Author: kturtenwald

Kimberly is a freelance writer and editor who loves to travel and see new places. Iceland is her favorite place to go and has begun to feel like a second home. She’s excited to share her knowledge and experience with others to make their time in Iceland more enjoyable.
The Difference between Silicone and Latex Swim Caps

The Difference between Silicone and Latex Swim Caps

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The right swim cap can improve your performance.
Choose the right swim cap based on your personal preference.

Swim caps serve a variety of purposes, both for the competitive and recreational swimmer. Competitive swimmers use various products to help them reduce the resistance in the water and increase their speed. For many swimmers, the right cap can give them the competitive edge they need. Recreational swimmers use them to protect their hair from the harsh elements of the chemicals in the water. Understanding the difference between silicone and latex will help you choose the product that is right for you.

Silicone

Silicone caps are made from a slick material that can easily slide off a swimmer’s head. This fact makes it necessary to find the perfect fit to ensure its stability during your race. They are easily put on and taken off without snagging hair and causing uncomfortable tugging or pulling. They are also breathable, making them comfortable for swimmers of all ages

The Speedo Solid Silicone Swim Cap is a popular choice because of its affordability. Entire swim teams can choose to purchase theirs together, creating a uniform look among the team by purchasing the team color for everyone. This united look enables your team to become intimidating to your rival teams.

Latex

Latex swim caps stretch easily. This makes them popular for people of all ages because it is comfortable for all head sizes. Even women who have long hair that needs to be wrapped up find the Speedo Solid Latex Swim Cap comfortable and easy to wear. Because latex is stretchable, it is a durable material, especially for younger swimmers who are a rough on their equipment. It is also an affordable material, making it a popular choice among many swimmers because they can be replaced without becoming a financial burden.

Choosing the Right Material

When you are looking for a cap that will reduce your drag in the water and help you gain the competitive edge, you will need to weigh your options. The right cap is a personal preference based on your comfort level in the water. You want a cap that will stay put and provide your head with the most coverage. In addition to giving you the speed you need to get ahead of the competition, it is also the perfect way to protect your hair from the harsh elements of the pool water, especially when you swim on a daily basis.

The Important Swim Essentials to Carry in a Swim Backpack

The Important Swim Essentials to Carry in a Swim Backpack

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Stay prepared with the right gear in your swim backpack.
Carrying the right gear in your swim backpack will keep you prepared.

As with any sport, the items you carry in your swim backpack can help you feel comfortable and perform your best. When you have all the necessary equipment at your meets or even your practices, you will feel better prepared and able to handle the competition ahead of you because you will feel relaxed and prepared. The swimmers backpack is an important component of the overall swimming experience. Understanding what you should carry in your bag will ensure you have just what you need.

Shampoo and Conditioner

Any swimmer knows how hard the pool water is on their hair. The chemicals that are used in the water to keep the pool clean are wonderful for your health but wreak havoc on your hair. The faster you wash and condition your hair after leaving the pool, the better off your hair will be in the long run. There are a variety of shampoos and conditioners to choose from, but it is important to choose one that is made just for swimmers. Malibu C Swimmers Water Action Shampoo offers the perfect combination of a gentle shampoo with one that is meant to prevent the buildup of chlorine in the hair or those chemicals that cause green hair. After washing with this effective shampoo, it is important to follow it with the Malibu C Swimmers Water Action Conditioner to add body and bring the shine back to your hair.

Towels

It might seem obvious that swimmers need towels in their bags, but the right towel makes a major difference. The perfect towel for any swimmer is one that offers extra absorbency and comfort to wrap yourself in after a long, hard swim meet. Swimmers should carry one or more towels, such as the TYR Dry Off Sports Towel, that offers the perfect balance between softness and durability to ensure longevity, even after frequent use.

MP3 Player

Every swimmer needs time to relax and unwind. Music is the best way to provide this relaxation, either before or after a swim meet. There are even a variety of MP3 players, such as the Speedo Aquabeat 2.0 MP3 Player, that can be used underwater to provide you with the rhythm and motivation you need to keep up your endurance to help you be more competitive during your meets. Carry your MP3 player in your swim backpack to ensure you always have it when you are at the pool.

