I just got back into swimming two months ago and since then I have seen so much improvement in my stamina, form, and speed. I have been logging my daily yardage, and when I reach the "100 mile" mark I plan on rewarding myself with a new swim toy. I have been admiring the swim bags that the team at our pool totes around. They are similar to the picture below. I was thinking that I might get one of these (or something similar) to carry to/from the pool.
My question is this: do you carry a swim bag, and if so, what kind? Do you like it? Is it something you cannot live without or is it superfluous? If the latter, can you recommend something else that I should consider? (I already have a mesh bag for my kickboard, fins, pull buoy, etc.)
Thanks!
www.kiefer.com/.../LATBS.jpg
When I returned from a 4 month stay in Mexico in 1984, I brought a bunch of shopping bags they use down there called Bolsas. The Mexican stock market is, I am pretty sure, named after these things. They are fantastic--durable, colorful, comfortable, and completely ventilated.
The only slight downside is, at least according to some of my teammates, carrying all my swimming stuff and clean clothes in a bolsa or two can make me look a little bit like a bag lady.
What's wrong with looking like a bag lady?
One guy actually gave me his old Speedo knapsack style official swim bag, which I take to meets, but isn't nearly as nice as a bolsa or two (one for clean clothes and towel, the other for wet suit and dirty clothes post practice.)
I wish American supermarkets would hand these out as an alternative to paper or plastic and save all kinds of refuse in the landfills.
Just looked them up via Google. They should cost pennies, but you can buy one for about $19 on the internet. Probably cheaper just to go to Mexico.
Anyhow, if fashion doesn't matter to you, check out the magnificent Mexican bolsa:
www.mexgrocer.com/61045.html
When I returned from a 4 month stay in Mexico in 1984, I brought a bunch of shopping bags they use down there called Bolsas. The Mexican stock market is, I am pretty sure, named after these things. They are fantastic--durable, colorful, comfortable, and completely ventilated.
The only slight downside is, at least according to some of my teammates, carrying all my swimming stuff and clean clothes in a bolsa or two can make me look a little bit like a bag lady.
What's wrong with looking like a bag lady?
One guy actually gave me his old Speedo knapsack style official swim bag, which I take to meets, but isn't nearly as nice as a bolsa or two (one for clean clothes and towel, the other for wet suit and dirty clothes post practice.)
I wish American supermarkets would hand these out as an alternative to paper or plastic and save all kinds of refuse in the landfills.
Just looked them up via Google. They should cost pennies, but you can buy one for about $19 on the internet. Probably cheaper just to go to Mexico.
Anyhow, if fashion doesn't matter to you, check out the magnificent Mexican bolsa:
www.mexgrocer.com/61045.html
I use them for food shopping. Got them in Mexico for almost nothing!
Dear 17th Man!
You could make a killing as a bolsa re-seller. I don't need no steeenking decorations of my bolsa! I couldn't believe that site wanted $19 for a bolsa! The next time you're in Mexico, pick up a couple dozen and sell them here to your fellow swimmers!
I LOVE my Speedo duffle bag. Since I have to swim 30 miles from home, it holds all the stuff I need. Dry clothes, towel, goggles, cap, shampoo, etc. They are pricey, but it's certainly nice to treat yourself. I like that it's waterproof and has all of the compartments for wet/dry stuff.
Former Member
I ordered the Speedo bag, and they kindly embroidered my name and the USMS logo national right onto the bag for me (at an extra cost, nominal) after having a great discussion with their customer service rep on the phone. And no, I don't work for them!
This is a great tip-- I will definitely check them out. Thanks!
Former Member
We have great new reusable cloth shopping bags. $1.49 Canadian at the grocery store. They give you discounts for using them. We no longer use the plastic bags we have several now.
Former Member
I use a big mesh laundry bag, with a side pocket. Got it years ago, so I forget what I paid. It looks like something similar online is about $7, a few dollars less than you'd pay for virtually the same thing through the swimming web sites.
Former Member
I love my Speedo duffle. Use our USMS friends at Kast-A-Way: www.kastawayswimwear.com/
I ordered the Speedo bag, and they kindly embroidered my name and the USMS logo national right onto the bag for me (at an extra cost, nominal) after having a great discussion with their customer service rep on the phone. And no, I don't work for them!
And spring for the mesh equipment bag, too. The water drains out of your toys (fins, snorkel, etc) inbetween workouts, and I know that I have a bag with backups for equipment failures (ripped caps, etc). I bring my mesh bag right onto the deck with me.
Laura
