By Kaylie Williams, Swimming World College Intern.
The holiday season is here! Need help with gift ideas? Check out the list below to see some of the best gifts that will help make the most out of any swimmer’s season!
10. All Things Waterproof.
Photo Courtesy: Swim.com
Help your athlete become more efficient in the water and on deck! We are talking waterproof shoes, waterproof phone cases and perhaps the hottest athletic trend, waterproof fitness trackers. As an athlete, wearing a fitness tracker can help you track some of the most important part of your workouts including your heart rate, calories burned, distance swum and duration. The benefits of waterproof gifts stretch beyond functionality, as they can keep your or your athlete safe from slipping and can protect some of your valuables from water damage.
9. Motivational Posters/Books
Photo Courtesy: Sasquatch Books
Need a mental break? Mid-season slump got you down? Motivational books and posters are a great way to bring some positivity into you or your athlete’s training. Snag a cool motivational poster to decorate your room and a book to read over break!
8. An Underwater Mp3 Player
Underwater Mp3 players are often underrated. They can be great when you’re training alone over winter break and are missing your lane buddies – or for when you can’t seem to get that one song out of your head during that super long distance set. Plug in and put in the work!
7. A Quick Dry Towel
Photo Courtesy: Pexels
Because nothing is worse than carrying a soaking wet towel around all day at meet and then having to stuff it back in your bag, eventually soaking everything else that may be in there. A quick dry towel is like a chamois for your whole body! Get one that dries and is ready for reuse before your next race!
6. An Underwater Camera
Photo Courtesy: Kayla Riemensperger
Despite having a waterproof/water resistant phone case, it’s not the smartest idea to take your phone underwater. Why risk it when you can get a camera that was made exactly for this kind of action? Use it to snap pictures and videos of technique work or simply to capture memories.
5. Christmas/Holiday and Crazy Colored Suits
Photo Courtesy: Erin Earley
Who says you can’t wear a snowman suit after the holidays? Who says you can’t wear a suit with a mermaid pattern? There’s nothing wrong with throwing it back to your childhood swim days and investing in a festive holiday suit or one of those crazy colored/patterned suits. It’s time to get festive!
4. A Professional Massage/Chiropractic Adjustment
Photo Courtesy: John Mullen
Swimming harbors quite a bit of pent up stress within the body, often resulting in tough, stiff muscles and knots… so many knots. A massage or an adjustment could be exactly what you or your swimmer needs to feel refreshed and prepared for the approaching second half of the season.
3. Professional Hair Treatment
Photo Courtesy: Instagram, @nataliecoughlin
All swimmers know that chlorine is the enemy of good hair, and your locks deserve some love after the horrors and torture it experiences during swim season. Treat them to a salon visit to provide some much-needed moisture and rejuvenation.
2. A Whole Large Pizza to Themselves
Photo Courtesy: Delaney Lanker
Bring on the carbs! Food is one of the best gifts you could possibly get a swimmer. There’s nothing more satisfying than a good meal after a meet or workout, especially if it is pizza! Take advantage of burning insane amounts of calories and treat your swimmer—maybe you should order two!
1. A Day Off
Photo Courtesy: Pexels
No morning swims or lifting; no yoga; no swim practice at all. Just sleep and relaxation! Without rest, your body will not reap the true benefits of exercising, so why not take a day off and get much needed rest? Convincing coach might be hard, but your teammates will thank you for your hard work and determination in getting them the most appreciated and useful gift of all.
All commentaries are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Swimming World Magazine nor its staff.
This is awesome! Sending to my mom now.