Swimming Essentials for Triathletes

For those who are just starting out, the swim can be one of the most intimidating parts of participating in a triathlon. It’s hard to know what gear you need to be successful when you’re just starting out, so we’ve compiled a list of the most important items you’ll need to prepare and train for the swim. 

Goggles

Let’s start off first and foremost with goggles. These are a clear necessity for the swim portion of the triathlon. You want to get a good pair of swim goggles that won’t leak or slip off during the race. We recommend a wider-angled goggle for triathlon so you are able to maintain a wide field of vision while swimming out on the course. There are different types of lens as well! You could choose a clear or polarized pair of goggles depending on setting or preference.

Training Suit

Shop Speedo Swimwear at Bikes Palm Beach

You will need a good training suit when preparing for a triathlon as you will be spending a lot of time in it (trust us). Make sure to get a comfortable suit made with good material—you want it to last. There are multiple different options to choose from as far as training suits go. You could go with a tri suit that you can wear throughout the swim, bike, and run. You can also go with a 2-piece tri set or a pair of swim shorts/speedo. It all depends on your preference and what you feel most comfortable in.

Swim Buoy

Shop New Wave Swim Buoys at Bikes Palm Beach

A swim buoy is a great device to have while open water swimming. Conditions are often unpredictable, it’s important to be prepared in the event that you need any assistance—especially when swimming in open water. Swim buoys add a level of visibility to oncoming boaters, jet skiers, and other maritime travelers. Overall, they add an extra layer of safety to your swims—one you’ll be glad you had should you end up needing it.

Swim Cap

A swim cap is required in triathlon, so it helps to get comfortable wearing one before race day. There are several types available—neoprene, silicone, and latex. Which to choose depends largely on where you will be doing most of your training. 

Hydration & Nutrition

Bikes Palm Beach has the largest selection of Hydration & Nutrition products in the area. Stop by our store in Juno Beach, Florida for staff recommendations and to browse our nutrition wall.

  • The Right Stuff
  • Nuun
  • Skratch Labs
  • Hammer Nutrition
  • Tailwind
  • Gu
  • Honey Stinger
  • Clif Bar
  • Tailwind Nutrition
  • Picky Bars
  • First Endurance

When it comes to getting started in the sport of triathlon, Bikes Palm Beach offers the gear you need to get you going. We also have many staff, including the owners, on site to answer any questions you have about training, gear, and competition, too. Our tri-geeks love talking all things triathlons with other triathletes, whether you’re new and up-coming or seasoned in the sport. We hope you’ll come by and meet us.

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