How I finally splashed into the pool-and so can you.

Part 2

It is time to talk gear. Maybe you're interested in learning to swim as an adult, or maybe you've made the choice to get back in the pool after a long hiatus. Either way, it can be extremely difficult to get into the pool. Congratulations!

You've climbed the hardest mountain by just deciding to make a commitment to jump into the pool. Your body will thank you, your mind will thank you, your soul will thank you. You will extend your life!

One of the main reasons I love swimming: minimal equipment requirement.

Grab your three, which can all fit in a pocket by the way, and get in the water!

1. Swimming Suit

Don't make this difficult-find a lycra or polyester suit at your local sports store that feels comfortable. If you're a woman, lift your arms up to make sure the body of the suit is long enough so that when you're stretching those arms out in the pool you don't feel constrained. You can get great deals if you look for sale racks. I suggest trying on the suit at the store; many establishments have a no-return policy once you cart it home. Also, when you find a good size, which can vary per brand name, make note of it. Other options are to order online once you know the brand/size combo. You can get great deals at places such as www.4swimwear.com and www.swimoutlet.com. For now, forgo the speed suits and stick to basics. Once you are jetting down the lanes of the pool, then you can reward yourself with a slick new racing suit!

2. Goggles

Don't try to swim in the ocean or laps in a pool without goggles. Your eyes will take a beating. The best bet is to go to your local sporting goods store, crack open a pair, and gently press the goggles to your eyes. If you can let go and they stay "sucked" to your face, they're a good pair for you. The goggle vendors and shop owners all understand that it is practically impossible to find goggles to fit you any other way, so don't worry about opening the package. It is an unwritten law. Try those goggles on! There's really no better or worse style or brand, it depends on your face shape. I once spent a ton of money on a "superior" pair and they leaked water like a sieve because of my round pea-shape face.

3. Swim Cap

The first time I donned a swim cap and climbed into the water, I felt like a total geek. I have to admit it. But then I looked around, and everyone was wearing one. I always thought that the purpose of the cap was to make your super fast in the pool. Why wear one when I could hardly get to the end of the pool?! It turns out that it does make you faster if you are Michael Phelps, but for me, or a beginner, it mainly helps to keep hair out of the face and also to keep goggles in place. The cap is very functional and I would not swim without one. It can also keep you much warmer if the pool is cool or you're in the ocean. (In the ocean, I often wear one cap over another.)

There are many other props such as fins, pool buoys, and hand paddles to assist your training. But to just get going and get comfortable in the water, the big three are all you need. I'll discuss pool props, wetsuits, and other swim gear in future posts, but for now go get your big three.

Don't wait another day; go today. This is the first day of the rest of your life. My next post will discuss tips on how to get started in the pool on day one.

Happy swimming!