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DMC Original Fins

Our team of SwimExperts conducted a thorough evaluation of the latest addition to our fin collection: the DMC Original Fins. Overall, we hold the fin in high regard and are enthusiastic about sharing our in-depth product insights with you.

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Dive into Fitness with Aquafitness Suits: Finding Your Perfect Fit!

Dive into Fitness with Aquafitness Suits: Finding Your Perfect Fit!

Dive into Fitness with Aquafitness Suits: Finding Your Perfect Fit!

 

A group of people doing an Aquafitness workout

When it comes to staying fit and active, water-based workouts have surged in popularity, and aquafitness has taken the fitness world by storm. Not only is it a refreshing way to exercise, but it also provides a low-impact, full-body workout that suits people of all ages and fitness levels. If you're ready to take the plunge into aquafitness, one essential item you'll need is the perfect aquafitness suit. In this blog, we'll explore the various aspects of aquafitness suits, including materials, cuts, and factors to consider when shopping.

Materials: The Key to Comfort and Durability

Aquafitness suits are designed to withstand the rigors of water-based exercises while providing comfort and support. Here are some common materials used in aquafitness suits:

  1. Chlorine-Resistant Fabric: Chlorine is commonly found in swimming pools, and it can cause regular swimsuits to wear out quickly. Look for suits made from chlorine-resistant fabric to ensure longevity and maintain the vibrant colors of the suit.

  2. Polyester: Polyester is a popular choice for aquafitness suits as it offers excellent durability, dries quickly, and retains its shape well.

  3. Spandex or Lycra: These materials provide elasticity and stretch, allowing for a snug fit and ease of movement during aquafitness exercises.

  4. UV Protection: If you plan to exercise outdoors, consider a suit with UV protection to shield your skin from harmful sun rays.

Different Cuts: Finding What Flatters You

Aquafitness suits come in various cuts, and choosing the right one can significantly impact your comfort and confidence in the water. Here are some common cuts to consider:

  1. One-Piece Suit: The classic one-piece suit offers full coverage and support, making it suitable for various water activities.

  2. Tankini: A tankini combines the coverage of a one-piece suit with the convenience of a two-piece, providing flexibility and ease when getting in and out of the suit.

  3. Swim Dress: For those seeking extra coverage around the hips and thighs, a swim dress is a stylish and comfortable option.

  4. High Neck: High Neck suits offer a bit more coverage and support as well as a stylish look for your Aquafit suit. High Neck suits are available in both one-piece and two-piece options. 

  5. Rash Guard: If you prefer a sportier look, a rash guard with swim leggings can offer excellent sun protection and coverage for water-based activities.

Things to Consider When Shopping:

  1. Size and Fit: Ensure the suit fits snugly but not too tight. It should stay in place during movements without causing discomfort or chafing.

  2. Support: Look for suits with built-in bras or bust support for added comfort and confidence during aquafitness exercises.

  3. Mobility: Opt for suits that provide a full range of motion, allowing you to perform various aquafitness movements with ease.

  4. Breathability: A breathable suit will dry quickly and prevent you from feeling weighed down in the water.

  5. Design and Style: Choose a suit that reflects your personal style and makes you feel good. Feeling confident in your suit can enhance your overall aquafitness experience.

  6. Versatility: If you plan to use the suit for other water activities like swimming or paddleboarding, consider a design that suits multiple purposes.

In conclusion, finding the perfect aquafitness suit is all about balancing comfort, support, and style. Whether you opt for a one-piece suit, a tankini, or a two-piece set, selecting the right materials and cut will ensure you're ready to make a splash during your water workouts. You can reach out to any of our Swim Experts at our stores or offices, and we can help you find your perfect suit! Or visit one of our stores to try on a suit today!

