*Pour la traduction en français, cliquez ici*

Welcome to your TAS Guide for Black Friday/ Cyber Monday 2020. We anticipate that Cybermonday this year will be a lot busier than the previous years as Covid-19 pushes consumers to avoid stores and shop online. This will have a major impact on shipping delivery times that may result in delays that are out of control. If you are purchasing in preparation for the winter holiday, please note that shipping times are not guaranteed. We will try our very best to accommodate your needs during this busy time. 

Due to staff shortage, we will not be able to offer online chat services this year as our Swim Experts will be focusing on processing and shipping orders as quickly as possible! However, in order to help you with your holiday shopping FAQs, we've reated this handy guide for you to help find answers to most of your questions. If you still have questions after reading through this guide, please feel free to reach out to us at info@team-aquatic.com. If you have a specific question, please feel free to click the category from the list below to be directed to that section.

Shipping

I have received an email from Team Aquatic Supplies. Does that mean my order has been shipped?

We do have automated emails that are sent out to keep you informed of any updates to your order status. The email will contain all the information you need regarding your order. We have a specific email that will be sent out when orders are shipped, and it will inform you of that in the email and provide information on how to track your package.

We anticipate that Cybermonday this year will be a lot busier than the previous years as Covid-19 pushes consumers to avoid stores and shop online. This will have a major impact on shipping delivery times. 

 

What are my shipping method options?

We are happy to offer a variety of ways to get the items ordered. Please note that it may take 1-3 days to receive your order and up to 10 days after that to ship out. Due to Covid-19 and the unprecedented demand for shipping services, delivery times are not guaranteed. 

  • In Store Pick up
    • Choose from one of six open retail locations: Ottawa, Burlington, TPASC, Mississauga, Calgary, or North Vancouver.
    • Please wait for our email indicating your order is ready for pick up. Orders are sent to our warehouses for processing then shipped to the selected store for pick up. The store will not have your order immediately after it is submitted. 
    • If you are wanting your order quickly, we recommend shipping to your address over in store pick-up. All online orders are processed through our warehouses, rather than our stores. We ship customer orders to our stores weekly batches, so there may be some delays for when your order is placed and when it is shipped out to the selected store. 

  • Canada Post Expedited [10-14 business days]
    • Free shipping if your order is over $150* (before taxes, after any discounts are applied). 
    • Regular shipping is $15
    • Due to Covid-19, we are no longer able to offer “signature required” shipment methods. Canada Post policy is that all parcels will be left at the address or will be sent to local post office for pick up. If you bought a racing suit and are worried about theft in your area, we recommend choosing Purolator Express. 

      *some exclusions apply

      • Purolator Express [3-5 business days]
        • Express shipping is $45

          *Purolator does not ship to PO Boxes. Please enter a full shipping address. 

          Why does my order sometimes arrive incomplete?

          At times we may not be able to fulfill your entire order from one warehouse; and in order to keep delivery times down, we may split your order into two shipments so we can fulfill and ship your order quickly. This means your order will arrive in separate parcels, and you will be contacted and informed by one of our sales representatives if this is the case or the packing slip will inform you. 

          I have waited a while for my order and it hasn't arrived yet. Could it be lost?

          In the rare case that your order is lost. We will contact the shipping couriers for you to find where the package is. 

          Am I able to track my order?

          • Yes! Orders are shipped with Canada Post and can be tracked here
          • Please use your Web Order # as the reference number "W2XXXXX"
           

          Payment

          What are my payment options?

          • We are pleased to accept payment by VISA, MasterCard or American Express

          Sizing

          How do I know what size to order?

          • For suit sizing information please consult our sizing chart 
          • Female sizing can be comparable to a dress size - most brands actually don’t size by dress size. The female sizes are basically an arbitrary number that doesn’t really correlate to any measurement. But our size chart will indicate what dress size the “22, 24, 26, 28, etc.” is equivalent to
          • Men sizing comparable to waist size
          • You may also visit a retail location for fitting

          Note: In general we find that the TYR brand fits big compared to the Speedo brand.

          What’s the difference between girl’s size 26, 28, in a youth Speedo suit, and female size 26, 28 suit?

          As girls mature into women their body shapes alter. You may find it hard to get a proper fit for girls sizing. Speedo youth sizing is specifically designed for the younger girl swimmers and the size 26 and 28 correlate closely to girls' sizes 10 and 12. The following chart should help you determine whether to buy the girls' size or the youth size.

           

          Size

          Chest

          Waist

          Hip

          Youth 26/10

          28.5

          25

          30

          Youth 28/12

          30

          26

          32

          26

          31

          23

          33.5

          28

          32

          24

          34.5

          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 do I know if my goggles fit?

