Anonymous wrote:It’s rare for kids to wear their parka to the blocks. Very unusual.

DD got one when like 10 and it is still the best thing we ever bought. Same coat. Just got a larger one than she needed at the time.

My kids have been swimming for years and always wear them to the blocks. So do their teammates, at the direction of their coach. Something isn’t “Rare” or “unusual” just because it’s not your custom.

^ 17 now

It’s rare for kids to wear their parka to the blocks. Very unusual.

DD got one when like 10 and it is still the best thing we ever bought. Same coat. Just got a larger one than she needed at the time.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We just dash to the car. No need for a swim park to walk from a building to a car.

A swim parka’s main function is to keep a swimmer warm on the deck between races. Not as a coat to wear to the car. My kids take their parkas to every meet, indoor or outdoor and often wear them all the way to the block to keep their muscles as warm as possible.

Crazy how a garment that will keep you warm inside will also keep you warm outside. What a fortuitous unintended consequence!

Anonymous wrote:We just dash to the car. No need for a swim park to walk from a building to a car.

A swim parka’s main function is to keep a swimmer warm on the deck between races. Not as a coat to wear to the car. My kids take their parkas to every meet, indoor or outdoor and often wear them all the way to the block to keep their muscles as warm as possible.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We just dash to the car. No need for a swim park to walk from a building to a car.

Says the person who isn’t in a wet bathing suit in the middle of winter…

NP, but says my HS aged kid! I've come to realize over the years that the younger kids will usually wear parkas if their parents get them one. Teen boys wear their old parkas if they still fit or, more often, throw on a hoodie and flannel pants. And the teen girls wrap themselves in their towels and run for it.

OP, my kid insists on Speedo Vanquisher goggles, and hates parkas so much she won't even wear the team one provided during HS swim season. She prefers a lined jacket and/or sweatshirt with flannel pants.

Anonymous wrote:We just dash to the car. No need for a swim park to walk from a building to a car.

Says the person who isn’t in a wet bathing suit in the middle of winter…

I have 2 DS who swim.

1. Uses Arena Cobra Swipe goggles for practice/meets. They are expensive ($50-70) but he's older and hasn't lost them in years.

2. Uses Aegend goggles that are CHEAP ($9.) They clip in the back which he prefers with his longer hair. But they don't leak/fog/come off his face when diving.

Both have had Speedo parkas for years. But like PP says, don't get it team specific. Since DSs got them, they have used them for 5 different teams (2 club teams, beginning of summer practice, HS swim, and now college.)

Anonymous wrote:I had one kid who liked TYR simple and another who liked Speedo Vanquisher Jr. It just depends on face shape. Before you buy new goggles watch a video to make sure he is wearing them correctly. Maybe you just need to change out the nose bridge or tighten the straps on his current pair. You can also ask the coach/instructor for help and advice.

The sporti parkas are good enough and tend to be cheaper. This comes down to personal preference again. One likes a parka and the other walks out wrapped in a thin towel and Crocs even when it is below freezing

+1 for the Sporti parkas. I don’t really care for most of their suits and gear but the parkas are great and hold up for several years. I wouldn’t get a team specific one in case you move or switch teams. The Sporti ones are a fraction of the cost of the Speedo and TYR parkas. The other thing my swimmer loves in cold weather is lined/fuzzy crocs or uggs to slip on after practice.

Goggles - face shape will determine the fit. How old is your child? Speedo vanquisher or vanquisher jr is a good one to try first. My 16 year old has been using vanquishers in practice for 7 years. He wears arena ultra swipes to race. My 12 year old prefers aquasphere xceed (the old michael Phelps goggles) for racing, and uses retired racing goggles for practice. Tyr blackhawk, speedo speed sockets, and arena cobras are other common brands. Take your kid to a swim shop to try on some different pairs.

If your kid is complaining about water leaking in while diving, it’s probably that he needs to keep his chin tucked into his chest, not the goggle.

Swim parka - does your team have a team parka? We have had speedo, tyr and arena. My kids prefer the arena parkas, but I would ask your team for outgrown parkas before buying one. There are always some kids who have outgrown their parkas.

We just dash to the car. No need for a swim park to walk from a building to a car.

I had one kid who liked TYR simple and another who liked Speedo Vanquisher Jr. It just depends on face shape. Before you buy new goggles watch a video to make sure he is wearing them correctly. Maybe you just need to change out the nose bridge or tighten the straps on his current pair. You can also ask the coach/instructor for help and advice.

The sporti parkas are good enough and tend to be cheaper. This comes down to personal preference again. One likes a parka and the other walks out wrapped in a thin towel and Crocs even when it is below freezing

Anonymous wrote:Why do you need a robe or parka at an indoor pool? Presumably kid is going to the locker room, showering and getting dressed?
As for goggles, speedo .

Showering and dressing after practices isn't always feasible depending on age, time, etc. Any of the major swim brands make a solid parka (TYR, Speedo, Arena, etc.). Check out SwimOutlet online or visit a local swim shop. I'd recommend a parka designed for swim vs. a robe.

Depending on age of your swimmer, the Speedo Vanquisher Jrs are a good goggle option at a good price point. If they're older and/or more competitive, we like the Speedo Speed Sockets.

Why do you need a robe or parka at an indoor pool? Presumably kid is going to the locker room, showering and getting dressed?
As for goggles, speedo .

For indoor swimming pool, please recommend non leaking swim googles & a robe or parka to wear after done with pool swimming in winter.