A short, practical list for your first lesson at Aquafin, plus the gear that is genuinely worth buying and the gear that is not.
The short packing list
- Bathers
- A towel
- Swim nappy for anyone not toilet trained
- Goggles, if your child prefers them
- A change of clothes
- A drink bottle
Goggles: useful, not essential
Children should be able to open their eyes underwater without goggles, because in a real emergency they will not be wearing any. That said, goggles make longer freestyle sets far more comfortable, so we use them more as swimmers move into the Independent and Advanced programs.
Buy a pair that seals on the eye socket without the strap tightened. If it needs to be cranked tight to stop leaking, it is the wrong shape for that face.
Swim nappies are non-negotiable
Any child who is not toilet trained needs a proper swim nappy, not a regular one. Regular nappies swell and fall apart in the water.
What you do not need
Arm bands and floatation vests teach a vertical body position, which is the opposite of what we want in the water. We use flotation aids selectively in class and we would rather children learn without them where possible.
Getting there
We are at 20/70 Holbeche Road, Arndell Park, with on-site parking, change rooms, change tables and warm showers. Arrive about ten minutes early for a first lesson so there is no rush getting changed.
