How to Put on a Swim Cap
Swim caps have become very popular over the last twenty years. They not only allow casual swimmers to keep their expensive hair styles dry, but increase swimming performance as well. Unfortunately, many people do not get the maximum available advantage from their swim caps because they do not put them on properly.
When used properly, a swim cap will reduce drag and keep hair out of the eyes, mouth, and po ol. Many are also designed to block water. To get the most out of your swim cap, first make sure you have the right size. While many caps are one-size-fits-all, others come in sizes (small, medium, large, etc.).
The first step to getting a cap on is to make sure it fits properly. It should sit snug around the head, but not be so tight that is cuts off circulation or causes headaches. No hair should sit outside the cap. Special versions with longer backs to accommodate more hair are available.
The material of your swim cap has a major influence on how easy it is to put on. Those using latex caps report the most trouble. The fabric has the tendency to catch and snag on hair, sometimes making it painful to take on or off. Silicone is a bit better in this area, but can still cause problems. On the other hand, lycra swim caps will not catch on hair. They do have a drawback, however, in that they are designed for competitive swimming and do not block water.
Many swimmers will wet their hair with water, or apply baby powder before putting in a swim cap. This provides lubrication, allowing it to slide easily over the head. If you're wearing a swim cap to protect your hair, however, this probably isn't the best option.
A trick I learned years ago is to wear two swim caps: one made of lycra or another of silicone or latex. The lycra goes on first because it doesn't snag hair. The second cap comes in to provide waterproofing. The obvious downside to this solution is cost, though swim caps are widely available for less than ten dollars so it's not too expensive. Twenty dollars is a small price to pay to protect your one hundred dollar perm.
Finally, be careful putting your cap on! While flexible and stretchable, swim caps are easy to tear or puncture. When you put one on, you are essentially wearing something equivalent in durability to a balloon. Long nails or excessive force will put holes in even the strongest of swim caps, yielding them useless.
Swim caps are a great way to protect your hair from water, chemicals. They also reduce drag a0nd keep your face free of obstructions. In order to get the greatest advantage possible from this piece of swimwear, however, you must put it on correctly.
Great Fitting Swim Gear
There are many one-size-fits-all options that really do fit most sizes. Check out the options below and see how they can give your next swim a personalized feel.
Swim Caps
Most swim caps come in one-size-fits-all option. While this might throw some people off, many caps are made from quality, stretchable material that really can adapt to most head sizes. For a customized feeling fit, look for a swim cap made from silicone. This material is ultra flexible and has good shape memory. This means that the cap will stretch and form to the head, but always return to its normal size when not worn. If you're in the market, you might want to try a 1Line Silicone cap. They are ultra durable, extremely affordable, and feature fun and bright prints. If you really don't think that a one-size-fits-all cap will work, then there are still some options available. The Water Gear Crepe Bubble Cap is made from soft, pliable material covered in small bubbles. These help form to the head and keep water out. The cap is available in three various sizes and, paired with the chinstrap, is sure to stay put while you swim.
Goggles
While most goggle models don't come in various sizes, there are various models that are designed for certain swimmers. Aqua Sphere has various Lady goggles available for female swimmers. This line is specifically geared towards women that have smaller face frames. Unlike larger goggles, these form-fitting frames won't let in water from the sides. If you're a fitness or competitive swimmer, try the form-fitting, ultra clear Aqua Sphere Kaiman Lady Goggle.
Both men and women will enjoy goggles that use a unique technology called 'positive pressure system'. Found in many Barracuda goggles, this system allows the goggle's frame to stay firmly in place without the feel of uncomfortable suction. The lenses are able to seal themselves into the eye socket for a comfortable, leak free fit. The Barracuda Standard Optical Grade Goggles produce a great seal and fit for any type of swimmer.
Custom Swim Caps to Suit Your Needs
Choosing a swimming cap may seem difficult especially when you are presented with many options while inside a sport store. Swim caps may not be expensive but finding the one which can suitably meet your preference may be a challenge. And for this very reason, most swimmers opt for custom swim caps that can perfectly fit and give them ease while doing their favorite sport.
Caps for swimming are necessary because of several reasons. There is a wrong notion that others may think that swimmers wear one in order to keep their hair dry. They can be beneficial in order to protect the hair from chlorine in the swimming pools. It also keeps long hair out of the face especially for female swimmers. Swimming caps serve as protection to keep the head warm when swimming in cold and open water. Colored and bright swimming caps allow swimmers to become more visible in open water in order to avoid collision with surfers, boats or others.