Kick Start Your Swimming with a New Swim Kickboard

Kick Start Your Swimming with a New Swim Kickboard

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Improve your swim training with a new kickboard.
Swim kickboards are a critical part of your swim training gear.

The swim kickboard is a crucial part of any competitive swimmer’s workout, both during swimming season and the offseason. The finishing touch on any cardiovascular workout, the right board can make a major difference in your swimming ability. What used to be thought of solely as a tool to teach kids to swim is now an effective tool to master fluid leg movements and gain the necessary strength to become a stellar swimmer. If you are a serious swimmer, now is the perfect time to reward yourself with new swim gear that will help you take your competitive swimming to the next level.

Swim Stuff Kickboard 2.0

The Swim Stuff Kickboard 2.0 is the perfect board for swim practice. It is affordably priced to enable coaches to purchase them for the entire team. They also come in a large variety of colors, enabling you to choose the color that best matches your team to heighten your team spirit. Made from EVA foam, this kickboard is lightweight and perfect for swimmers to perfect their leg motion or increase their endurance in the water. Use it solely for swim practices or warm-ups and watch your team’s endurance and skills vastly improve.

Arena Kickboard Pro

For a more advanced kickboard that provides multiple hand positions, the Arena Kickboard Pro is a good choice. Made from EVA foam, this equipment offers an ergonomic shape that offers the utmost comfort for swimmers as they work on their endurance. The multiple positions of the handles allow the body to rest lower in the water for a more natural position. The more comfortable your body is in the water, the longer you will be able to swim, training your body for the utmost endurance to use at your competitive meets.

Speedo Competition II Kickboard

The Speedo Competition II Kickboard offers the best of both worlds of comfort and endurance. Made from dual-density foam, swimmers experience incredible comfort and support to create the perfect strokes and work on maximum endurance. The hydrodynamic shape of this board offers lower stress on the shoulders, allowing you to work extensively on your kicks without the worry of pain or fatigue in the shoulder muscles.

The swim kickboard you choose should be one that offers the most comfort and allows you to swim for long periods of time without stressed or fatigued muscles. The idea behind this great piece of equipment is to allow you to perfect your kicks and increase your endurance effortlessly. Reward yourself with a new board and watch your times improve.

The Best Men’s Square Leg Training Suits

The Best Men’s Square Leg Training Suits

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Stay comfortable in the water with the Nike square leg suits.
The Nike square leg suits provide comfort and extra coverage.

It might seem as if men don’t have as many swimsuits to choose from as women, but when it comes to training suits, there are a variety of choices for men. The most popular types of suits include the jammer, bodyskin, briefs and the square leg training suits. Every man has a different opinion regarding the suit that fits him the best and allows him the most comfort in the water. The man who feels comfortable and finds a suit that provides the least amount of resistance in the water will perform the best at his competitive swim meets.

The Style

For men who are uncomfortable wearing briefs but don’t want the full coverage of the jammer, the square leg training suit offers the perfect compromise. The Nike Poly Square Leg Training Suit is the perfect example of a suit that offers men the coverage they desire without the resistance a non-competitive swimsuit would cause in the water. The Nike suit sits low on the waist and covers half of the man’s thigh. They are less revealing than briefs, but show more skin than jammers or bodyskins. The look resembles that of boxers because of the square opening for the thigh, along with the wider side and flatter front. This suit is available in Navy and Black.

Blue

The blue tie dye pattern of the Nike Tie Dye Square Leg Training Suit, which is similar in style to the Poly Square Leg, contains the signature Nike swoosh embroidered on the left leg and an all-over green and blue print that offers the perfect amount of style in neutral colors. The blue suit is perfect for men to wear for practices or warm-ups. Many men also wear them as recreational swimsuits because of their comfort and perfect amount of coverage while at the pool or beach. It offers the perfect colors to blend in with the crowd yet a little boldness to avoid being boring.

