Last Updated on November 15, 2022 by admin
In this article, we have provided a guide to help choose the correct swim cap for both training and competition, in the pool and open water.
Why wear a swim cap?
There are many reasons why a competitive swimmer should wear a swim cap. These include,
Ensuring swimming goggles stay in place
Many competitive swimmers wear two swim caps, especially during competition.
- To help ensure that their goggles stay in place.
- Putting on their first swim cap,
- This is usually made of silicone,
- Although some swimmers prefer their first cap to be made of latex,
- As they find it can give them a better grip, although latex can be prone to wrinkling.
- Then putting their goggles on over their first cap,
- Finally putting on their second swim cap,
- This is usually made of silicone as they are less prone to wrinkling and therefore it provides a smoother surface, thus reducing drag.
Reducing drag
Wearing a swim cap can help to reduce drag.
- Especially if the swimmer has long hair.
Related article on how to reduce swimming drag
We have produced a related article on how to reduce swimming drag. You can view it by clicking this link: how to reduce swimming drag
Protecting hair from the effects of chlorine and saltwater
Regular swimming in either chlorinated or salt water can damage a swimmer’s hair.
- Wearing a swim cap can help protect the hair from serious damage.
Related article on swimming hair care: an introduction
We have produced a related article on swimming hair care: an introduction. You can view it by clicking this link: swimming hair care an introduction
Keeping the swimmer’s hair out of their eyes
One of the most obvious benefits of wearing a swim cap is that it helps to keep the swimmer’s hair out of their eyes whilst swimming.
- This can be especially useful if they have long hair.
Ensuring earplugs stay in place
Many competitive swimmers wear earplugs.
- Wearing a swim cap can help ensure that they stay in place.
Related article on swimming earplugs for competitive swimmers
We have produced a related article on swimming earplugs for competitive swimmers. You can view it by clicking this link: swimming earplugs for competitive swimmers
Identification during competition
Most competitive swimming clubs produce their own swim caps for their members to wear during competition
- Not only does this provide the swimmer with a sense of club unity,
- But perhaps more importantly it enables coaches, teammates, officials and spectators to identify individual swimmers more easily, from the many other competing swimmers.
Hygiene
- At some pools swim caps are a mandatory part of their swimming hygiene procedures.
Identification, safety and warmth in open water
Whilst swimming in open water, a swim cap can have the following additional benefits,
- To identify an individual swimmer or his classification during competition.
- Safety: many open-water swim caps are produced in bright colours,
- Making the swimmer more visible to other water users.
- Some open-water swim caps are made from neoprene,
- To help keep a swimmer’s head warm in cooler water temperatures.
Types of pool swim caps
There are two main types of swim caps for the pool, those made from latex and those made from silicone.
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Latex swim caps
- Latex swim caps are made from latex rubber
Pros:
Comfortable
- Latex swim caps are comfortable to wear
Breathable
- Some competitive swimmers find them more breathable than silicone swim caps and prefer to wear them during training
Cost
- They are a cheaper option than a silicone swim cap
Cons:
Wrinkle
- Latex swim caps tend to wrinkle, adding drag
Lack durability
- They also tend to be more susceptible to tearing than swim caps made from silicone
Allergic reaction
- Some swimmers have an allergic reaction to latex.
Silicone Swim Caps
- Silicone swim caps are made from silicone rubber
Pros:
More durable
- They tend to be more durable than latex swim caps, having better stretching qualities
Hypoallergenic
- They are hypoallergenic; therefore, they are unlikely to cause an allergic reaction
Easier to fit
- Many swimmers find silicone caps easier to fit as they are often slightly thicker than those made from latex
Preferred choice during competition
- Silicone is the most popular choice of top swimmers during competition
Cons:
Cost
Silicone swim caps are usually more expensive than those made from latex
Thickness
They are usually thicker and less breathable than those made from latex.
- Prompting some swimmers to train using latex swim caps
Many of our swimmers use and recommend the Arena Unisex Silicone Swim Cap.
It’s made from silicone and they find it comfortable and a quality product.
- Classic fit.
- PVC-free.
- A reinforced edge prevents the cap from slipping.
Open-water swim cap
Many of our swimmers use the Zone3 Silicone Swim Cap when open water swimming. It is made from silicone, which they find comfortable, warm and reasonably priced.
- High-quality 48g silicone swim cap
- Comfortable fit
- One Size fits all
Swim cap care
Listed below are some simple tips to help prolong the life of a latex or silicone swim cap.
- Rinse inside and out with cool fresh (non-chlorinated or salty) water
- Allow the cap to dry naturally
- Some swimmers dry both the inside and outside of their cap with a towel
- Avoid drying in the sun as this can degenerate the rubber
- Some swimmers put a small amount of talc or baby powder in the cap,
- Although this can also make it easier to put on
- It can also make the cap less likely to stay in position when worn,
Takeaways
There are many reasons why a competitive swimmer should wear a swim cap. These include,
- Ensuring swimming goggles stay in place
- Reducing drag
- Protecting hair from the effects of chlorine and saltwater
- Keeps the swimmer’s hair out of their eyes
- Ensuring earplugs stay in place
- Identification during competition
- Hygiene
- Identification, safety and warmth in open water
Swimming Equipment
We have provided a recommended swimming equipment page.
- It contains swimming equipment that we and our swimmers use and recommend.
- You can access this page by clicking on the following link: swimming equipment
Swimming Publications
We produce a growing range of publications on a wide range of swimming subjects.
- These include competitive swimming drill publications for backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and freestyle.
- Which are now available in both Amazon Kindle and paperback formats.
- For information regarding our portfolio please follow our link: Swimming Publications.
Swimming Resource Library
We have produced a swimming resource library.
- This contains links to all of our blog posts.
- These are subdivided by swimming category.
These categories include: Swimmer Development | Swimmers Health | Swimming Coaching | Swimming Competition | Swimming Drills | Swimming Dryland/Land Training | Swimming Equipment | Swimming Psychology | Swimming Training.
- To access any article simply click on the attached page link: Swimming Resource Library.
The Competitive Swimming Exchange – Facebook Group
The Competitive Swimming Exchange is a Facebook group to help exchange ideas and information to collectively improve the sport we love.
- It’s an international group for all swimmers, coaches, teachers, masters, triathletes and swimming parents.
- It’s for all those who are interested in competitive swimming, either in the pool or in open water.
For more information about joining this group please use the following link: The Competitive Swimming Exchange
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