Open water swimming can be as grueling as it is fun, so to be sure you and your crew are prepared here is a little guide to get you started.
First Aid Pack
Overstating the obvious I'm sure, but better safe than sorry right? A good pack will not only include band aids and antiseptics but gauze, tape, and maybe even sunscreen. Check out Kiefer's here
Water
Not sports drinks. Just good old water. If electrolytes are an issue for you there are far better options out there than sugared up flavored beverages.
Snacks
Easy to consume of course! So where do you get the best bang for your buck? That might depend on your swimmer but protein packed trail mix bars are a good start. Nut protein, a little sugar, and some carbs.
Vaseline/Chaffing Stick
Suit burns! Oh they hurt, but a little strategically placed vaseline could be a lifesaver.
Goggles
Yes of course you have them and are wearing them, but a back up pair would be a good extra to carry. Chances are your suit will be okay, but goggle malfunctions are fairly common. Make sure they are already sized and ready to fit on your head should you need them.
Whistle
While small and inexpensive, a whistle can be a lifesaver if a dangerous situation pops up…plus it’s a good way for your guide to get your attention when you’re zoning out!
2024 is the year of the Olympics. In Paris, Olympians are competing in swimming events in hopes of winning the gold medal for their country. Want to start training like...
2024 is the year of the Olympics. In Paris, Olympians are competing in swimming events in hopes of winning the gold medal for their country. Want to start training like...
Have you ever noticed how long a negative comment hangs with you? Do you remember the last time someone told you how nice you looked? The last time someone insulted...
Have you ever noticed how long a negative comment hangs with you? Do you remember the last time someone told you how nice you looked? The last time someone insulted...
While swim equipment may not be as glitzy as a new iPad or the latest smart phone, it can still make a great holiday gift. I'm not recommending Grandparents going...
While swim equipment may not be as glitzy as a new iPad or the latest smart phone, it can still make a great holiday gift. I'm not recommending Grandparents going...
"I'm 62 years old and started lap swimming in a size 16 swimsuit about 4 years ago. My knees were shot my cholesterol terrible, had neck issues and after two...
"I'm 62 years old and started lap swimming in a size 16 swimsuit about 4 years ago. My knees were shot my cholesterol terrible, had neck issues and after two...
Traditions. In my experience torturous traditions, but traditions non the less. In my club swimming days I fondly recall swimming outdoors on New Year's Day swimming 99 x 100's in...
Traditions. In my experience torturous traditions, but traditions non the less. In my club swimming days I fondly recall swimming outdoors on New Year's Day swimming 99 x 100's in...
Swimmer problems. We all have them. Many related to the chemicals we are subjected to daily, sometimes twice daily. Green hair, split ends, dry, itchy skin, and the smell. When...
Swimmer problems. We all have them. Many related to the chemicals we are subjected to daily, sometimes twice daily. Green hair, split ends, dry, itchy skin, and the smell. When...
Thanksgiving is almost here and there are some super important decisions to be made. Do you swim then eat? Or eat then swim? Or maybe for that extra indulgence do...
Thanksgiving is almost here and there are some super important decisions to be made. Do you swim then eat? Or eat then swim? Or maybe for that extra indulgence do...
This one is for all you parents out there that often put your own needs on the back burner to help out your kiddos. You are awesome! Sometimes your meal...
This one is for all you parents out there that often put your own needs on the back burner to help out your kiddos. You are awesome! Sometimes your meal...
Hand paddles are a stalwart in most swimmers bags. Let me tell you why. Paddles add variety to workouts, correction to technique and build strength. Using paddles can help swimmers...
Hand paddles are a stalwart in most swimmers bags. Let me tell you why. Paddles add variety to workouts, correction to technique and build strength. Using paddles can help swimmers...
Swimsuits have a long history that dates back to the 1700s. Naturally, the materials and fabrics that we use for swimsuits are nothing like those worn back then. With the...
Swimsuits have a long history that dates back to the 1700s. Naturally, the materials and fabrics that we use for swimsuits are nothing like those worn back then. With the...
1. They might fall asleep on your date. Swimmers train at least once a day and sometimes twice. We get up early, work hard, get through our day and usually...
1. They might fall asleep on your date. Swimmers train at least once a day and sometimes twice. We get up early, work hard, get through our day and usually...
Women and men’s division II college rankings are here! Check out where your favorites may fall and get ready to cheer them on through the final stretch of the season....
Women and men’s division II college rankings are here! Check out where your favorites may fall and get ready to cheer them on through the final stretch of the season....
Men Texas: Led by long time storied coach Eddie Reese. The Longhorns are multiple time national champions and the leaders in most of this year's polls. Georgia: With head coach...
Men Texas: Led by long time storied coach Eddie Reese. The Longhorns are multiple time national champions and the leaders in most of this year's polls. Georgia: With head coach...
So, you're at the pool, ready to do some laps and enjoy a nice swim. But wait, what's this? A rude swimmer in your lane, splashing around like they own...
So, you're at the pool, ready to do some laps and enjoy a nice swim. But wait, what's this? A rude swimmer in your lane, splashing around like they own...
