The right swim gear separates recreational swimmers from competitive athletes. Just like A pair of goggles that leaks mid-race or fins that slip off during kick sets can derail months of training. This guide covers the nine pieces of equipment every competitive swimmer needs, with specific recommendations by skill level and budget. Whether you’re a…
When you think of competitive swimming, names like Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky often come to mind, athletes renowned for their exceptional prowess in the water. But what does it take to reach such a high level of performance? Well, elite swimmers do lots of things like: Structured schedules. Interval sets. Dryland strength. Mental conditioning.…
Swimming builds more than safety—it builds confidence, fitness, and calm. Toronto families trust Rocket Swim for swimming lessons that take kids from first splash to competitive strokes. Many people think they can handle being in water without any training, but this isn’t really the case. As swimming becomes more popular both for fun and as…
You’re putting in the laps. Showing up to practice. But your times aren’t dropping. Here’s the thing—swimming harder won’t make you faster. Swimming smarter will. That’s where drills come in. They’re the bridge between effort and actual speed gains, letting you isolate and fix the specific parts of your stroke that are holding you back.…
As adults, we often find ourselves with a fear of water, Whether it’s swimming in a pool, open water, or just being submerged. While childhood experiences may have shaped this fear, it’s important to acknowledge that overcoming fear of water it is not only necessary but also essential for your safety and enjoyment. If you’ve…
Imagine gliding through the water, in the middle of practice, the coolness of the pool enveloping you. But suddenly, you feel a sharp twinge in your shoulder or a strain in your back that halts your progress. What seemed like a peaceful, low-impact exercise has now turned into an unexpected injury. It’s not just a…
Swimming is an incredibly demanding sport that requires both endurance and strength. Whether you’re a competitive swimmer or just someone who loves to hit the pool for a good workout, incorporating strength training for swimming into your routine can significantly boost your performance. In this blog post, I will explore →What strength training is in…
Your arms do most of the work in freestyle—around 70-90% of your propulsion. The kick contributes far less than most swimmers assume. Yet swimmers often treat the arm stroke like one big windmill motion. Spin faster, swim faster. Right? Not quite. The freestyle arm stroke breaks down into four connected movements: entry, catch, pull, and…
You’ve probably heard a lot of catch and pull advice that sounds like it came from a physics textbook. Right? For example, “Establish an early vertical forearm.” “Maximize your propulsive surface area.” “Maintain optimal forearm angle throughout the pull phase.” And you’ve probably thought: What does any of that actually mean when I’m in the…
You’ve been swimming freestyle for years. Maybe you’re even pretty fast. But here’s something most swimmers don’t realize: you’re probably making at least 2-3 technique errors that are quietly stealing your speed and setting you up for injury. I’ve coached swimmers at every level, from nervous beginners to competitive athletes, and I can spot these…