Pink

For the man who wants to make a statement while in the water, the bolder pink version of the Nike Tie Dye Square Leg Training Suit is a perfect choice. The bolder colors of pink, purple and yellow help men make a statement of their bravery, catching the attention of their competitors and even instilling a feeling of trepidation in their rivals. With a drawstring waist, polyester and spandex construction and nylon binding fabric, this training suit offers the perfect combination of style and function for every competitive male swimmer.

How Dryland Swim Training Cords Help You Improve Your Swimming

How Dryland Swim Training Cords Help You Improve Your Swimming

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Use Stretchcordz to improve your performance in the water.
StretchCordz are a great way to increase muscle trenght and endurance.

As a competitive swimmer, it might seem the only way to improve your swimming is in the water. Believe it or not, there are various tools you can use outside the water that help improve your skills just as much as actual swimming does. When used with the proper exercises can help your swimming times improve. You can choose to perform these exercises only during the offseason when you spend less time in the water or during the season as an extra strengthening program in addition to your swim practice.

Various Exercises

There are a variety of exercises you can perform outside the water that help improve your swimming times. Besides the obvious running, weightlifting and general exercise program, there are a variety of moves you can perform outside the water that are specifically useful to swimmers. It is important to obtain the proper equipment, such as the Stretchcordz with Handles, to gain the muscle mass that is necessary to improve your swimming times.

Stretchcordz with Paddles

The Stretchcordz with Paddles are four-foot long tubes that are attached to paddles that are easily held in the hands to perform the exercises. This high-quality swim training tool helps strengthen the muscles, ligaments and tendons that are necessary to improve your swimming speed. As you swim, these muscles can easily become tired or overworked, causing your speed to reduce. By using training tools outside the pool, you can increase your muscle strength and endurance. This will help you achieve greater times in the future.

Stretchcordz Modular Set

For the ultimate swim training outside the water, the Stretchcordz Modular Set provides everything you need. The four-foot modular tubing that is included in this set is available in five resistance levels, allowing you to customize your workout to your ability level. In addition, you also receive paddles and leg straps that allow you to work on your arm and leg muscles accordingly.

Different Strokes

Each swimming stroke has different muscles that need to be strengthened to maximize your swimming ability. You should find the exercises that are appropriate for your specialty strokes and start with 10 repetitions of each exercise, repeating each set three times. These exercises with dryland swim training cords can be reserved for the off season or can be used to warm-up before a meet to give your body the strength it needs to perform its best swimming times.

Keep Your Kids Safe with Speedo Kids’ Surf Walker Extreme

Keep Your Kids Safe with Speedo Kids’ Surf Walker Extreme

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Kids Water Shoes
Keep your children safe in and around the water with the proper water shoes.

Kids’ water shoes are important for children of all ages who spend any time in the water during the summer months. Water sports are a great way for families to get together and enjoy summertime activities, as well as a great way for kids to burn energy. In order to protect your children from getting hurt, it is important to know how to shop for the appropriate footwear, such as the Speedo Kids Surf Walker Extreme.

Proper Fit

As with any other type of footwear, a proper fit is important when you shop for water shoes. A majority of the shoes that are made to go in the water are made from a thinner material than you are used to. This means you will likely need to purchase a smaller size than you normally purchase for your child. A secure fit is important for them to stay on your child’s feet as they swim, boat or even play in the sand.

Quick Drying

Because you are looking for shoes that are to be worn at the beach, pool or other body of water, you want them to be made of quick-drying jersey like the Speedo Kids Surf Walker Extreme. The quick drying material allows children’s feet to quickly dry once they leave the water. This is important to keep children comfortable. Cold, wet feet are never pleasant and could make a child feel even colder than they already are when they leave the water.

Durable Outsole

Another reason many parents purchase water shoes for kids is to give them traction in and out of the water. If your child is swimming in a pool, the bottom of the pool can be slippery, causing kids to lose their footing, putting them at great risk for an accident in the water. If they are swimming at the beach, a rocky bottom can be slippery or can cause them to get a cut or gash in their foot, putting them at risk for a serious injury. Look for a shoe Extreme that offers a durable TPR outsole to keep them safe.

