What Equipment Does My Swimmer Need?

Equipment needs change as swimmers progress through the Breakers programs.

Bronze Swimmers

All Bronze swimmers are provided with the equipment they need for practice.

There is no need for Bronze families to purchase the equipment listed below other than a bathing suits and goggles. As swimmers progress into Silver and Gold, they will be expected to have their own training equipment.

Silver & Gold Swimmers

Silver and Gold swimmers are expected to purchase and maintain their own training equipment.

The following equipment is mandatory for Silver and Gold swimmers:

• Water bottle
• Skipping rope
• Pull buoy — Speedo, Arena or equivalent
• Hand paddles — Speedo Power Paddles or equivalent
• Kickboard — Finis Alignment or suitable junior kickboard
• Fins — Speedo Medium Blade, Speedo x DMC or Arena Powerfin Pro
• Snorkel — Finis Freestyle or Speedo Bullet Head
• Mesh equipment bag — for transporting and storing equipment
• Nose plug/clip — optional, for use with the snorkel
  
  

Choosing Equipment

Please stick to the preferred equipment options when purchasing. If you're unsure about a specific piece of equipment, please check with your swimmer's coach before purchasing.

The Finis Alignment kickboard is recommended. Smaller kickboards are preferred to help reduce shoulder strain.

For fins, please do not purchase a different style unless you have discussed it with a coach beforehand.
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Breakers Team Equipment

Looking for an easy way to purchase your swimmer's equipment?

Breakers has an approved team store through Lysports, where you can purchase equipment and add the Breakers crest to customized items.

Team Store: Lysports — Breakers Swim Team

Discount Code: BREAKERS
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Understanding Your Swimmer's Equipment

Swim equipment can look a little overwhelming at first, especially when you're suddenly trying to figure out the difference between a pull buoy, paddles, fins and a snorkel.

Each piece of equipment has a specific purpose and helps swimmers develop different skills, from body position and technique to kicking strength, endurance and feel for the water.

Below is a quick guide to the equipment your swimmer may use during training and what each piece is designed to do.
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Swimsuit

A comfortable, well-fitting training suit is essential.

Swimmers who train regularly will often have more than one training suit because they get a LOT of use.

Goggles

Goggles are one of the most important pieces of equipment.

We recommend having:

• One pair for regular training
• A backup pair in the swim bag
• A pair that fits properly and doesn't leak

As swimmers become more experienced, they may choose different goggles for training and racing.

Swim Cap

Caps help keep hair out of the face and reduce drag.

Long hair should generally be tied back before putting on a cap.

Kickboard

Used during kick sets to develop kicking technique and leg strength.

Pull Buoy

Placed between the legs so swimmers can focus on their arms and upper body.

Fins

Short swim fins are commonly used during training to help develop:

• Kick technique
• Body position
• Speed
• Underwater skills
  
  

Hand Paddles

Paddles may be introduced as swimmers become more experienced.

They add resistance and help develop pulling strength and a better feel for the water.
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Snorkel

A swimming snorkel allows swimmers to focus on body position and stroke technique without worrying about breathing.