          Ideally you should be able to push the goggles onto your face without them falling off. An alternative test is to put the goggles on (without straps), grab the nosepiece and pull the goggles off your face. If you hear a pop and feel the suction on your face, then you know you have a good seal that is going to keep water out.

          Are fin sizes unisex, male or female?

          Fins are unisex and based off male sizing (e.g., 3-5, 5-7 etc.)

          • Women's should size down 1-2 (e.g., fin size 6 = women's size 7/8)

          Returns, Exchanges and Cancellations

          Can I cancel or add/change my order once I have placed it?

          • We can absolutely adjust/cancel your order, please reach out to info@team-aquatic.com with your order number and indicate any adjustments or cancellations you would like to your order. Please note that due to the large volumes of orders and inquiries, response times and adjustments will be significantly delayed during our cyberweek sale. We strongly recommend checking out our sizing charts, and reviewing your order before submitting it on our website.
          • In the event that you ordered the wrong size or colour, please see our section below on Returns/Exchanges. 

          In order to return unwanted items, please see the section below. Shipping charges are non refundable.

          Return Policy.

          At Team Aquatic Supplies, we value our customers and are committed to working together to meet expectations.

          We understand that sometimes your order isn’t quite right. If this happens, return the item(s) in original unused condition with all original packaging and tags in place within 30 days of the ship date, and we’ll refund you the purchase price. See terms and conditions below for details.

          Terms and Conditions:

          All approved returns, online and in-store, are processed by refund only; we do not accept exchanges. To save time and effort, simply place a new order.

          All returns are subject to inspection. All returns must be unused, unworn, unwashed, and without damage. All returns must have tags attached and original packaging.

          All Final Sale and Clearance items are not eligible for return or refund.

          Excluded items:

          Goggles, earplugs, nose clips, and all custom logo goods are not eligible for return or refund.

          Online Returns:

          • You have thirty (30) days from the date of your order to submit a return request and return your items at your cost.
          • All returns must be pre-authorized and include an authorization number. Please contact a TAS representative for an authorization number.
          • Returns received without an authorization number will not be accepted and not eligible for a refund or return.
          • Shipping and handling charges are non-refundable unless a returned item is determined to be defective or based on a TAS error.

          In-Store Returns:

          We are happy to accept your authorized return at one of our TAS retail stores for a refund. To make your return in-store, you need three things:

          1. An authorization number – contact a TAS representative for your authorization number before going to the store.
          2. Your merchandise is in its original condition, including all parts or accessories, with tags on and packaging intact.
          3. The credit card used for purchase.
          4. Your original receipt or packing slip.

          Special Sales and Discount Pricing

          Can I get the web sale pricing in one of your store locations?

          Some of our stores will run specials at the same time as the web special, but some web specials are only available online due to stock availability. If you are looking for a specific sale item in-store, please contact the location to confirm that they have the item and that the web special price applies. Contact information for all locations can be found here.

          Can I combine my Shark Card discount with a sale discount?

          Sorry, discounts cannot be combined.

          I live in British Columbia, is my order exempt from PST?

          All clothing and footwear for children under 15 are exempt from PST. Note that equipment and accessories do not qualify for PST exemption. To claim your PST exemption, download the PST exemption form, fill out Parts B and C and email it to info@team-aquatic.com with your web order number in the subject line. (Your web order number will have the format of W1000XXXXX. It can be found on the confirmation email that you are sent at check out.) One of our representatives will email you to confirm receipt of the form.

           

          Swimwear 

          What is the difference between a polyester suit and a Lycra® suit (sometimes called spandex)?

          Swimwear is available in many blends of materials.

          • Polyester is a material that is most resistant to harmful effects of chlorine. A polyester suit is best for those who swim two or more times a week. Training suits are often 100% polyester.
            • Proper care should still be taken with a polyester suit, rinsing it after each use, hanging it to dry, and not putting it in the washer or dryer.
            • Use our Swim Suit Cleaner to extend the life of your swim suit even longer
          • Lycra is a thinner fabric that is more delicate and less resistant to the affects of chlorine than polyester
            • Best for those who don't swim on a regular basis, younger swimmers starting out or competitive swimmers looking for a basic training suit. 
            • It is important to keep in mind that a Lycra suit is lighter and more stretchy than a polyester suit (which means that most people fit a size smaller than a polyester suit and it might feel more comfortable to wear)
          • In some cases swimsuits are a blend of polyester and PBT (a texturized polyester with a natural stretch) that gives the suit excellent resistance to the harmful effects of chlorine and makes them resistant to fading. If you are swimming many hours a week, this is most likely the suit for you.

