a competition approved suit. Suits must be black, red or a team suit as described below.
TYR Vitric in Red
WHERE TO PURCHASE ITEMS?
Our team partners with SWIMOUTLET. Buy your equipment and team suits here and a portion of the proceeds go to the team for future equipment!
Stuttgart Piranhas Swim Outlet Team Store
Local Stores:
Decathlon (Boeblingen, Esslingen, Ludwigsburg, Plochingen and more)
Location in the local area take VAT forms. Purchase your items and request a copy of the receipt with your original, then go to the Customer Service desk with your VAT form and receipt copy to get reimbursed for VAT you just paid.
Die Taucher (Boeblingen)
Stein Schwimm Sport (in person in Pforzheim or order from website)
Tuesdays 12 p.m. - 6 p.m or call/write us an email and arrange your individual consultation or shopping appointment Wednesday to Friday. Habermehlstrasse 40, entrance to Betten Rapp, 75172 Pforzheim
https://www.stein-schwimmsport.de/
ONLINE Swim Suit Purchases
Shop JOLYN Swimsuits | One Piece and Two Piece Swimsuits for Women
Stein Schwimm-Sport - Tech Suits, Competition Goggles, Backpacks and Training Gear
SwimProfi - Tech Suits, Competition Goggles, Backpacks, Training Gear
