Unlike running or biking, swimming does not have nearly the high tech gadgets, but you will need some gear, possibly more than you would initially think. Your swimsuit should not be difficult, as in the end they are all basically the same. Your swimsuit needs only to cover you without impeding your smooth movement through the water. There are no fashion police, and fashion statements need not be made. You should be able to get your suit from the local sporting goods or specialty shop.
Next up for purchase is a good pair of swim goggles. Keep in mind, you will have your head face down as you swim, and turned to the side as you breathe and orient yourself in the pool. If you had no goggles, the chlorination of the pool would irritate your eyes, not to mention that our eyes do not see so well under water without aid.
You very likely will have to try on many different pairs of goggles to find a pair that fit you comfortably. Whatever you do, do not buy goggles solely on the look or size. You must try on all pairs you consider. If you can, go specifically to a swim shop to get good help with fit for your needs.
While there, see about getting yourself a swim cap. A cap is not a necessary item for training, but seeing as you will have to wear it for the triathlon, you might as well get used to wearing it now anyways.
A useful tool you should definitely consider for your training are hand paddles. These tools help you to learn proper hand entry into the water, and proper catch and pull of the water as part of your swimming stroke.
These paddles will also help you strengthen your arms and your shoulders thanks to increased water resistance. Stronger arms and shoulders pull harder and faster, meaning you move through the water faster overall. Note: if you have a shoulder or rotator cuff injury, then you should avoid using the hand paddles until those injuries clear up, otherwise they could make your injuries worse.
The next 2 items on your list should be a pair of swim fins, and a kick board. The swim fins will help you to gain leg strength and increase ankle flexibility; while the kick board will help you practice proper kick technique via kick board drills.
Lastly, you should look into a pull buoy. A pull buoy is a large hunk of foam that goes between your legs and keeps the back end of you afloat to keep you from kicking. That way you can focus specifically on the use of your arms to propel you thought the water.
If water in your ears is an issue you cannot abide, look into earplugs to keep water out. If you cannot abide earplugs, there are alcohol solutions which work well in getting the water out of your ears fairly quickly. Last of all, you will need a mesh bag to carry all of this gear in.
Photo Credits: akunamatata
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