Variety of Colors

When you shop for kids’ water shoes, it is important to find a brand that offers a variety of colors. This allows your child to pick their favorite color, making them more likely to actually wear the shoes. It also allows you to choose the pair that matches their bathing suit the best, while keeping them safe in and out of the water. The Speedo Kids Surf Walker is available in Black, Bright Pink, Black/Bright Pink and Electric Blue.

The Best Arena Women’s Swimsuits

The Best Arena Women’s Swimsuits

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Look great moving through the water with the Arena swimsuits
The Arena women’s competitive swimsuits are beautiful and functional.

Choosing the right competitive swimsuit can often be a daunting process. It is important for the swimsuit to fit just right, as well as to provide the right support without hindering your ability to move through the water. Arena is one of the biggest names in women’s swimwear, providing a variety of suits that will both look fashionable in the pool and allow you to experience all the benefits of a comfortable suit. These two competitive suits by Arena are among the best.

Arena Current Light Tech Back Swimsuit

The Arena Current Light Tech Back Swimsuit is a one-piece competitive swimsuit that offers you a comfortable fit without impeding your motion in the water. The thin straps that make up the tech back provide optimal comfort without creating more resistance in the water. This is a great asset to swimmers of all ability levels. This Arena swimsuit makes use of the latest chlorine resistant technology so you can count on a swimsuit that will last a long time without excess wear, no matter how much time you spend in the pool. The Arena Current Light is available in six colors.

Arena Stormy Light Drop Back Swimsuit

Similar to the Current Light, the Arena Stormy Light Drop Back Swimsuit is a beautiful suit that provides you with the fit and function you expect when you swim through the water. The design of this suit features a drop back with thin straps that provide you with the most comfortable fit possible without adding drag in the water. This suit is available in the stormy light design in four different colors so you can choose the one that best fits your personality or matches your team colors. This suit is only available through the Arena Diamond Dealers.

If you are looking for a great women’s competitive swimsuit that combines beauty with incredible functionality in the water, you will enjoy either the Arena Current Light Tech Back or Arena Stormy Light Drop Back suits. Each of these suits provides you with a unique look in a variety of colors, made from the highest quality materials for the greatest durability in the water. With a comfortable fit design, you will enjoy wearing it in the water, whether you choose it for your training suit or you wear it at the meets, you will steal the show.

Provide the Right Lifeguard Gear for First Aid

Provide the Right Lifeguard Gear for First Aid

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Having the right lifeguard gear helps save lives.
Have what you need at your fingertips with the right lifeguard gear.

The primary function of any lifeguard, whether at the beach of the pool, is to save lives and help those who need it. This means lifeguards must be fully prepared for any emergency. Because a lifeguard is often the first person on the scene, even when paramedics are called, it is important for the lifeguard to have the right type of first aid equipment to help the victim and increase the chances of a successful treatment. When it comes to first aid kits, there are a couple of options from which to choose.

First Responder Bag

While a majority of the accidents with which lifeguards deal are minor, some of them can be quite serious, especially if someone was struggling in the water. Having a first responder bag on hand will ensure the lifeguard has everything he needs to deal with the emergency as best he can until the paramedics can arrive. This bag is made from durable nylon and is available in either orange or navy to best fit your needs. You can even have the name or logo of your pool or beach embroidered on the bag. With plenty of pockets and elastic loops, you will be able to store everything you need to do your job correctly.

First Aid Kits

If you are a pool lifeguard, you aren’t likely to need as much equipment in a portable form as lifeguards on the beach. For this reason, you may want to choose a first aid kit that is designed to assist with the injuries that are more likely to occur at the pool. These first aid kits come with everything you need to treat a variety of patients, including bandages, plastic gloves, first aid cream, gauze and more. You can choose a variety of sizes for these kits, allowing you to treat anywhere from 10 people up to 36. Stored in a sturdy plastic case, you will be able to quickly grab what you need.

Taking care of people who are injured or sick is all part of the job of any lifeguard. Having the right lifeguard gear to take care of any emergency, whether on the beach or at the pool, will help you save lives and help those who are injured until further help can arrive. With the first responder bag and first aid kits, you will have everything you need right at your fingertips.

