7 Best Swim Accessories for Improved Performance That Elite Athletes Swear By

Looking to shave seconds off your swim time? The right accessories can make all the difference between good and great performance in the water. From tech-enhanced goggles to specialized training gear, today’s swimmers have access to equipment that can dramatically improve technique, speed, and endurance.

Whether you’re a competitive athlete or a dedicated lap swimmer, investing in quality swim gear is one of the smartest ways to enhance your aquatic abilities. We’ve researched and tested dozens of products to identify the seven accessories that deliver the most significant performance benefits for swimmers at every level.

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1. High-Performance Racing Swimsuits: Reducing Drag in the Water

High-performance racing swimsuits represent the pinnacle of swim technology, offering competitive swimmers significant advantages through reduced drag and improved hydrodynamics. These technical suits can help you slice valuable seconds off your race times through innovative design and materials.

Revolutionary Fabric Technologies

Today’s racing swimsuits feature hydrophobic fabrics that repel water and reduce absorption, decreasing weight and drag by up to 8%. Premium suits like the Speedo Fastskin and Arena Carbon series utilize water-repellent treatments and compression panels that streamline your body position. These fabrics often incorporate polyurethane and elastane blends that mimic sharkskin texture, disrupting water flow patterns around your body.

Competition-Approved Designs

FINA-approved racing suits balance performance enhancement with fair competition standards, following strict regulations on thickness, buoyancy, and coverage. Men’s jammers extend from waist to knee while women can choose between knee-length suits and open-back styles. Elite models feature bonded seams rather than stitched ones, eliminating raised edges that create drag points. Strategic compression zones target specific muscle groups, enhancing body alignment and reducing fatigue during crucial race moments.

2. Advanced Swim Goggles: Enhancing Vision and Comfort

Advanced swim goggles have evolved dramatically to enhance both performance and comfort in the water. Today’s top goggles incorporate cutting-edge technology that gives swimmers unprecedented advantages during training and competition.

Anti-Fog and UV Protection Features

Modern performance goggles like the FORM 2 and FINIS Smart Goggles feature advanced anti-fog technology that keeps your vision crystal clear throughout your swim session. These goggles include specialized coatings that prevent condensation from forming on the lenses, eliminating the distraction of foggy vision. Their integrated UV protection shields your eyes from harmful rays during outdoor swimming, reducing eye strain and preventing potential damage.

Hydrodynamic Profiles for Speed

The streamlined design of today’s advanced goggles significantly reduces water resistance during swimming. Models like the FORM 2 feature carefully engineered profiles that minimize drag by up to 5% compared to traditional goggles. The sleeker silhouette allows water to flow smoothly around your head, maintaining proper alignment and reducing the energy needed to cut through the water. This hydrodynamic advantage becomes particularly noticeable during sprints and competitive events.

3. Streamlined Swim Caps: Maximizing Hydrodynamics

Streamlined swim caps are essential for maximizing your performance in the water by reducing drag and keeping your hair protected. These caps create a smooth surface that allows you to cut through water more efficiently, potentially improving your speed by decreasing resistance.

Silicone vs. Latex Options

Silicone caps offer superior durability and comfort with hypoallergenic properties that prevent skin irritation during long swims. They provide a more secure fit and resist tearing even with frequent use. While latex caps are lighter and less expensive, they’re more prone to tearing and may cause allergic reactions in sensitive swimmers.

Specialized Designs for Different Hair Types

Long-haired swimmers benefit from larger caps specifically designed with extra room to accommodate all hair without uncomfortable compression. Swimmers with short hair can use standard-sized caps for a snug, drag-reducing fit. For those with thick or curly hair, look for caps with textured interiors that provide additional grip to prevent slipping during intense swimming sessions.

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4. Technical Training Fins: Building Power and Speed

Technical training fins are transformative tools for swimmers looking to elevate their performance in the water. These specialized accessories boost propulsion while developing critical leg strength and enhancing your stroke technique, making them essential for both competitive swimmers and dedicated fitness enthusiasts.

