Quick Dip: What Should I Pack for a Swimming Competition?

A short read for the car journey

Category: Meet Preparation  | Read time: Under 2 minutes

A swimming competition can last much longer than a training session, so packing the right things will help you stay comfortable and ready to race.

Start with the kit you need to swim: your race swimwear, club cap and goggles. Pack a spare cap and a second pair of goggles if you have them. Use goggles that you have already worn in training rather than trying a new pair on race day.

Bring towels, poolside shoes and enough club clothing to stay warm between races. Poolside can feel cool when you are wet, even if the building felt warm when you arrived.

You will also need a filled water bottle and enough food for the time you expect to be at the competition. Plan this with your parent or carer and check the meet information before you leave.

Pack your bag the night before if you can. Put your name on your kit and keep the things you need for racing where you can find them quickly.

Your parent or carer can help, but try to know what is inside your own bag. Being able to find and look after your kit is part of becoming a more independent swimmer.

Before you leave, check that you have picked up everything you brought. Look around the team area and make sure your cap, goggles, towels, poolside shoes and water bottle are back in your bag. This helps prevent your kit from ending up in lost property.

Ask your coach: Is there anything extra I need to bring to our next competition?

Created by Basingstoke Bluefins Coaching Team