So, you've got your swim cap ready, but the thought of putting it on without yanking out half your hair is daunting. Fear not, dear reader! With these step-by-step instructions,...
So, you've got your swim cap ready, but the thought of putting it on without yanking out half your hair is daunting. Fear not, dear reader! With these step-by-step instructions,...
Technical suits have been a hot topic in the swim industry lately. Between the age group ban that was recently approved, going into effect 2019 https://www.kiefer.com/blog/understanding-12-technical-suit-ban, and all the razzle...
Technical suits have been a hot topic in the swim industry lately. Between the age group ban that was recently approved, going into effect 2019 https://www.kiefer.com/blog/understanding-12-technical-suit-ban, and all the razzle...
Whether you’ve never been in the water before or your experience is limited my advice is quite predictable. Try it out. Get in that pool. Why? Swimming is unique. Not...
Whether you’ve never been in the water before or your experience is limited my advice is quite predictable. Try it out. Get in that pool. Why? Swimming is unique. Not...
When it comes to water safety nothing is more important than education and experience. Eliminating the stigma of fear is the first step to keeping children water safe. Once they...
When it comes to water safety nothing is more important than education and experience. Eliminating the stigma of fear is the first step to keeping children water safe. Once they...
Attention open water swimmers! Let's stay safe out there and take a look at our highly visible, bright orange, safer swimmer buoys. Even if you are the most competent and...
Attention open water swimmers! Let's stay safe out there and take a look at our highly visible, bright orange, safer swimmer buoys. Even if you are the most competent and...
Accept help It can be hard to accept criticism or correction, but remembering your coach is part of Team You is imperative. Without an outside eye, an athlete can miss...
Accept help It can be hard to accept criticism or correction, but remembering your coach is part of Team You is imperative. Without an outside eye, an athlete can miss...
Welcome back to part four of our six-part series on increasing speed. As we round out our strokes with this final edition, please don’t forget to check back in for...
Welcome back to part four of our six-part series on increasing speed. As we round out our strokes with this final edition, please don’t forget to check back in for...
Pool Problems Solved: Messy Pool Deck Running a clean and efficient aquatic facility doesn’t have to be a daily struggle. Kiefer can help you provide your members with variety and...
Pool Problems Solved: Messy Pool Deck Running a clean and efficient aquatic facility doesn’t have to be a daily struggle. Kiefer can help you provide your members with variety and...
Welcome back to part three of our swimming faster series, if you are new, please check out our previous editions featuring butterfly (LINK) and backstroke (LINK). Today we are going...
Welcome back to part three of our swimming faster series, if you are new, please check out our previous editions featuring butterfly (LINK) and backstroke (LINK). Today we are going...
NCAA Championships begin in March of 2015 and while comprehensive rankings are floating all over the internet, no one really knows what will happen come the Big Meet. This year,...
NCAA Championships begin in March of 2015 and while comprehensive rankings are floating all over the internet, no one really knows what will happen come the Big Meet. This year,...
Competing in a triathlon requires a lot of mental preparation and willpower. If you're challenging yourself with one of these events, congratulations! If this is your first time, we've got...
Competing in a triathlon requires a lot of mental preparation and willpower. If you're challenging yourself with one of these events, congratulations! If this is your first time, we've got...
1. Health Swimming is a great sport for all ages and abilities. It is low impact and engages a maximum number of muscles in one go. A swimming lifestyle boasts...
1. Health Swimming is a great sport for all ages and abilities. It is low impact and engages a maximum number of muscles in one go. A swimming lifestyle boasts...
Highlights: Hydrodynamics, which involves reducing water resistance to improve swim efficiency, is crucial for faster and less tiring swimming. High-quality swimwear, caps, and goggles reduce drag, with tech suits providing...
Highlights: Hydrodynamics, which involves reducing water resistance to improve swim efficiency, is crucial for faster and less tiring swimming. High-quality swimwear, caps, and goggles reduce drag, with tech suits providing...
Highlights: Always swim with a buddy, wear visible gear, and use flotation devices to enhance safety and visibility. These precautions help prevent accidents and ensure assistance is readily available. Practice...
Highlights: Always swim with a buddy, wear visible gear, and use flotation devices to enhance safety and visibility. These precautions help prevent accidents and ensure assistance is readily available. Practice...
Highlights: Water temperature significantly affects muscle function and endurance, with cold water leading to stiffness and warm water causing early fatigue. Adjust swim practices based on water temperature, including proper...
Highlights: Water temperature significantly affects muscle function and endurance, with cold water leading to stiffness and warm water causing early fatigue. Adjust swim practices based on water temperature, including proper...
Highlights: Water resistance training enhances muscle strength and overall fitness by leveraging natural resistance. Equipment like paddles, fins, and resistance bands target different muscle groups and improve workout intensity. Sample...
Highlights: Water resistance training enhances muscle strength and overall fitness by leveraging natural resistance. Equipment like paddles, fins, and resistance bands target different muscle groups and improve workout intensity. Sample...
Highlights: Competitive swimming involves various strokes and events, offering both individual and team competition formats. Joining a local swim team and having a coach is crucial for structured training and...
Highlights: Competitive swimming involves various strokes and events, offering both individual and team competition formats. Joining a local swim team and having a coach is crucial for structured training and...
Key Insights: Proper pool chemistry is crucial for maintaining swimmer health and performance. Chlorine sanitizes water, while pH balancers and algaecides maintain water quality and clarity. Common pool chemicals, including...
Key Insights: Proper pool chemistry is crucial for maintaining swimmer health and performance. Chlorine sanitizes water, while pH balancers and algaecides maintain water quality and clarity. Common pool chemicals, including...
Key Insights: Swimwear fabrics include polyester, PBT, and Lycra, each offering unique benefits like durability, elasticity, and chlorine resistance. Water resistance and quick-drying features in fabrics reduce drag and improve...
Key Insights: Swimwear fabrics include polyester, PBT, and Lycra, each offering unique benefits like durability, elasticity, and chlorine resistance. Water resistance and quick-drying features in fabrics reduce drag and improve...
Highlights: Swim meets involve various events like freestyle and relays; understanding the schedule and rules is key. Essential items to pack include swimwear, goggles, towels, and snacks, with optional items...
Highlights: Swim meets involve various events like freestyle and relays; understanding the schedule and rules is key. Essential items to pack include swimwear, goggles, towels, and snacks, with optional items...
Swimming, while a low-impact sport, is not without its risks of injury. Understanding the most common swimming injuries and how to prevent and treat them can help swimmers of all...
Swimming, while a low-impact sport, is not without its risks of injury. Understanding the most common swimming injuries and how to prevent and treat them can help swimmers of all...
Understanding water safety is crucial for anyone engaging in water activities. Knowing how to navigate different swimming environments safely can prevent accidents and ensure enjoyable experiences. This introduction to water...
Understanding water safety is crucial for anyone engaging in water activities. Knowing how to navigate different swimming environments safely can prevent accidents and ensure enjoyable experiences. This introduction to water...
For swimmers looking to enhance their technique and performance, integrating swim training tools into their routine can be a game changer. These tools are designed to target specific aspects of...
For swimmers looking to enhance their technique and performance, integrating swim training tools into their routine can be a game changer. These tools are designed to target specific aspects of...
Swimming is not just an essential life skill but also a gateway to a lifetime of water-based adventures. Swim lessons offer numerous benefits, especially when children start learning at a...
Swimming is not just an essential life skill but also a gateway to a lifetime of water-based adventures. Swim lessons offer numerous benefits, especially when children start learning at a...
Swimming is a symphony of motion, requiring every body part to move harmoniously. Mobility for swimmers plays a crucial role in defining the ability to move freely and easily through...
Swimming is a symphony of motion, requiring every body part to move harmoniously. Mobility for swimmers plays a crucial role in defining the ability to move freely and easily through...
Flexibility is a critical but often overlooked component of swimming performance. Not only does it enhance the efficiency of every stroke, but it also plays a significant role in preventing...
Flexibility is a critical but often overlooked component of swimming performance. Not only does it enhance the efficiency of every stroke, but it also plays a significant role in preventing...
Are you looking to boost your endurance for long-distance swimming? Whether you're a competitive swimmer or aiming to improve your fitness routine, mastering swimming endurance is key. But where do...
Are you looking to boost your endurance for long-distance swimming? Whether you're a competitive swimmer or aiming to improve your fitness routine, mastering swimming endurance is key. But where do...
The quest for Olympic glory in swimming is a multifaceted journey, where every detail counts—especially nutrition. Understanding the pivotal role of nutrition for swimmers can make all the difference. Competitive...
The quest for Olympic glory in swimming is a multifaceted journey, where every detail counts—especially nutrition. Understanding the pivotal role of nutrition for swimmers can make all the difference. Competitive...
The road to the Olympics is paved with dedication, rigorous training, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. As the 2024 Olympics in Paris approach, the spotlight intensifies on the athletes...
The road to the Olympics is paved with dedication, rigorous training, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. As the 2024 Olympics in Paris approach, the spotlight intensifies on the athletes...
Swimming goes beyond being a mere physical activity; it's a powerful medium that harmonizes body and mind. The benefits of swimming extend beyond physical fitness, emphasizing the impact it has...
Swimming goes beyond being a mere physical activity; it's a powerful medium that harmonizes body and mind. The benefits of swimming extend beyond physical fitness, emphasizing the impact it has...
Swimming provides numerous advantages for overall body health. However, to fully gain these benefits and reduce the likelihood of injury, it is essential to practice correct swimming techniques. Practices that...
Swimming provides numerous advantages for overall body health. However, to fully gain these benefits and reduce the likelihood of injury, it is essential to practice correct swimming techniques. Practices that...
Bloomington, IL 04/01/2024— In a significant stride towards drowning prevention, Kiefer Aquatics, a leader in swimwear and aquatic gear, announces its partnership with No More Under, a Seattle-based nonprofit dedicated...
Bloomington, IL 04/01/2024— In a significant stride towards drowning prevention, Kiefer Aquatics, a leader in swimwear and aquatic gear, announces its partnership with No More Under, a Seattle-based nonprofit dedicated...
