Our coach gave us an offer to buy swim parka's through the team. Pricing is around $100 and a little more for your name on it. Do you guys think it is worth it to buy one or is it just a cool idea but isn't really worth the price?
I don't think anyone buys parkas to look sexy on deck.
True, but some of the getups I see on deck I swear swimmers are making a conscious effort to look as strange as possible! :)
My parka has come in handy many times, especially with outdoor meets in the fall and spring when the weather can be unpredictable. We had a 2 day meet and the first day was over 90 degrees while the next day was in the low 60's.
I use mine in the winter as a regular jacket too.
I know lots of people like those parkas but I have always thought they were truly butt ugly. I can't be the only one! My college team bought TruWest parkas and I was one of the only holdouts. :)
I don't think anyone buys parkas to look sexy on deck.
Mine's not that ugly... Just basic black. See photo here:
www.swimoutlet.com/.../2372.htm
It does have the fleece lining - I didn't want the old "fur" lining. The fleece is very lightweight but fine for the pool deck. It would not be warm enough to use as a winter coat or anything like that.
BTW, Swim Outlet sells this particular Speedo parka for $30.00 - $40.00 cheaper than I've seen it anywhere else.
I have both a parka and a robe from truWest that I wear when it is cold out. Yes friends, it gets chilly in AZ during the mornings and evenings during the fall/winter/sprint timeframe.
The parka gets worn about 10x a year either at meets or before practice. The robe gets worn a lot when it is chilly outside. I would recommend a robe because you will get more use out of it. Plus, a good one will cost less than half of a parka.
I wear truWest gear because they are Made in the USA and are top-notch product. You can get them customized with your name, team logo, and other items. Plus, they can do banners and other things for your team. My parka looks brand new and I purchased it back in 2000 so if you go that route you won't need to buy one very often.
Good luck!
My mom uses my Curle-Burke parka almost every day to go to work (she's a water instructor at the Y) it's thin but works for her living in Texas.
My college parka is a thicker tru west. I used every day to practice in college. and in the winter months used it to go to classes after morning practices. It's significantly thicker that my CUBU one.
I still use my college parka, to and from the pool during the winter, and depending on the meet location i take it there too. My only LCM meet this year, it was 60-68F outside, windy and the occasional sprinkle.
I will be getting a team parka next time they are making an order. it shows teams spirit, plus I like using them.
A parka is worth the investment if you practice or go to meets that have a chilly pool area. If you do invest in a parka, PLEASE get one that has a fleece lining. If you get one of the old school ones, the lining is itchy when wet and the fuzzies get all over you. I too, retired my college parka - for a while I felt like I should wear it because I didn't get to wear it much (and spent a lot on it)... but I found a great TYR one online... sooooo glad I did. Definitely get your last name or something embroidered on it so that it doesn't get mixed up with others.
cool yea, it gets cold here in norcal, swim practices are outdoors. I don't care about the money, feel like a poser if I'm not at meets all the time. I might do it.
Our coach gave us an offer to buy swim parka's through the team. Pricing is around $100 and a little more for your name on it. Do you guys think it is worth it to buy one or is it just a cool idea but isn't really worth the price?
I love my parka. I used to live in So Cal... and used it all the time in the winter and for in-door meets. And now that I live in PA, its used through late fall - winter - early spring. Worth every penny in my book. :2cents:
