What Your Favorite Piece of Equipment Says About You
Every swimmer knows the feeling of digging through their mesh bag during practice. The fins are wedged under the paddles, the snorkel is somehow twisted into the straps of the mesh bag, and the pull buoy is always missing when you need it most. Still, once you find that one piece of equipment you love most, the set suddenly feels a little more manageable.
It is funny how a simple training tool can make such a difference. Sometimes your favorite gear helps you feel faster. Other times it gives you confidence or even just a small mental break. Either way, your go-to piece of equipment is more than just plastic, foam, or rubber. It is a reflection of your swimming personality.
So what does your favorite piece of equipment say about you? Let’s find out.
Kickboard
If the kickboard is your favorite, you are probably a creature of rhythm and routine. You love feeling the power of your legs propelling you forward, and you know that a strong kick is the foundation of fast swimming. You take pride in tough kick sets, and your teammates know you are someone who does not shy away from the burn.
At the same time, you probably enjoy the chance to sneak in a quick chat at the wall during longer kick sets. Kickboard lovers are often team players who value both the grind of practice and the friendships that make swimming fun.
Pull Buoy
Pull buoy fans are the thinkers of the group. You enjoy the smooth glide of pulling and the way it allows you to focus on stroke mechanics without worrying about your legs. When you pick up your buoy, you are not just training your arms, you are crafting your perfect stroke.
Swimmers who favor the pull buoy are often calm and steady, both in the pool and outside of it. You are reliable, methodical, and never afraid to slow down to get something right. You probably also believe your freestyle looks best when your legs are simply along for the ride.
Fins
FINIS Edge Fins
If fins are your favorite, you are all about speed. Few things beat the rush of sprinting with fins, water rushing past as if you are flying. Fin lovers tend to have big personalities and big energy. You probably like fast sets more than distance training, and you enjoy pushing yourself until your legs feel like jelly.
Fin fans are adventurous, enthusiastic, and fun to be around. You bring excitement to practice and make even the hardest sets feel more upbeat.
Snorkel
Snorkel swimmers are serious about details. You understand that every angle of body position matters, and you are willing to put in the extra effort to refine your craft. You are thoughtful, analytical, and incredibly focused in practice. Sometimes, though, you just appreciate the steady breathing and the fact that the snorkel blocks your view of the coach pacing up and down the pool deck.
Snorkel fans are often the quiet ones during sets, but when it comes to racing, their precision pays off. You are the type of teammate others look to for consistent effort and dedication.
Paddles
If paddles are your go-to, you are strong, competitive, and not afraid of a little shoulder burn. You enjoy the challenge of feeling resistance in the water and the reward of powering through it.
Paddle swimmers often see themselves as leaders in the lane, setting the pace and motivating others to keep up. You may have a little bit of a daring streak too, because paddles can be unforgiving. One wrong angle and they remind you who is in charge.
Parachute or Drag Socks
If drag equipment is your favorite, you are tough. Really tough. You are the type of swimmer who thrives on hard work and takes pride in grinding through the most challenging sets. You understand that the more difficult training is now, the easier racing will feel later.
Teammates probably describe you as gritty and determined. You are not afraid to struggle because you know that is how progress is made.
Mesh Bag
It may not be training equipment, but if the mesh bag is your favorite, you are organized and proud of your swimmer identity. Your bag is not just a place to store gear, it is a reflection of who you are. You probably have it decorated with team tags, pins, or other personal touches.
Mesh bag fans are social, outgoing, and deeply connected to the community that comes with being part of a swim team. You are the person who makes teammates feel welcome and included.
No matter which piece of equipment is your favorite, each one serves a purpose. A kickboard builds powerful legs. Paddles strengthen your pull. Snorkels refine body position. Fins give you a taste of speed while training endurance. Even the trusty mesh bag plays a role by keeping you organized and prepared.
Your favorite piece of gear says something about your strengths and personality, but the truth is that the best swimmers learn how to use them all. Champions are not defined by a single tool.
They are defined by their ability to take advantage of everything available to them and apply it in practice every day.
So next time you reach for your favorite piece of equipment, remember that it is more than just a training tool. It is a reflection of who you are in the water, a symbol of your personality, and a reminder that every swimmer has their own unique style.
