This equipment can be expensive initially but most of it lasts for years. VSC is a Speedo Team. JD Pence is our official team supplier. When you order through JD Pence, or make purchases in their store, mention that you are with Vancouver Swim Club in order to recaive your team discount. They carry our team suit, and can provide some great ssitance in fitting. Swim meets are a great place to get advice on fitting, since JD Pence usually has a booth at most local meets, however you won't get the team discount at a meet (the discount goes to the host team), so order online, over the phone or go in to the store. JD Pence 10234 SW Park Way
Portland, OR 97225
Store: 503.292.2346
Toll Free: 1.800.547.2520
Please make sure that the swimmer’s name is on all pieces of equipment, and that the swimmer has a mesh bag to carry it in. All equipment and bags should be brought out on deck during practice, and never left unattended in the public dressing rooms. Marshall Center has lockers available for 25 cents (small) or 50 cents (large), but swimmers are encouraged to simply bring their bags out on deck and save the money. Remember that the locker rooms at Marshall Center serve the entire facility not just the pool, so the most secure storage is right by the pool.
You can order Team Logo items directly from Fired up Graphics and order VSC team caps HERE!
For further information on selecting equipment keep reading:
What does a swimmer need to start swimming?
There is no shortage of equipment that a swimmer could own, but what every swimmer at every level really needs is something money can’t buy - a desire to improve.
If you are ever unsure about what a swimmer should have or which style to buy, ask a coach. They will be glad to share their opinion (and they definitely have opinions on equipment). You can also ask other parents and they will be happy to tell you what they have learned.
Goggles
Everyone needs goggles, for visibility and to prevent irritated eyes. Make sure the goggles are adjusted properly. If you are not sure how to adjust them, ask a coach to show you. Tinted goggles are nice for outdoor meets in the summer. Anti-fog goggles are recommended.
There are many varieties of goggles available, so feel free to ask your child’s coach for brand recommendations.
Suits
Great suits don’t make great swimmers – great swimmers will perform well in any suit. But speaking of suits, polyester appears to be the best suit for general use. Nylon suits are much cheaper, but they wear out very quickly when worn regularly. Soon they can become faded and transparent (yikes). For the extra money spent, a 100% polyester suit will last much longer and be cheaper in the long run. Keep the suit snug – loose suits fill with water and create drag. One piece suits only, please.
There are high-end performance suits, but they are generally not recommended until a swimmer has reached a high level of competition, where saving a single second justifies the high price. Practice suits are cheaper than the team suit, so use them at practice and save the team suit for meeets.
Boys have a couple of options for suit style. "Jammers" are snug fitting suits that go from the belt line to just above the knee, while "briefs" are much, well, ‘briefer’. Which one to use is really a matter of preference, but most starting swimmers feel more comfortable in jammers while higher level swimmers may insist on briefs for competitions.
Don’t wash your suit in the washing machine. It really isn’t very “dirty” since it has been swishing back and forth in a chlorinated pool for most of its life. Instead, rinse it in cold water, squeeze it out then lay it flat to air dry.
Fins
Basic Fins are needed for strengthening a swimmers kick and stride. There are several varieties of fins, designed specifically for certain strokes, but simple straight fins are very adequate for general training. Before buying fins, take a look at what the other team members are using.
Caps
A latex team cap is provided free to each swimmer when they join the team. Some swimmers don’t like the snug feel of latex, and find silicone caps easier to pull on and off, so you may purchase a silicone team cap from the team apparel person (link).
For practice, use any cap you like. Girls need them to keep hair out of the filter and keep hair healthier. The caps are optional for boys with short hair during practice. Some parents like to buy their swimmers brightly colored caps to make them easier to pick out in the water during practice, but the team cap should always be worn for solidarity at swim meets.
Bags
Some kind of a bag is needed to keep everything together. Bags should be carried out on deck during practice for security, not left in the locker room. There are very nice swim gear bags available, with separate compartments for dry items and wet gear. Bags with mesh panels will let air in and help things dry out between practices.
Some swimmers have a separate mesh bag for wet items, and a gym bag for dry items. Other swimmers use a combination swim bag. Check out what other swimmers are using and ask team parents what they chose. VSC parents are happy to share the wisdom they have gained. In the end, choose what you think will work best for you.
Kickboards
Kickboards are needed for practices from the very beginning. There are usually a few of them on deck to borrow, but most swimmers appreciate having their own unique kickboard. Remember that kickboards are really just flat floats, so spending a lot of money for a high-tech design may not be worth it. There are arm fitting wedge shaped boards or standard rounded shapes. Both work well.
Water Bottles
An essential piece of training that is sometimes overlooked is the water bottle. Remember that practices can last 45 minutes to 2 hours, and with that much physical exertion a swimmer can become very thirsty. Even though they are surrounded by water, they need clean drinking water to remain healthy and happy. Having a water bottle at the pool side keeps them in the pool instead of making trips to the drinking fountain.
Snorkels
Some of our swimmers are beginning to use a front snorkel. This piece of equipment is to assist the swimmer to learn good body balance in the water without having to raise the head to breath. The junior size is for swimmers 9 and under, and takes into account the swimmer’s lung capacity.
Pull buoys
Pull buoys increase the upper body workout by lifting the lower body and driving the head and shoulders down. There are several different sizes to fit children or adults. Smooth buoys may be preferred over rough buoys for comfort but they are harder to hold onto with the thighs. Have your swimmer try out different types during practice before deciding which one to buy.
Hand Paddles
Hand paddles increase water resistance on the hands and increase arm strength. There are many sizes, so follow your coach’s recommendation on which size to buy. Using too large a paddle can cause shoulder injuries.
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