So, dive in, have fun, and embrace the wonders of aquafitness with a suit that fits your needs and flatters your shape! Happy aquafitness! 🌊🏊‍♀️💦

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Diving into Open Water Swimming: Tips for Safety and Comfort

Swimming in open water is an invigorating and thrilling experience that can take your swimming skills to the next level. Whether you're looking to compete in open water races or just enjoy a swim in the great outdoors, there are a few important things you need to know to stay safe and comfortable.

Open Water Safety

Before you hit the water, it's essential to understand the risks associated with open water swimming. Unlike swimming in a pool, open water swimming can pose a range of hazards, from strong currents and tides to hidden obstacles and wildlife. That's why it's critical to take necessary safety precautions to protect yourself.

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to enhance your safety during open water swimming is to wear a bright neon swim cap and carry a bright-coloured swim buoy. These accessories help make you more visible to other swimmers, boaters, and emergency personnel in case of an emergency. At our store, we now have neon silicone and latex caps and Swim Buddy Touring and Racer in various bright colours.

If you're an open water swimmer looking for a reliable swim buoy to enhance your safety and performance, Swim Buddy has you covered. The Swim Buddy Touring is a lightweight, durable, inflatable buoy that boasts a bright-coloured design, adjustable waist belt, and spacious storage compartment to keep your belongings dry. It also provides extra buoyancy and support to help you swim better and longer. On the other hand, the Swim Buddy Racer is a more compact and streamlined buoy, ideal for competitive swimmers who want to minimize drag and improve their speed. It can be attached directly to your leg or thigh and doesn't require a waist belt. Both Swim Buddy models have their unique features and advantages, so choose the one that suits your needs and preferences the most. 

In addition to these safety accessories, it's also crucial to follow safe swimming practices. Always swim with a partner or a group, stay aware of your surroundings, and never push yourself beyond your abilities.

Wetsuits for Open Water Swimming

Another essential piece of gear for open water swimming is a wetsuit. A wetsuit can help keep you warm, improve your buoyancy, and protect you from the elements. At our store, we're excited to offer the Aquasphere Pursuit wetsuit, which is an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate swimmers on a budget.

The Aquasphere Pursuit wetsuit is made of high-quality neoprene material that provides excellent flexibility and comfort while maintaining buoyancy. It features an easy-to-use zipper for quick on and off, and its hydrodynamic design helps reduce drag and improve performance.

 

Neoprene Gear for Open Water Swimming 

To keep yourself even warmer in the water, we also offer neoprene gloves, socks, and swim cap. These accessories are designed to keep your extremities warm and help you swim more comfortably in cold water.

Neoprene gear works by trapping a thin layer of water between your skin and the gear, which your body then warms up, creating an insulating layer. This layer helps keep your body temperature stable and prevents heat loss, which can be dangerous in cold water.

Fins for Open Water Swimming

If you're an open water swimmer looking for fins that can help enhance your performance, the DMC Elite Max fins may be worth considering. These fins are designed with a focus on comfort, efficiency, and durability, which are all important factors for open water swimming. The soft foot pockets of the DMC Elite Max fins can help prevent blisters and chafing, which is especially helpful for swimmers who may be spending extended periods of time in the water. The fins are also designed to provide efficient propulsion while reducing drag, which can be helpful in open water environments where swimmers may face currents or choppy waves. Additionally, the lightweight and compact design of the DMC Elite Max fins makes them easy to pack and transport, while the use of high-quality materials ensures durability even with regular use. However, it's important to remember that the suitability of any fins for open water swimming ultimately depends on the individual swimmer's preferences, needs, and swimming style. 

