Back to Swim Training Checklist 2026: The Unofficial Competitive Swimmer Survival Guide
Summer is over. The alarm clocks are back. The pool is calling.
Before that first training session of the new season, make sure you've completed the essential checks below...
✅ Check your swimming kit still exists
Before the first session back, conduct a full search operation including and not limited to, under the stairs, a sibling’s bedroom, the car boot or anywhere that made perfect sense In July.
Check for:
✅ Check your swimming kit isn't growing its own ecosystem
Swimming equipment and warm summer weather don't always mix.
Take a close look at your:
- Mesh bag
- Snorkel
- Kickboard
- Pull buoy
- Paddles
- Water bottle (trust us on this one. Open carefully)
- Fins
If anything looks like it's developing its own ecosystem, smells stronger than the pool chemicals or has become the subject of a scientific study, a good clean might be required before the first session back. Or a lovely visit to SportySwim.
✅ Check the dog hasn't eaten your kickboard, your swim bag for surprise bananas and that your fins are a matching pair
It sounds ridiculous.
Yet somehow it happens.
✅ Check your goggles still fit your face and your costume and jammers still fit.
Not your little brother's face. Not your friend's face. Your face.
Growing over the summer is great. Discovering suit fits a younger sibling is less ideal.
✅ Check your swim cap doesn't have more holes than a lane rope
Stretch gently.
Very gently.
✅ Check your parents remember training times
The swimmer may be ready.
The parent chauffeur may not be.
✅ Most Importantly...
Remember why you swim.
The friendships.
The competitions.
The challenge.
The team environment.
The excitement of race day.
And occasionally... the joy of finding goggles that don't leak.
Final Checklist
✅ Swim kit located
✅ Goggles found
✅ Water bottle washed
✅ Swim cap survives inspection
✅ Parent reminded
✅ Swim bag packed
✅ Ready to trust the process
Welcome Back to the Pool! 🏊♂️💙
__________________________________________________________________________
Related Articles
Best Swimming Goggles 2026: Best training, racing and junior goggle guide
FINIS Alignment Kickboard Review: Benefits, Snorkel Work & Technique Training