Equipment we recommend:
Goggles
What they’re for: keeping water out of the eyes (duh).
How to use them: The straps should go directly around the head in line with the eye area. Don’t pull the straps down around the base of the skull, have them too high, or put them over the ears. Some swimmers put their goggles under their swim cap to help them stay on.
How to choose them: Every decent pair of goggles easily comes out of the packaging, always try them on BEFORE buying! They need to fit the swimmer’s face. Ensure they feel suction around the eyes when the goggles are pressed to the eye sockets. Leave them on for a minute and turn from side to side. Make sure there is no air moving into the goggles because in the pool this will be water coming in! Goggles that have an adjustable nosepiece are helpful for correct fit. Mirrored lenses block the sun’s glare, which is helpful for outdoor swimming.
Swim Cap
What it’s for: to keep hair out of the eyes and face and to make the swimmer more streamlined.
How to use it: hold the center fold of the cap in the middle of the forehead and pull the cap from the front of the head to the back (the fold is not meant to go ear-to-ear, but little kids sure look cute with it that way!). Swimmers with long hair should put it in a low pony tail first then wind their hair into a bun and tuck it into the cap, keeping the bulk of their hair closer to the base of the head rather than the top.
How to choose it: We will provide a team cap as part of registration and those who swim at the County Championship meet receive special "County Team" caps. The caps are silicone, which generally lasts longer and is more comfortable (doesn't pull the hair). You can also purchase plain caps when you order your suit, if you prefer latex or to have additional caps for practice. Dry the caps after use and keep them flat to make them last longer.