          How can I make my bathing suit last longer?

          Every swimsuit has specific washing instructions on the tags or packaging. General recommendations include:

          • Hand wash with swimwear detergent, check out our Swim Suit Cleaner
          • Always avoid using chlorine based detergents or spot removers
          • Never put your swim wear in the washer or dryer
          • Hang to dry (for female suits hang by the bottom to prevent the straps from stretching out)
          • Avoid wringing, wrapping in wet towels or storing wet in a bag.

          Note: Wearing your swimsuit in hot tubs or pools will expose it to chlorine and other chemicals in the water and in some case may cause fading, wear and loss of elasticity. Light colours may become transparent under these conditions. This is normal wear and tear and not a manufacturer’s defect.

          What fabric is longest lasting in chlorine?

          Swimwear that contains polyester will hold up longest when exposed regularly to chlorinated water.

           

          What Equipment should I get?

          I am a new swim parent and I don't know what to get my kids.

          We understand if you are feeling stressed because you are unfamiliar with swimming gear. The following sections below will explain what each equipment is and what is appropriate for your swimmer. We have heard in many cities, the use of pool equipment such as kickboard, pull buoys, fins, etc. will be restricted due to Covid-19. This is to help reduce common touchpoints and keep everyone safe. So, if you typically borrow any equipment from the pool during your swims, you will need to start bringing your own to the pool. 

           

          Kickboard


          This item is a flotation device used to improve a swimmer's kick. An item commonly borrowed from the facility but due to restriction, you likely won’t be able to grab one as you walk on deck. It is therefore a good idea to have your own. Most of our kickboards are similar in shape and serve the same purpose. Different brands may add slightly varying features to enhance certain aspects. We carry junior kickboards and adult kickboards. The TAS Adult Rigid kickboard is the largest size, followed by the Finis yellow kickboard, Funky Trunks/ Funkita, and Dolfin Kickboard. The Finis Alignment kickboard is shorter in design from the standard kickboard but still an all ages kickboard. It is intended to put less pressure on the shoulders and promotes proper head alignment. 

          • If your swimmer is >165cm tall, we recommend purchasing a Junior size kickboard.
          • If your swimmer is <165cm tall, we recommend purchasing an Adult size kickboard, unless otherwise suggested by your swimmer’s coach. Some coaches prefer all swimmers use junior size kickboards.


          Pull Buoy


          The purpose of pullbuoys is to prevent your legs from kicking while swimming to focus on strengthening your pulls and core. The pull buoy provide extra buoyancy for your legs & hips, to bring your body position in line so you are more streamlined as you train since you will not be using your legs to kick as you normally would. This will help you  build core strength and slow down your stroke so you can focus on perfecting your movements. The pull buoy is placed between your inner thighs and holding it gently with your legs. Just like the kickboard, you likely won’t be able to borrow a pull buoy. We are presently in love with the fun colour options the Funkita / Funky Trunks Pull buoys are available in. Its size is also great for adults or kids!


          Fins

          Training fins are a tool used to improve your kick as well as your stroke technique. They are a important part of every swimmers training program and with grabbing fins from a communal bin being a no go, you will want to have your own pair. Be sure to properly size your fins to avoid blisters. All fins are unisex size. Follow this sizing chart for guidance. We recommend purchasing Finis socks to protect your feet and add comfort when using fins. Fins come in mainly two categories: long and short. Long fins are best for beginners to intermediate swimmers who are looking for easy speed, comfort, and flexibility in the kick. You have less range of motion but propels you along quicker. Short fins are more suitable for intermediate to experienced swimmers. The shorter blade will provide resistance to improve power in their kicks while still enabling swimmers to use the fins to train at race speeds as they will allow for faster kick rates. But also, provide enough propulsion for intermediate and advance level swimmers to use for slower technique swimming as well. Coaches tend to prefer short fins over long fins for training. 

          Paddles

          Paddles come in various shapes and sizes, so we recommend reading to the product descriptions. Finger paddles are designed to improve hand entry and catch. TAS carries the Arena Finger paddle. Hand paddles help swimmers develop upper body strength as they work the muscles in the back, chest, arms, and shoulders. They do this by stopping th water from flowing through your fingers and creating drag, allowing you to perform your arm pull with more power. Lastly, some paddles come with straps while others do not. Paddles wihout straps are designed so they fall off if your technique is wrong. Strapless designed paddles teach swimmers to apply positive pressure throughout their strokes. If the swimmer does not maintain palm positive technique through the stroke, this paddle will provide immediate feedback by shifting in place or falling off your hand. 

