Equipment Packages by Practice Group:

White and Future Champs

Kickboard, Fins

Aqua Group

Kickboard, short Fins, Pull buoy (size appropriate for your child)

Blue

Kickboard, Pull buoy, Short Fins, Paddles, Drag Suit, and Water Bottle

Black

Senior Black

Senior Development and Seniors Group

Kickboard, Pull buoy, Short Fins, Paddles, Drag Suit, Snorkel, and Water Bottle

All swimmers will need to purchase a Team Cap and Arena team suit. Practice suits and Goggles are also recommended. ALL FEMALE SWIMMERS AND MALE SWIMMERS WITH LONG HAIR MUST WEAR A SWIM CAP.  ALL SWIMMERS MUST WEAR A TEAM CAP AT MEETS.

T-Shirts and other team apparel are offered at various times throughout the season.  You will be notified when a team order will be placed.

All equipment may be purchased at:

Xtreme Swim

2300 Coit Rd., Suite 325

Plano, Texas 75075

972-596-2188

www.xtremeswim.com

Northeast Corner of Park and Coit next to CiCi’s Pizza.

*A note on the proper fitting of a racing suit.  The suit should fit very snuggly. There should be no sag or pooch in the suit.  It should fit like a second layer of skin.  Suits stretch with use, and it’s likely your child will wear the suit out before they out grow it.  Too large a suit can be embarrassing especially to boys as it may fall off while swimming or diving.

SUITS
For the girls: Most will want to wear a one piece, racing style suit usually made out of lycra material. Racing suits are made by a number of manufacturers, though each manufacturer has a different cut and feel. It is suggested that you become aware of the size, style, and manufacturer that you feel most comfortable wearing.

For the boys: Most will want to wear a racing style suit though it is not required. For boys who are not familiar with racing style suits, they can improve performance better than baggier trunks. Racing suits are made by a number of manufacturers, though each manufacturer has a different cut and feel. It is suggested that you become aware of the size, style, and manufacturer that you feel most comfortable wearing.  Boys who have not worn a racing style suit will need a period of time to adjust to wearing the more revealing cut, but will soon appreciate its sleeker, streamline feel once in the water.

There are a number of styles of racing/workout suits for men; the most common is the brief which is the most revealing cut. For men who prefer a more modest cut it is suggested they consider a square cut or a jammer suit which looks like bike shorts. When considering material most briefs and jammer suits come in only a lycra material and with repeated use will last between six and 18 months. Some of the square cut and/or drag suits are made out of either nylon or polyester. It is suggested to spend the few extra dollars for the polyester as they tend to with stand the wear and tear of weekly workouts better than the nylon suits. Nylon suits usually don't last much longer than a year; where as the polyester suits can last as long as two years.

Your swimmer will ALWAYS wear out a suit before they out grow it.  Suits stretch with use.

GOGGLES
Goggles are required equipment.  Goggles not only help you see better underwater, but also protect your eyes from the chlorinated water. If you wear contact lenses, you may wear your contacts under the goggles in order to aid your vision. Goggles are made by a number of manufacturers, and like suits, you should remember what manufacturer and style best fit you.  Goggle straps have a notoriously short life sometimes lasting only a month or two.  A bungee replacement strap is a great and cheap way to keep your goggles around for years!

FLIPPERS/FINS
Fins come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They can aid beginning swimmers in learning proper body position and speed up your kick dramatically. Aqua group and above use the short fins as they help develop the best kick.

Swim Caps
Caps are required for everyone at swim meets, and anyone with long hair for practice.  Team Caps are required at all meets.  This helps meet personnel know how you are.  It also helps coaches and parents find you in a sea of other swimmers There are swim caps available for purchase, or you can purchase one through a local retailer or by mail order. Latex caps work well for shorter hair and only last a few months with consistent use.  Silicone Caps are much softer and can fit swimmers with lots of hair.  These caps last 6-8 months with consistent use.  Lycra caps are made of swim suit type material and do not keep hair dry.  These caps stretch with consistent use.

WATER BOTTLES
It is strongly suggested that you bring a water bottle along with you to every practice. Though you are surrounded by water, most swimmers do not drink enough water to keep adequately hydrated (you should not drink pool water). We encourage to you bring water or other sports drinks in plastic containers only.

PULL BUOYS
Pull buoys come in a variety of shapes the most common shapes are two cylindrical foam shapes tied together with a rope of some type. The purpose of these buoys is to raise the legs, preventing them from sinking, and allowing you to work the upper body.

KICK BOARDS
Kick boards also come in a variety of shapes and densities, and look like miniature surfboards. Please make sure you buy on size appropriate for your child.  It will make it easier to use.  For the younger levels they may use their boards as part of drill sets and too big a board may be a hindrance.

Please make sure you label your swimmers equipment.  A mesh bag is a good investment for swimmer's that require a lot of equipment.