Goggles for Open Water Swimming

Aquasphere Vista goggles are a popular choice for open water swimmers due to their comfortable fit, wide field of vision, and anti-fog coating. The goggles are designed to provide a secure and leak-free seal, which is important for open water swimmers who may encounter rougher waters or waves. The wide field of vision also allows for better peripheral vision, which can be helpful when navigating in open water. Additionally, the anti-fog coating helps to prevent the goggles from fogging up in colder water temperatures or humid conditions. Team Aquatic Supplies also now carries the Vorgee Vortech Polarized Goggle, which features polarized lenses to reduce glare and provide better visibility in bright sunlight or glare from the water's surface. The Vorgee Vortech Polarized Goggle also has a comfortable silicone seal and adjustable straps to ensure a secure and comfortable fit for a variety of face shapes and sizes. With its polarized lenses and comfortable fit, the Vorgee Vortech Polarized Goggle is an excellent choice for open water swimmers looking to improve their visibility and performance in sunny conditions. 

In conclusion, open water swimming can be a fun and exciting way to stay fit and enjoy the outdoors, but it's essential to prioritize safety and comfort. By following safe swimming practices and wearing appropriate gear like neon swim caps, bright-coloured swim buoys, wetsuits, and neoprene gear, you can enjoy a comfortable and safe open water swimming experience. Keep an eye out for our upcoming stock of Aquasphere Pursuit wetsuits and other gear, and happy swimming!

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A Closer Look at the Arena Carbon Core FX

The Arena Carbon Core FX race suit is a top-of-the-line tech suit that has been designed to give swimmers a competitive edge in the pool. With its cutting-edge technology and innovative design, the Arena Carbon Core FX is one of the most advanced racing suits available on the market.

One of the key features of the Arena Carbon Core FX is its use of carbon fiber technology. The suit is made with a blend of carbon fibers and high-quality elastane fibers, which gives it superior compression and flexibility. This combination of materials creates a suit that fits snugly to the body, providing maximum support and reducing drag in the water.

Shop Arena Carbon Core FX Jammer

Shop Arena Carbon Core FX Kneeskin

The Arena Carbon Core FX also features strategically placed compression panels that target specific muscle groups. These panels provide additional support and help to reduce fatigue during races, allowing swimmers to maintain their speed and power for longer periods of time. The compression panels also help to improve blood flow to the muscles, which can help to reduce the risk of injury and speed up recovery time.

The suit's design is also optimized for maximum hydrodynamics. The Arena Carbon Core FX features a streamlined surface that reduces drag in the water, allowing swimmers to move more quickly and efficiently. The suit also has a low profile, which minimizes water resistance and improves the swimmer's overall speed.

Another key feature of the Arena Carbon Core FX is its innovative construction. The suit is constructed using a single piece of fabric, which eliminates seams and reduces the risk of chafing and irritation. The suit also features a high-tech lining that wicks away moisture and helps to regulate body temperature, keeping swimmers cool and comfortable during races.

Overall, the Arena Carbon Core FX race suit is a high-performance swimwear option that is designed to give swimmers a competitive edge in the pool. With its advanced technology, innovative design, and superior construction, the Arena Carbon Core FX is a top choice for serious competitive swimmers who are looking to take their performance to the next level.

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Race Prep & Gear

What is a racing suit and do I need one?

Racing suits, or tech suits, are suits that high performance swimmers wear for their big competitions. The suits are made from a special fabric that has hydrophobic properties designed to repel water to allow the suit and swimmer to flow through the water with reduced drag. The suit also offers compression that will keep your muscles firing quickly and working more efficiently to help reduce fatigue. There are varying levels of compression offered in the range of racing suits available, and there are many factors that will help determine which racing suit is best for you; factors like your body type, what races you specialize in, your experience in the sport. Some suits offer high compression and are best for sprinters. Other suits have less compression, offer more flexibility, and feel lighter on your body; these suits are designed for long distance, breaststroke, and I.M. swimmers.  
Typically we recommend that tech suits should only be worn by swimmers ages 14 & up; once their skills, technique, and race experience have matured.
We have a wide variety of entry-level to mid-level racing suits for those who are still developing in these areas.

Can you recommend the best racing suit?