Another practical reason why this swimming accessory is necessary would be because of swimming pools which make wearing such caps mandatory so that water filters won't get clogged with hair strands. Many swimmers find using caps useful for them to swim faster during competitions by helping their goggles held firmly in place. With such benefits, swimmers will always look for a way in order to get appropriate swimming accessory and this can be achieved by resorting to buying custom swim caps.
When thinking of personalized swimming head cover, you have various choices when it comes to material to be used. The most common type and less expensive is later rubber. It is durable and still preferred by most of competitive swimmers because it is tight fit hence giving them speed advantage. With this material, putting logo or writing with a permanent marker on the cap thus this type of cap is frequently used in triathlon competitions.
Silicone types are becoming popular as they are used alternatively by those who develop allergy with latex swimming head covers. But the downside is that they can be a bit more expensive than latex and can slip more easily. Lycra on the other hand goes well with your swimsuit. Since the material is similar to your swim wear, it can give a uniform look. Custom swim caps using this material are more durable than the previous two materials but they are not very waterproof and can slip more often.
The Benefits of Swim Accessories
Swimming can be fun if you have nice props. Swimmers, especially the small ones, now can forget the strain when they have proper swim accessories. These accessories are not just to add fun to the regime, rather they play a more important role as well. They ensure safety of the swimmers as well. Let us divide these accessories into categories on the basis of the purpose they serve.
Swim Accessories to Learn
When a kid is first introduced in the pool, he is given arm bands to keep him floating. This boosts up his confidence that he can swim on his own. Similarly, there are other props that are helpful for the learners like inflatable rings of rubber, swim float suits and floating devises, dive sticks and rings, etc. All these accessories are available in different bright colors. They help the children to learn swimming with heads held above water as well as motivate to dive under the water to retrieve them. Each of these props has particular purpose to serve. And their presentation and looks make the task easier.
Swim Accessories for Safety
Accessories like swim safety whistles, silicon caps for children and adults, ear and nose plugs etc can prove to be a real help during the swimming sessions, especially during the learning phase. You don't need to hunt for sports gear stores. Go online and you will find great many varieties, types and designs of whistles, swim caps and ear and nose plugs. The caps for kids come in different shapes like shark, fish etc. They will instantly like it and look forward to their swimming lessons. These products are easy to maintain and reasonable for your pocket. And if you are lucky, you may bag these products at a discounted price as well. This means you ensure your safety well within the budget.
Swim Accessories for Comfort
Your collection of swim accessories is a matter of your personal choice. What you buy depends on the fact that what are you comfortable with. Underwater swim goggles, digital water resistant watch, pool slippers, nose clips, bath robes, large towels and a nice bag with separate sections for dry and wet clothes and multiple pockets are some of the examples of these accessories. You can buy these props if you need them. Many swimmers go out of their way and even extravagant and buy beach gears. However, it is not a good idea to go over the board for swimming.If you plan to buy all these accessories for comfort, you will definitely have a very comfortable swimming experience but it will make a gaping hole in your pocket too. It is advisable to look for deals over internet, so that you can enjoy it without worrying about your monthly budget.
For adults, swimming is a good way to relax after or before a hectic day. It rejuvenates the mind and body and prepares it to undergo rigorous physical and mental stress. And with these accessories, it becomes comfortable, motivating as well as safe. So you can also buy pool accessories for yourself for a great swimming experience.
Top Swim Gears You Can't Go Without
Are you considering to get into swimming seriously? Do you need help picking the type of gears for beginners like you? If you are, you have to get these particular swim gears to get you started on the right foot. It's essential for a swimmer to have the necessary gears because they are vital to his practice and eventual improvement.
Choosing the right type of swimsuit to have is the first thing you have to consider. After all, it's the thing that will cover most of you. There are different types of swimsuit, the fabric and the ergonomic design having a lot to do with how you will be able to swim underwater. Swimmers should be complemented by their swimsuits so it's important to find a suit that you're comfortable with.
Next swim gear on the list are goggles. Goggles are worn primarily to protect your eyes from the water, but there are also goggles which protect them from the sun. In choosing goggles, make sure that it fits you perfectly or it can end up doing you more harm than good.
Swim caps help swimmers prevent their hair from going on their faces while they're in the water and it also contributes to the ease of their movement. An important thing to note about swim caps is that you have to dry them properly and put talc on it after using it for its maintenance.
A water-resistant stopwatch is also an important swim gear, especially if you're just beginning. If you have one, you'll be able to time your laps easily even if you're training alone, and you can easily track your improvement.
