When should I replace my swim gear?
If you are like me, your swim gear is full of different gear that is there to help you develop different aspects of your swim stroke to make you a stronger, faster, and more efficient swimmer. And if you are like me, you may have left your swim bag in the back of your car on a hot day and your gear is all wet and then ends up smelling a bit nasty. Of course, this can happen from time to time, especially if we are getting a swim in before driving to work. But it is important to make sure you are taking care of your swim gear. Here are my tips for taking care of your swim gear and how you know it is time to replace it.
Caring for swim fins.
After using your swim fins, rinse your fins with tap water. Dry them with a towel and let them air dry completely before putting them away. Storing wet or damp fins can lead to mold and mildew growth and bad odors. Also protect your swim fins from cuts and stretching out the heel cups by not walking in them or hanging them up to dry. Replace your fins when they are stretched out and/or have mold or mildew growth on them. The same rules apply for caring for a pulling ankle strap.
Caring for your swim snorkel.
Swim snorkels are an excellent tool for improving your technique and speed in the water. With eliminating the need to turn your head to breathe, swim snorkels promote more efficient swimming and allow you to focus in on different parts of your technique. This is the first tool—besides a swim goggles—that I encourage new swimmers to purchase. Swim snorkels should be washed frequently with soap and water and left to air dry to avoid bacteria growth in the mouthpiece and tube from regular moisture exposure. A swim snorkel that can be easily broken down is an excellent option for quick cleaning. Replace your swim snorkel if any non-replaceable pieces break or you aren’t able to fully clean the mouthpiece and tube.
Caring for a kick board or pull buoy.
Always thoroughly rinse your kick board and pull buoy with clean, fresh water after each swim. Store them in a dry place and avoid storing them with sharp objects that may damage them. Leaving them in your swim bag with no air circulation can lead to mold and mildew growth. If either of these develop mildew or mold you can effectively remove it by mixing a tablespoon of bleach with a gallon of water, brush the pull buoy or kick board with the bleach mixture, and let it sit for several minutes. Replace your kick board or pull buoy if they are damaged.
Caring for swim goggles.
After your swim, rinse your goggles with clean, cold water. Once rinsed, place your goggles in the a protective case to avoid scratches and damages to the lens and then let them air dry out of the case once you are home. In addition, avoid extreme temperatures as heat can cause permanent damage to the goggles. If you are a regular swimmer, you may need to replace your swim goggles every 4-6 months. Chlorine breaks down the goggle material causing them to lose the seal around your eye.
Caring for a swimsuit.
To rid your swimsuit of chlorine, at the very least rinse it in cold water after every use. If possible, hand wash with gentle soap and air dry your swimwear on a flat surface out of direct sunlight to prevent stretching and discoloration. Plan on replacing your swimsuit if there is a tear, discoloration, extreme stretching of the fabric, or it is starting to become see through.
Caring for a swim cap.
After swimming, rinse your cap in non-chlorinated water, and then dry the cap off completely with a towel or hang dry. You can also sprinkle talcum or baby powder inside your cap to absorb any moisture left over as a way to decrease bacterial growth. With proper care, caps can last for many months of regular use. Plan to replace your cap when it starts to stick to itself, has black mold spots, discoloration, or rips.
If you have any questions about anything in this article, our different swim lessons and workouts, or want to learn more about our different coaching options, please feel free to contact met at jim.rowe@playtri.com. Happy training and racing!
Jim Rowe is a Playtri Level 4 Coach and Coach Education Lead, a USAT LI Certified Coach, an NASM Certified Personal Trainer, and an Ironman and 70.3 World Championship Qualifier who works with adult athletes of all abilities from beginners to IRONMAN World Championship qualifiers. Learn more about Jim at www.playtri.com/jim-rowe