          It is important to know what size is best for you. A general rule to follow is that paddles should not be anymore than 10% bigger than your hand. All our paddles have measurements in the product images. If you are using a paddle that is too big, you are potentially inviting improper technique and overloading your shoulder muscles which can lead to injuries. That being said, the size of the paddle should also be dictacted by your experience as a swimmer. If you are a younger swimmer, we recommend starting with smaller paddles, and as you gain experience and strength, slowly increase the size. Paddles should not be used for more than 25% of your total workout to avoid becoming dependent. Overuse of paddles can lead to should problems since these devices put this area under excessive strain. To lessen the load, we recommend using a pull buoy along with this workout. Alternate swimming with and without paddles and try "combo drills" to lessen the strain. 


          Mesh Bag and Backpacks


          Finally, don’t forget you need something to carry all this gear! A Mesh bag is a convenient way to carry all your gear. The holes in the mesh are designed so that the equipment can dry in between uses, which helps prevent mold/ mildew from developing. All our meshbags are big enough to fit fins, kickboards, snorkels, and your essentials. We also carry various swim backpacks which are specially-designed for swimmers. These backpacks will have mesh pockets and sides included for wet gear storage. They are bigger than traditional sized school backpacks and have rubberized bottoms and waterproof fabric to hold all your gear and keep your belongings dry. 

           

          Equipment Maintenance

          What’s the best way to take care of my goggles?

          To help your goggles last longer, don’t loan them to others and don’t rest them on your forehead because over time this can change the shape of the silicone seal. Pull the goggles down around your neck or take them off if you are not wearing them. After swimming, rinse your goggles in water and hang them over a doorknob to dry (straps hanging down). We recommend you rinse your goggles in water with hand soap to keep the inside of the lenses clean and store your goggles in a goggles case to prevent the lenses from getting scratched in your swim bag.


          How do I prevent my goggles from fogging up?

          All goggle lenses have an anti-fog coating on the inside. This anti-fog coating will wear out over time, however rubbing the inside of the goggles with your finger or other objects will quicken this process and make your goggles fog up more quickly.  Even brand new goggles can start to fog up during really tough sets, when this happens we recommend quickly dipping your goggles in water to clear the fog rather than rubbing them with your finger, this will extend the life of the anti-fog coating. If this has started to happen, take a look at our aftermarket anti-fog coating. Spitting inside the lenses is also a well-known trick that works and it has to be done before each swim.

           

          Racing Suits

          Click HERE for our racing suit care and return information

          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.

          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 is a manufacturers defect?

          High Performance racing suits are technologically advanced suits designed to help you swim your very best but it is important to remember they are fragile. Their lightweight material and tight fit makes them very susceptible to being damaged. If treated delicately your suit should have a long life. For more information on how to care for your suit please check out our FAQ – “How to care for your racing suit”. Manufacturers have a limited warranty for defects. For defects, we require a receipt and clear pictures of the defect.

          Maunfacturers defects include issues such as:
          1. Bonding separation/ Seam Splitting
          2. Seam Unravelling

          Bonding Separation             Unravelling
            1) Bonding Separation                    2) Seam Unravelling

          If you believe you have a suit with a manufacturers defect, please contact your nearest store or email info@team-aquatic.com with:

          • Original purchase receipt or order number
          • Details on wear history ( how many meets )
          • Images of the defect (for online / email support claims )

          Limited warranty does not cover damage caused by the swimmer (even if unintentional) this is NOT considered a manufacturers defect. This includes but is not limited to
          1. Holes in any form
          -Often created by fingers, being snagged on something or too much pressure being applied to the suit. Below is an image which is a finger hole and would not be deemed a manufacturers defect. 
            Finger hole

           The videos below have a step by step guide you can follow to put on your racing suit

           

           

          Custom Teamwear

          Team Aquatic Supplies provide custom logos and decoration on items including  swimwear, apparel, equipment, and swim caps. Delivery times vary depending on the item(s) you order. Please contact our TAS sales experts at the location nearest you for more info, pricing, and options.

          All Custom Teamwear is FINAL SALE.

          Services Include embroidery, heat pressing, and silk screening.

