Mat Luebbers, of “Mat’s Swimming Blog” on About.com, posted an online poll asking readers “Will you change your swim habits to save money?” The results (show below) are somewhat surprising considering the level of concern over the economy these days.
Poll results from Mat’s Swimming Blog as of Feb. 4th 2009
Mat has written about the cost of swimming, and asks his readers to share their money-saving ideas. Well, Mat, I have some ideas of my own:
Plan ahead, buy in bulk. Whenever possible, try to plan ahead and buy several items that you know you will need in the future. Buying in bulk will usually get you a special discounted price from the retailers. For example, Kast-A-Way Swimwear is offering 4 women’s lycra suits for $100 for “grab bag” practice suits. (limited time offer)
“Grab Bag” items. These items are suits with out-of-print patterns that are perfectly good for practice suits. They might not be as fashionable as newer lines of suits, but they work just as well!
Keep an eye out for special discounts. Whenever items go on sale, they go quickly. I know all about this from first-hand experience working in a swimwear retail store. When special sales come along you need to act quickly! You can keep up with all of Kast-A-Way Swimwear’s special prices by joining the Frog-E Club for coupons sent directly to your e-mail.
Teach swim lessons. It’s not really a money-saving tip, but money-making. As a competitive swimmer, you have a skill that is worth money to others in the community. Whether you feel more comfortable teaching “learn to swim” classes, or advanced swimming stroke clinics, take what you know and offer it to others (for a price). You’ll be able to save up for that extra special championship speed suit in no time. Ask around at your local swim club or YMCA, you can often teach swim lessons without being officially hired on as a staff member.
What NOT to do: Steal things (duh). I hear about it more often than I should. Swimmers stealing from other swimmers. I know those new speed suits are expensive, and swimmers leave their bags out on deck at meets when they are warming-down or cheering for team mates. Swimmer-on-Swimmer crime is a tragedy. We should act like a community and support each other!
What NOT to do: Wear your speed suit into the ground. Speedsuits like the FS-II, FS Pro, TYR Tracer Light/Rise, and LZR Racer are only meant to be worn in championship swims. The manufacturers only recommend that these suits be worn for 7-10 swims (not 7-10 meets). Wearing your speed suit beyond that point is likely to negatively effect your performance. That full body speed skin you bought 2 years ago might as well be a sweatshirt and jeans because it will no longer repel water, and has stretched out signifficantly.
What NOT to do: Quit swimming. Swimming is a great sport, and can offer great benefits to participants. Swimming is an excellent cardiovascular work out, providing the benefits of reduced risk for heart disease, obesity, and high blood pressure. Swimming also provides a social network and team environment to learn and enjoy teamwork, discipline, accountability, while making friends with similar interests.
As Mat mentioned in his original post:
“Whatever you do – if you do anything – remember that staying healthy is cheaper than getting sick. Maintaining your fitness routine to keep your good health should cost less than extra visits to the doctor.”
I hope these tips help those who are looking to save (or even earn) some extra money. Please post a comment if you come up with any other tips to share with our readers!
This information is provided by Speedo and was written for bodysuits but should apply to all styles of technical speedsuit.