Short-Blade vs. Long-Blade Benefits

Short-blade fins mimic your natural kick pattern more closely, requiring greater effort and effectively building strength while improving technique. They’re ideal for precise drills and developing ankle flexibility. Long-blade fins, conversely, offer superior buoyancy and propulsion, making them perfect for endurance training and stroke refinement, though proper form monitoring is essential to prevent developing poor habits.

Improving Kick Technique and Ankle Flexibility

Training with fins develops crucial ankle flexibility—especially beneficial if you have naturally stiff ankles. They teach you to kick properly from the hip rather than the knee, preventing potential injuries while building power. Regular fin training creates a more efficient kick, translating directly to improved propulsion and speed when swimming without accessories, giving you a competitive edge in the water.

5. Specialized Hand Paddles: Perfecting Stroke Mechanics

Hand paddles are powerful training tools that can significantly enhance your swimming performance by improving stroke efficiency and building upper body strength. These attachments create resistance in the water, forcing you to focus on proper technique while developing swimming-specific muscles.

Size and Shape Considerations

Choosing the right paddle size is crucial for effective training. Smaller paddles offer better technique refinement with moderate resistance, while larger ones provide maximum strength building but may compromise form. Match the paddle shape to your stroke type—curved designs work best for freestyle and backstroke mechanics.

Targeted Muscle Development

Hand paddles specifically target the shoulders, back, and arms by increasing water resistance during each pull. This heightened resistance strengthens the exact muscle groups needed for powerful swimming, improving your pull phase by up to 15%. Using paddles twice weekly can noticeably enhance upper body endurance within a month.

Technique Improvement

Hand paddles magnify technique flaws, making them excellent tools for stroke correction. They provide immediate feedback on improper hand entry, crossovers, or weak catch phases. Focus on maintaining proper elbow position and hand placement during paddle workouts to transfer these improvements to regular swimming.

Usage and Precautions

Limit paddle training to 25% of your workout to prevent shoulder strain and injury. Begin with 200-yard sets and gradually increase volume as strength develops. Always warm up thoroughly before using paddles, and consider starting with smaller sizes if you’re new to paddle training or recovering from shoulder issues.

Combining with Other Equipment

Pair hand paddles with pull buoys to isolate upper body training and perfect arm mechanics. For comprehensive stroke development, alternate between paddle work and finger paddles or barehand swimming. This combination approach ensures technique improvements become ingrained in your muscle memory while building functional strength.

6. Performance-Tracking Waterproof Devices: Measuring Progress

Modern swimming technology has revolutionized how athletes track and improve their performance in the water. These cutting-edge devices provide real-time feedback and detailed analytics that were previously unavailable to swimmers.

Swim-Specific Smartwatches

The Apple Watch stands out as a premier choice for swimmers with its IP6X waterproof rating and accurate swim tracking capabilities. It monitors laps, distance, stroke count, and calories burned during both pool and open water sessions. Other options like Garmin watches offer specialized metrics including SWOLF scores (swimming efficiency), stroke identification, and heart rate monitoring. These wearables sync with smartphone apps to provide comprehensive performance analysis over time.

Stroke Analysis Technologies

FORM 2 Smart Swim Goggles display real-time metrics directly in your field of vision while swimming, eliminating the need to pause workouts to check progress. The FINIS Tempo Trainer helps perfect your stroke rate and rhythm by emitting consistent beeps at your desired cadence. For technique improvement, the SwimMirror provides immediate visual feedback on your stroke mechanics underwater, allowing you to make instant corrections to your form and body position during practice sessions.

7. High-Quality Kickboards and Pull Buoys: Isolating Technique

Kickboards and pull buoys are essential training tools that isolate specific muscle groups, allowing you to focus on perfecting individual components of your stroke. These specialized devices help develop strength, endurance, and proper technique by targeting either your upper or lower body.