This is really dependent on your level of swimming and your personal preferences. However, based on our 40 plus years of experiences as a team of swimmers, former swimmers, coaches, lifeguards and provincial, national and world champions, here are our suggested guidelines.

If you are a mid level swimmer with some experience racing, are maybe attending provincials, consider a Speedo LZR Pro, Arena ST, R-Evo One, and Speedo Power Plus.

If you are attending senior or age group nationals or swimming at an international level (this is the highest level for racing suits), consider the Arena Carbon Series, or the Speedo Pure Collection.

What is my racing suit size?

Sizing is extremely important with racing suits! Racing suits are supposed to hug everypart of your body! The compression comes from the structure of the suit, rather than how tightly it fits. Ideally you want to go one to three sizes down from what you train in. However, this may vary depending on the brand of your training suit and the brand of your racing suit. You should also take into consideration your body shape  as some brands fit different body types better than others. We find that Arena racing suits generally fit swimmers with more narrow hips, while Speedo racing suits work better for swimmers with bigger hips.


We recommend, if possible, that you establish your racing suit size in any of the following ways:

  • Visit one of our retail store locations and try racing suits on. Different brands and styles have different fits and our Swim Experts can assist you in getting the best fit possible.
  • Our handy sizing chart will offer you guidance. Select the size you think will be best for you. Remember, you may return or exchange items that do not fit as long as they have not been worn and tags are still intact. Find out more in our return policy.

*Note: Wearing a racing suit that is not the right size may actually hinder performance. A suit that is too big will create drag and not offer correct compression for optimal performance. While a racing suit that is too tight will be too constrictive and not allow you to use your body’s natural range of motion.

How to put on a racing suit/what size should I get?

Race suits need to be worn tight - like a second skin. If you wear the right size, it will be difficult to get into, and with these suits being constructed with material that is delicate, extra caution must be taken when putting on a racing suit. Use the pads of your fingers when putting on your racing suit, and not your nails. We also suggest using a sock or something similar to put over your hand for protection. For girls, it is very common to have someone help you put on the racing suit! 

  • Racing suits are meant to be advantageous - with designs to maximize body-shaping, compression and repelling water. That means suits fit extremely snug. 
  • That being said every manufacturer varies - always try on a suit before buying
  • Tech suits that restrict movement, restrict breathing or is too loose is a tech suit that isn't working for you.
  • It will take a long time (~10+ minutes) to get your suit on. So make sure you leave yourself enough time; if you rush, you are more likely to damage your suit.
  • Work the suit up slowly from the bottom, using the pads of your fingers (NOT fingertips) especially at the waist line; do not pull the suit at any seam. Don’t forget to cut your nails or even put a plastic bag over your hands to help prevent tearing
  • Making sure that the sections of the suit are correctly positioned over your body, this will help free up additional ‘slack’ for you to be able to work the suit up your body.

How to take care of a racing suit/how many races can I expect?

High performance suits are not designed for durability and long periods of use like practice suits, so it’s important to exercise extra care.

  • Leaving your un-rinsed suit at the bottom of your swim bag will damage it. To keep your suit in top racing condition, take the suit off after your race and rinse it in cold water between races.
  • After the completion of the meet use a gentle detergent such as AQUAMATE to properly remove the chlorine from the suit.
  • Dry your suit flat or hang upside down from legs – this will prevent water gathering at the crotch and damaging the bonding in this area.
  • Never use any type of washer or dryer and avoid hang-wringing and suit spinning/drying machines as well.
  • There is no pre-determined amount of races you can expect, no guaranteed amount of time. If you follow the above steps, getting the chlorine out as soon as possible you can expect to have the suit last longer.

What are racing goggles?

Many competitive swimmers have a pair of goggles that are exclusively for racing. Unlike recreational goggles or training goggles, racing goggles are designed to be hydrodynamic. The goggle should fit snug in your eyes, without protruding too much or creating drag. The silicone straps will keep the goggle from shifting on your head. 

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