Swimming is something I have a love hate relationship with. My love is breast stroke, and my nemesis is freestyle (front crawl for my UK brethren). However it was 2014 when I took swim lessons with Bob and realized just how freakin’ hard swimming could be, because you think you can swim till your instructor tells you you’ve been doing it wrong all this time. Needless to say swimming is a sport I have a newfound respect for and as such have a lot of ‘swim stuff’, so I thought I’d share my Fitmas Gifts for Swimmers. Disclosure: It’s always my policy to make you aware, links in this post may be affiliate links meaning I earn a small commision on sales made through those links. This gives you the opportunity to support the website and me the opportunity to buy more fitness stuff, haha. No I’m not kidding! It’s an addiction, plus I need a new pair of sneakers.. or two, or three.
Fitmas Gifts for Swimmers
Swimsuits: 18 months ago I probably owned one swim suit but since taking lessons, and learning to swim properly I now have 5, not including my vacation bikinis. Swimsuits are a funny thing because I really don’t think many people can look “cool” and sexy in a swimsuit, swim cap and googles. It’s just not a good look is it? But let me tell you a good swimsuit can make or break a swim! Over the last few months I’ve tried a few brands and fell in LOVE with TYR swimsuits. Like to the point where I won’t wear anything else now. I own 5 of their swimsuits (this one is my favorite) and I swim MAX two to three times a week… right now it’s none because it’s too freakin cold to swim. They hold everything in place, no fear of escaping boobs, comfortable and look stylish too. I’m serious when I say they are the bomb diggety for swimmity!
Equipment: When you think equipment as gifts for swimmers the first things that come to mind are swim caps and goggles, but let me tell you there is so much more! I’d highly recommend a pool buoy, and mitts/paddles for your serious swimmer. The buoy assists in swim drills, the mitts give your shoulders and lats a serious freaking workout!!! Not even kidding! Plus they help you work on your pull through. For leg work how about a kickboard? If you’ve never done 100 drills using these things then you’re lucky, very lucky, or our swim instructor is sadistic, either way they are a hell of a workout!
[tweetthis]looking for #Christmas gifts for #swimmers? Check out this gift guide by @workoutwithdi[/tweetthis]
Bags: I mentioned this one in the gifts for runners post but the TYR backpack is just amazing as gifts for Swimmers, runners and well any fitness fanatic really. I love it! Yep I’m a TYR fangirl. I admit it. Plus I’m not even sponsored, got any freebies or anything from them. Simply they are the best at swimming stuff. The end. The backpack is big enough to hold all my swim stuff plus clothes to change into, toiletries etc. And all the little pockets hold things like keys, locker lock, phone etc. I have the “mini” Bob has the regular which isn’t that much bigger. So good! Another bag from TYR on my wishlist is this swim equipment bag so I can take all my gear to the poolside without losing anything. Plus it’ll be great for snorkeling next year in Hawaii! These bags can hold fins
Tech: Ok for a high ticket item but apparently worth it is the Garmin 920xt. Bob has had one for a while now and loves it. Let me tell you if you don’t like to count laps (ME!) then this is great as it tracks your distance for you! Freakin’ Genius! All the other lap counters you have to press after every lap, which kinda eats into your time. Plus the Garmin assists in multi sport training so would be a great gifts for Swimmers but work for all fitness modalities. As swimming isn’t something I particularly enjoy something on my wishlist is this waterproof iPod! I love music so having some tunes to swim to would really help alleviate the boredom!
[tweetthis]Dive in at the deep end with this #Holiday Gift guide for #swimmers by @workoutwithdi[/tweetthis]
Misc Bits & Pieces: Anti Chlorine shampoo, yes I use a swim cap, and yes my hair still smells of chlorine. What’s funny is you don’t smell it yourself, because you get used to it, it’s others that get to smell it. Plus it’ll protect your hair from the pool chemicals (which is why I wear the swim cap, and to streamline myself and convince myself I’m swimming faster). Honestly as with all fitness activities any toiletries will be helpful, gym bag size gets you bonus points (no value size here, we’re carting this to the pool)! One thing I definitely recommend is some hydrating moisturiser for the hair and skin. Also this time of year is particularly cold so nice big towels!
I hope this little guide for Fitmas Gifts for Swimmers helps. It’s amazing how many fun things there are available for swimmers now. Clothing, gadgets and gizmos a-plenty! I know I have a few on my list for Santa this year.
Do you swim?
What fitness gifts are you putting on your list for Santa?
Brianna George
I miss swimming. c’mon summer! I love the footie idea. Especially for the public pools.
Di Hickman
Oh for sure! I have flip flops I wear at the gym!
Donah @ SJB
I still need to learn how to swim! My grandpa thought me when I was little but I was just too scared and sort of stop learning. I would love to learn how to one day though.
Di Hickman
Never too late to learn!
Cathy Mini
We do swim, but honestly, we don’t swim enough to justify buying some of these. BUT, with that said, my mom is a dedicated swimmer and does laps at her YMCA every morning! I am sure she’d love some of these gifts–thanks for the inspiration!
Di Hickman
I used to think I was an ok lap swimmer till I went to lessons! NOW I am a lap swimmer!
Susannah
I don’t really have any swimmers on my to-buy-for list but these gifts sound great! Definitely must haves for swimmers!
Di Hickman
Yup they are! Feel free to share with anyone you think might find it useful 🙂
Kirsten (@kidsareatrip)
I have thought forever that a waterproof iPod would be essential for swimmers. This is super cool! My kids aren’t swimmers, but I’m sure this would help anyone who loves to swim laps!
Di Hickman
I think I definitely need one for the Summer!
Debra
I just bought my girls new swimsuits for Christmas. We have a pool in the backyard and they fight me hard core on sun screen so I bought them long sleeve rash guards to protect them more.
Di Hickman
Yes we almost bought some in Hawaii, those rash guards are great if you’re out in the sun a while!
OurFamilyWorld
These are awesome ideas. My nephew would love the iPod bag.
Di Hickman
Glad to help!
Roxanne
Great list of ideas for simmer gifts! I would love to swim more often! I was in great shape when I did!
Di Hickman
Swimming is so great isn’t it?
Heather
I love swimming! Although we don’t do much of it in the winter. I have been thinking about getting a membership to the YMCA for the kids though, so that we have an option of an activity even when the weather is bad.
Di Hickman
Yep we have a Golds Membership (mine is free as I work there) so we have somewhere to swim in winter.
Claire'scomfycorner
These are great gift ideas for my friend who loves swimming, I have yet to learn! Thanks for the inspiration x
Di Hickman
Definitely learn! Never too late to learn!
Ana De Jesus
I love swimming, especially in the sea and feeling the warm current lap against your face. I haven’t gone swimming for a few years though as I haven’t been on holiday.
Di Hickman
We went to Hawaii in October and I definitely loved swimming in the sea there with the fish and turtles! It’s where I hope to live someday!
Rose sahetapy
I am not really a fan of swimming, but I like the Garmin 920xt. I might get one for my husband.
Di Hickman
My hubby has been using the 920xt for about a year now and he loves it.
Kathryn
I’m only getting into a pool if it’s heated. I used to love swimming as a kit, but now… I get way too cold! Brrrrr…. But, I love that there’s a waterproof ipod!
Di Hickman
I’m with ya Kathryn! We have a pool but it’s not heated, hence it is NOT getting used now winter is here!