It’s tempting to buy all the gear but the most powerful piece of equipment is you. Showing up, being consistent, and building strength slowly and sustainably.
Start with a well-fitting suit, comfortable goggles, and a few basic tools to support your technique. Use what helps and ignore the rest. To find your best swimsuit fit read our quick guide on swimsuit fit and if you would like more detail, check out how to find your best swimsuit fit.
At Face the Water, we believe that when women feel supported in fit, in gear, and in community, they swim stronger. This guide is just the beginning.
The Basics: What You Need to Get Started
1. A swimsuit that moves with you, not against you
Resort swimwear might look cute, but they don’t always hold up when you’re doing laps. Look for a suit that’s streamlined, snug (but not tight), and made to stay put during real movement. Racerback styles, chlorine resistant fabric, and designs made for bust support can make all the difference. Need help? That’s literally what we do. Take the Fit Quiz to find your best fit.
2. Goggles made for women’s faces
A good seal can make or break your swim. Look for goggles designed specifically for smaller or narrower face shapes. These tend to sit more comfortably and leak less. Many women prefer softer silicone frames and split head straps for a more secure fit. Zoggs, Speedo, and Vorgee all have women’s fit models worth trying. Goggles don't last forever, generally, goggles should be replaced every 3- 6 months, especially for frequent swimmers. However, the actual lifespan can vary depending on how often you swim, how you care for your goggles, and the type of goggles you use. Check out the Women's Fit Speedo googles.
3. A swim cap or two
Keeps hair out of your face, reduces drag, and protects your hair from chlorine. Silicone caps are softer and last longer than latex. If you’re swimming outdoors in colder water, consider layering a standard cap under a neoprene swim cap for extra warmth. These are a game changer for winter ocean swimming. Want to try a Neoprene cap - check out Orca's selection here.
Nice to Haves That Level Up Your Training
Kickboard
Helps isolate your legs, allowing you to focus on your kick. Great for drills, technique work, or building leg strength.
Pull Buoy
Sits between your thighs and floats your legs, allowing you to work just your arms. Also helps develop good body position.
Fins
Fins add propulsion, improve ankle flexibility, and can reinforce proper technique. DMC fins are a top pick for many ocean swimmers and triathletes. They’re short blade, soft silicone, and come in a great range of sizes. Speedo has collaborated with DMC, combining Speedo’s design with DMC’s premium silicone construction. They’re light, fast, and popular with swimmers who care about form as much as speed.
Tip: Many public pools have these tools available to borrow or ask a friend if you can try theirs. Try before you buy.
Getting Comfortable with Pool Clocks
Most pools have either
Sweep clocks (those big analog ones with colored hands)
Digital clocks
These help you time rest, intervals, and pacing. If you're new, just knowing where the clocks are and glancing at them before you push off can help you feel more in control during sets.
Smart Tools That Help
Smart Watches
Modern fitness watches like Garmin or Apple Watch offer swim tracking that’s surprisingly accurate. They count laps, measure stroke rate, track heart rate, and even monitor rest intervals. If you’re training solo, it’s a great way to keep yourself accountable and track progress over time.
Things to Skip or Use with Caution
Webbed gloves: More useful in aqua fitness than swim training
Drag suits and ankle weights: These can mess with your alignment and encourage poor technique
Hand paddles: Only use once you’ve developed consistent stroke mechanics. They add resistance and can strain shoulders if used too early or too often
Need help finding your perfect swim kit?
We specialise in performance swimwear and gear for women who swim for strength, joy, and connection. Explore our range here
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