CFB Kingston Sharks Swim Club

The Team

A swim team is composed of any number of swimmers. Team training groups are usually determined by age and/or ability level. Only coaches determine the groups into which swimmer are placed, and at what point in time they are ready to move to the next level.

The Equipment – What’s needed

Practice suits – suits worn by swimmers during practice sessions. They are generally mad of nylon, lycra or other synthetic fabrics. These suits are usually loose fitting, and many older swimmers train wearing several suits for the purpose of creating drag.

Caps – latex swim caps used during a race and/or practice, to cut down resistance and to protect swimmers’ hair from the effects of chemicals.

Competition suit – a team racing suit may be required for competitions. This suit is usually 2 or 3 sizes smaller than the practice suit to reduce resistance when racing.

Fins – flippers worn on the feet, used for stroke technique and speed assisted training.

Goggles – lenses worn by swimmers during practices and competition to enhance visibility and protect eyes from the effects of chemicals in the water.

Hand paddles – used for technique training (feel of water on hands during different stroke drills)

Kickboard – a device usually made of plastic of styrofoam, used to work the kick portion of a stroke.

Pull buoy – usually made of styrofoam, this device is placed between the legs to isolate the use of the arms. The pull buoy is used to strengthen the arms and is sometimes used for stroke work.

Track suit – some type of warm-up or sweat suit should be worn at meets and to and from practices during cool weather.

Towel – a thick, large beach towel is usually preferred by swimmers. A minimum of two of these towels is recommended for meets.

Team uniform – a team uniform is generally made up of the following: suit, cap, T-shirt, sweat suit, parka. Each club has a uniform, which us usually a requirement and is unique to the team.