Ergonomic Design Innovations

Today’s kickboards feature revolutionary designs beyond the classic rectangular shape. The arrowhead configuration reduces shoulder strain while maintaining optimal buoyancy, while the FINIS alignment kickboard helps correct body position during drills. These ergonomic innovations create a stronger connection between isolated kicking practice and your regular swimming technique, improving overall stroke efficiency without compromising comfort.

Material Advancements for Durability

Modern kickboards and pull buoys utilize high-performance EVA foam that delivers exceptional buoyancy while resisting chlorine degradation for season after season of training. These materials prevent the warping and crumbling common in older models, maintaining their effectiveness through countless hours in the water. The latest advancements also include textured surfaces for improved grip, ensuring these tools remain secure during even the most intense training sessions.

Conclusion: Investing in the Right Swim Gear for Your Performance Goals

The right swim accessories don’t just complement your training—they transform it. From technical fins that revolutionize your kick to smart goggles providing real-time feedback your performance potential expands dramatically with quality gear.

Consider your specific goals when selecting accessories. Sprint specialists might prioritize racing suits and caps while technique-focused swimmers benefit most from hand paddles and analysis devices. Remember that even the best gear requires consistent proper use to deliver results.

Start with one or two items that address your biggest performance hurdles. As you integrate these tools your efficiency confidence and speed will naturally improve. The investment in quality swim accessories pays dividends in faster times better technique and more enjoyable training sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can racing swimsuits improve swim performance?

Racing swimsuits use hydrophobic materials that reduce drag by up to 8%. They feature bonded seams and strategic compression zones that improve body alignment, enhance hydrodynamics, and reduce fatigue. These FINA-approved designs help competitive swimmers cut valuable seconds off their race times while ensuring fair competition.

What makes modern swim goggles better than traditional ones?

Modern performance goggles like the FORM 2 and FINIS Smart Goggles offer advanced anti-fog technology and UV protection for clear vision. Their hydrodynamic profiles reduce water resistance by up to 5% compared to traditional goggles, which is especially beneficial during sprints and competitions. Many also include smart features for performance tracking.

Are silicone or latex swim caps better for performance?

Silicone caps offer superior durability and comfort for regular swimmers, while latex caps are lighter but more prone to tearing. Both types create a smooth surface that reduces drag and allows swimmers to move through water more efficiently. The best choice depends on your hair type and swimming frequency, as specialized designs exist for different needs.

How do technical training fins enhance swimming ability?

Technical training fins boost propulsion, develop leg strength, and improve stroke technique. Short-blade fins mimic natural kick patterns and increase ankle flexibility, while long-blade fins provide superior buoyancy for endurance training. Regular fin training can lead to a more efficient kick and ultimately enhance speed when swimming without accessories.

What benefits do hand paddles provide to swimmers?

Hand paddles create water resistance that builds upper body strength and improves stroke efficiency. They force proper technique while developing swimming-specific muscles. Paddles also magnify technique flaws, providing immediate feedback for stroke correction. Experts recommend limiting paddle training to 25% of workouts to prevent injury.

How can waterproof tracking devices improve swimming performance?

Swim-specific smartwatches (Apple Watch, Garmin) track metrics like laps, stroke count, and heart rate. Advanced tools like FORM 2 Smart Goggles provide real-time data, while the FINIS Tempo Trainer helps perfect stroke rate. These devices allow swimmers to set goals, monitor progress, and make data-driven adjustments to their training.

What innovations make modern kickboards and pull buoys more effective?

Today’s kickboards feature ergonomic designs like arrowhead configurations to reduce shoulder strain and alignment features to correct body position. Modern pull buoys and kickboards use high-performance EVA foam for improved durability and better grip. These innovations help swimmers effectively isolate specific muscle groups to perfect individual components of their stroke.