As you constantly improve with your swimming, so should your swim gears. Every swimsuit and goggle is made because of a specific purpose, and if you think and feel that you need to change swim gears as you go up a level, you need to go through all the considerations again to find the perfect swim kit for you. If you need more information about how you can choose the swim gears and accessories specific to your level, you can read more recommendations online, and you can also brush up on the topic of swimming if you feel like it.
Ten Tips to Swimming Success
Swimming is a great way to stay in shape. Not only does it work all the major muscle groups, it can also be done year-round. If you're going to take the time to swim, however, you might as well get the most out of it you can. Here are ten tips to help improve swim workouts.
Keep a steady routine.
Like any workout, you need to keep a consistent routine and practice regularly. If you want to prevent the skills learned in the water from deteriorating, practice at least three times a week.
Learn Proper Technique.
Many new swimmers unnecessarily limit themselves with poor technique. Learn to swim the right way and technique will be your friend for life. Strokes done improperly are time and energy wasted. Even if you have to take a few refresher courses it would be worthwhile.
Wear the right attire.
If you're looking for speed, wear a swim cap and tight-fitting swimsuit. Swim trunks won't cut it- you need something designed for competitive swimming. You might also want to wear goggles to maintain visibility without worrying about getting water in your eyes. The right gear can make a substantial difference.
Exercise on land.
You can do a lot to improve your muscles by exercising on land. Running and weight training will be of great benefit to your swim routine. Talk to your coach about various land exercises you can do.
Have someone watch you swim.
Not only is having someone else by the pool with you a good idea for safety, but the eyes of an experienced swimmer can help you improve your form, catch mistakes, and provide encouragement. In the pool, you can only see what's in front of you. A spectator gets a bird's eye view and can see exactly what you're doing.
Combine easy and hard workouts.
Don't just strain yourself with hard workouts, but know when it's time to leave the kiddy pool. A good combination of light and hard workouts is often a good way to train. Do a few strenuous sessions each week and then fill alternate days with light exercise.
Get adequate rest
Muscles need time to restore and rebuild after heavy activity. Swimming everyday for a week could actually be a hindrance rather than a help. Give your body at least a day between workouts to ensure it is ready for your next session.
Push to the max.
Congratulate yourself whenever you finish a workout, but always know there is room for improvement. Gradually increase the level of your workouts so you can become a stronger and better swimmer. While everyone has their limits, don't settle for less if you can get more.
Keep a swim log.
Buy a small notebook and log your swims. Write down information such as number of laps swam, time in pool, etc. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and help you and your trainer track goals and progress.
Stay Safe.
This is common sense. Always follow the rules at your local pool. Stay in your swim lane and don't fool around. If you get tired, stop, and always watch out for other swimmers. Injuries are the biggest hindrance to any workout routine.
Now You Too Can Print With Silicone Ink on Wrist Bands, Swim Caps, Cell Phone Holders
Every once in a while you come across a technology that is simple and well-timed. Printing onto a silicone part seems to mystify most. But now; color filled silicone wrist bands are routinely printed through a heat process using silicone ink. Many inks will cure and give the appearance of adhesion yet they rub off rather quickly. Some use silicone ink without the heat process yielding similar results; the ink will cure yet adhesion is never formed. Nothing adheres to silicone but silicone. Today U.S. made silicone ink is the finest in the world and available in a simple 10:1 mix ratio formula. All you need are a gram scale, some mix cups a stick and a cure oven (400F for 2-6 minutes).
Although silicone wrist bands became popular with Lance Armstrong and his support of cancer victims; they are immensely popular now as corporate giveaways and promotional giveaways. Silicone wristbands are cost effective, memorable and cool! There are many other parts being made of silicone too which means the uses for silicone ink are endless. Silicone keypads and silicone control buttons need to be printed on with silicone ink. Silicone swim caps are extremely popular and need to be printed with logos and such. More products include cell phone holders, tool handles, cable and wire, medical and other tooling. Everyone and their brother wants to take advantage of the characteristics of silicone which means silicone parts. Messages can be printed, labeling for silicone tubing, wire and cable, logo's on swim caps and any product can be printed. The ink can be pad printed or silk screened as well as sprayed or dipped. US silicone ink will sit in an ink cup for 24 hours yet cure in two to six minutes when exposed to heat. The reality is it has never been easier to use and more widely needed. Silicone ink comes in vivid primary colors plus clear. With the clear silicone ink you can add your own colorant to get the pan-tone color you may require. Colors include silver, black, white, green, blue, red, yellow, gold. Colors can be mixed to create custom blends. New is a Glow In The Dark additive!