Best Color Splice Swim Team Suits

Best Color Splice Swim Team Suits

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Choose the right competitive swimwear for the job.
The right competitive swimwear provides you with comfort and functionality.

If you are looking for the best swimsuits for women to wear to flatter your figure and allow you to swim with less resistance and restriction in the water, you need to consider the best color splice swim team suits. These suits are perfect to provide your whole team with a unified look. Everyone will know who belongs to your team with these functional suits. Some can even be imprinted with your team logo for an even greater effect.

Nike Team Splice Modern Fast Back Tank

If you prefer a tank-style competitive swimsuit, the Nike Team Splice Modern Fast Back Tank is the perfect option for you. This suit offers a bold look, creating the majority of the body of the suit in black with accents in white and your choice of four other colors. The contrasting criss-crossing straps in the back provide all the support you need without having a negative impact on your ability to cut through the water.

TYR Durafast Splice Diamondback Swimsuit

For those who are looking for somewhat thinner straps for greater comfort, the TYR Durafast Splice Diamondback Swimsuit can be the perfect alternative. The thin straps meet in the back at a thicker strap that spans your back, providing you with the extra support you desire in your suit. This competitive swimwear is available in black with four accent color options, navy with white and royal with white so you can find the perfect one to match your team’s colors.

Speedo Rapid Splice Energy Back Swimsuit

Another option in the splice style is the Speedo Rapid Splice Energy Back Swimsuit. This spectacular team suit can provide you with the fit you desire. Made from Speedo’s X-tra Life Lycra fabric, you can count on the durability you desire in a swimsuit. In fact, this suit can last up to five to 10 times longer than the typical suit because of its resistance to body oils, sweat, chlorine and sun block products. This suit is available in black with your choice of six accent colors, navy with red and maroon with black.

Shopping for the perfect women’s competitive swimwear requires you to take a look at the style you desire most in your swimsuit. With the splice suits, you can expect a flattering fit that won’t cause you extra resistance as you swim through the water. This is an incredible asset for competitive swimmers who are looking to finish with the fastest time.

Make Swimming Fun with Fun Swim Caps

Make Swimming Fun with Fun Swim Caps

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Swimming doesn't have to be restricted to serious.
Fun swim caps allow you to have a little fun in the pool.

There is plenty of time to keep swimming focused and serious. However, it never hurts to have a little fun in the pool as well. Whether you wear these fun swim caps during your training to keep things light or you wear them when you are swimming for fun, you will become the focus of everyone who is at the pool. Sometimes it can be fun to draw the attention for something other than your skills.

Pink Eyes Silicone Swim Cap

You want all eyes to be on you when you are in the pool. However, with the Pink Eyes Silicone Swim Cap, you will have your new “eyes” on everyone else. As you swim through the water, the eyes on the top of this cap will make everyone feel as though something else is watching them, whether they are on the sidelines or in the pool with you. The bright color is another attention grabber.

Green Monster Silicone Swim Cap

If you like the idea of having eyes on the top of your head but don’t want to wear pink, try the Green Monster Silicone  Swim Cap. With its bright green color and the friendly monster face imprinted on the cap, you are sure to draw attention wherever you go, both in and out of the pool. The smiling face of the monster means you won’t scare anyone in the pool. Instead, you are more apt to draw a smile or a laugh.

Monkey Silicone Swim Cap

Perhaps you don’t like the idea of having an extra set of eyes or a green monster on your swim cap. You can still have a lot of fun with your cap by choosing the Monkey Silicone Swim Cap. This unique swim cap features a cute monkey imprinted on it, allowing you to enjoy a fun look when you don’t need to be so serious in the water.

All of our silicone swim caps provide you with a comfortable fit with less hair pulling. When you put on one of these fun swim caps, you can forget that you are a competitive swimmer for a while. Whether you wear it while you are training in the pool or just for fun, you will find everyone has their eyes on you. Swimming is supposed to be fun. Make sure you are having fun by choosing one of the fun options you have available.