          Covid-19 New Pool Regulations

          Pool Restrictions/ Protocols
          Swimming Canada has released a return to swim document which outlines details on how clubs can safely operate/ implement a return to swim program. A major guideline that stands out in this document is starting with the limitation of 1 swimmer per lane, although some provincial regulations allow for more if physical distancing of 2 meters is maintained. Restrictions on capacity will therefore really vary but, in all cases some sort of capacity restriction will exist on how many people can be on deck/ in the pool at a time. 
          It will also likely be required that you sanitize your hands upon entry into the facility, pools will be required to have sanitizer available for swimmers to use. But it might be handy to have your own small bottle. Masks have been made required in some cities like Toronto and in others they currently recommended but the situation continues to change. 
          Additional efforts to maintain physical distancing in facilities such as one-way traffic measures for showers, changerooms, and washrooms will also be common. With some facilities even completely closing off access to changeroom facilities to support physical distancing. So before you head to the pool, make sure to check if the change rooms will be available. 

          Here are some additional resources on Back to Pool protocols:


          These links are provided as reference only, please check with your local government/ facility/ club for specific details surrounding your pool.

          Stretchcordz

          Limited Training Hours


          Due to limitations on the number of swimmers able to be in the pool, many facilities are limiting access by requiring reservations or placing capacity caps on how many athletes can be in the pool, making it a first come first serve type situation. You therefore might not be able to get in the amount of training hours you are used to and might want to consider, supplementing your pool work outs. Our swim expert pick to help you do this is the NZ Stretchcordz with paddles. Using them between pool session will help develop and condition those muscles that maybe haven’t got as much use over the past few months. They are available in a variety of tensions.

          Paddles or handles? Which one is best?

            • The paddle option is by far the most popular with swimmers as you can mimic all 4 stroke movements, and really emphasize good technique.
            • The paddles are not as versatile as the handles but generally you can order heavier resistances since you will be using major muscle groups.
            • The handle option can also work to mimic swim stroke movements, but its best use is for more dryland specific exercises. See the Youtube link below for some ideas!
            • We recommend ordering a lighter resistance for the cord with handles, as you can target many smaller muscle groups (such as rotator cuff muscles).
            • The handles are also a great tool for injury prevention exercises and targeting stabilizing muscles.
          • What tension to choose?
            • Checkout the chart that breaks down each colour with a range of tension.
            • From our own experience this is what we would recommend.
              • Silver: 11-12 year old, novel swimmer.
              • Yellow: 12-13 year old, more experienced swimmer training 5+ times a week.
              • Green: 13-16 year old. Older provincial to national level swimmers. Experienced with strength training.
              • Red: 17+ strong older mature swimmers, experienced with weight training.
          • What if the tension I want is not available?
            • The good thing about these cords is that you can play around with the tension even if you only have one tension to work with. For example, if you were looking for the yellow tension but it is not available, you can go down one tension to the silver cord and focus on higher repetitions for a longer amount of time. If you want more tension, simply take a step or two further back.  Same thing goes for going up a tension level to the green. You can focus on less repetitions for a shorter time (strength focused).
          • What exercises can I do with both?

          Longbelt vs Shortbelt – Which one is right for me?

          • What is the difference between the long and short belt?
            • The long belt is used to add resistance when swimming to improve strength and stamina. It works best in a full length pool as the swimmer can usually swim all the way to the other end, and then sprint back.  It can be used for stationary swimming as well.
            • The short belt is used for more stationary swimming as well as push-off drills. This is the perfect option if you are limited to swim in a small pool.
          • What tension to choose?
            • These follow a similar guideline to the dryland cords we carry. 
              • Checkout the chart that breaks down each colour with a range of tension.
              • From our own experience this is what we would recommend.
                • Silver: 11-12 year old, novel swimmer.
                • Yellow: 12-13 year old, more experienced swimmer training 5+ times a week.
                • Green: 13-16 year old. Older provincial to national level swimmers. Experienced with strength training.
                • Red: 17+ strong older mature swimmers, experienced with weight training.
            • However, for the shortbelt we recommend the higher resistance to more experienced swimmers (training 5+ times a week.)
          • What if the tension I want is not available?
            • Similar to the dryland cords, if the exact tension you want is not available you are able to compensate by going up or down and adjust the workout.
            • For example, if you have to choose a lighter tension for the short belt, it means you will likely get more distance/stretch but you will still be able to do the same style of drills. You could also do stationary kicking with a board or pulling with a pull bouy if you are using a lighter resistance.
          • Is there any other equipment I can use with one of these belts?
            • Absolutely! We have few recommendations for equipment you can try:
              • Use a belt with a lighter tension and work on kicking with a kickboard, sculling, or 1 arm drills.
              • With the higher tension belts, put some fins on and work on your power and sprints!
              • One of the best tools for swimming with a belt is the snorkel! Switch things up and focus on head position.
              • For those really interested in perfecting their technique, consider purchasing an under-water mirror. There’s no better way to fix your technique than being able to watch yourself stroke by stroke, especially when swimming on the spot!