Looking for the best holiday gift this season? The Kiefer Deluxe Swim Backpack is it!

This bag is the perfect bag for competitive or recreational swimmers. I have been a competitive swimmer for sixteen years and this backpack is the perfect fit for my needs.

The price point is perfect, too. The large main pocket allows you to easily see everything that is in your bag. The valuables pocket is perfect for your phone and your wallet. The side pockets easily fit your goggles and caps.

The best part, though, is the main pocket is large enough to hold a kickboard and your other swim gear. I bought two; I use one for my swimming needs, and the other is used as a tote to carry around items to and from work and on weekend trips.

Happy Holidays!

This is a guest blog post by Van Donkersgoed, Team Sales. Van has

been a competitive swimmer for sixteen years.

Lap Swimming Gear

After releasing Kiefer's Lap Swimming Etiquette guide, I've received many questions about what swim gear I'd recommend for getting started with fitness swimming. I've offered advice on choosing the right swimsuit and swim cap previously, so begin diving into the different tools that make swimming more enjoyable, productive, and effective.

3 Essential Swimming Accessories:

• Swim Backpacks
• Kickboards
• Swim Fins

Swim Backpacks

Swim backpacks are comfortable, high-capacity bags made from durable, tear-resistant materials. Multiple pockets organize swim gear, street clothes, and valuables to help belongings make it to the pool and back again.

Why You Need One

• You'll look cooler: Walking onto a swim deck with arms full of falling gear provides comic relief, but it's a frustrating start to your swim workout.
• You'll save money: Why spend money replacing lost gear? Keep it in your backpack and rejoice.
• You'll save time: Multiple storage pockets help you get organized, making workout preparation and post swim recovery quick and easy.
• You'll be more comfortable: Nobody likes putting on wet jeans after a swim- wet pockets are a standard feature and separate soaked gear from street clothes.

Popular Swim Backpacks:

• Kiefer Team Backpack: At a low price, Kiefer's swim backpack has the big features of other brands, without the big price.
• Speedo Teamster Backpack: Speedo's most recent swimming backpack has plenty of room and plenty of colors.

Kickboards

A kickboard is a flotation device designed to keep you buoyant while you give your arms a break, allowing you to focus on kicking.

Why You Need One

• You'll swim better: Developing a stronger, more propulsive kick creates a balanced stroke for stronger, faster swimming.
• You'll get stronger: Kickboards develop your leg muscles as you kick and also strengthens your core, boosting your fitness and athleticism.
• For motivation: Lap swimmers need to keep swim workouts fresh- adding a kickboard to diversify your routine adds a fresh approach to combat boredom.
• For a chance of pace: Kickboard training allows your heart rate to fall, providing dynamic training to your bodies circulatory system.

Popular Kickboards:

• Kiefer Water Wonder Kickboard: The king of kickboards combines classic design with unbeatable quality.
• Kiefer Core Kickboard: The unique shape of this over-sized kickboard provides a wider grip distance to ease shoulder pressure and provides unparalleled core muscle engagement.

Swim Fins

Swim fins are designed to help fitness swimmers and competitive swimmers develop kick strength and ankle flexibility without overworking leg muscles.

Why You Need Them

• You'll swim faster: Fins work your leg muscles to build a more powerful kick.
• You'll kick better: Fins help increase ankle flexibility, causing a more propulsive and efficient kick.
• You'll feel faster in the water: Fins add power to your kick and propel you through the pool at greater speeds, adding a motivational thrill to your swim training.

Popular Swim Fins:

• Kiefer Training Swim Fins: Kiefer's most popular short blade swim fins are soft and comfortable for hours of effective kick training.
• Finis Zoomers: Zoomers are a classic short blade fin and have been a popular choice for swimmers for decades.

Are you inspired yet?

Swimming is a wonderful exercise in its most pure form, but swimming accessories help push your swimming and fitness to next level.

See you at the pool - with your bag, kickboard, and swim fins.

P.S. What's your favorite piece of training gear and how has it helped you?

Learn More About Aquatic Fitness: 

• Guide to Dryland Swimming Workouts and Products
• Swimming vs. Running: Which is a Better Form of Exercise
• Upper Body Water Workouts with Kiefer Dumbbells
• Basic Gear For Fitness Swimming
• Basic Gear For Fitness Swimming Part 2
• Swimming Stretches
• Swim Fitness During Pregnancy
• Essential Swim Gear for Water Aerobics and Aqua Therapy

Kiefer Krazies Swimwear History

Have you checked out Kiefer Krazies lately? In 2007, we introduced the first Krazy, offering swimmers a fun patterned suit at an unusually low price. The response from customers was excellent, and we quickly sold through this limited edition swimsuit.

Today we introduce new limited edition patterns throughout the year - the perfect option for women and girls that need a fun suit designed to perform for both competitive swimmers and fitness swimmers.

Kiefer Swimsuit Design & Material

[caption id="attachment_1102" align="alignleft" width="165"] Feline Frenzy[/caption]

All Krazies offer a flattering, contemporary cut and back style that complement all body types - these suits don't exclude anyone! Our popular thin strap Flyback offers a minimalist look, but is highly supportive and comfortable - perfect for pool workouts or just splashing around.

Stretchy Nylon/Spandex material and higher leg cut allow promote full flexibility and freedom of movement to accommodate any swim stroke or training drill.

All Kiefer Nylon/Spandex suits are chlorine-resistant to provide lasting service to swimmers, swim instructors, and aquatic exercisers.

Krazies are lined for extra coverage and comfort too!

Why do we line swimwear? Suit liners provide an additional barrier for extra security so the world notices your excellent taste in swimwear prints - not the physical details that you'd like to keep hidden.

What Kinds of Swimmers wear Kiefer Krazies?

[caption id="attachment_1106" align="alignleft" width="165"] Tahitian Tropic[/caption]

Krazies are great for swim teams, lap swimmers, fitness swimmers, or a day by the lake. Fashion forward females of all ages will surely love the variety of fun patterns, tonal straps, and bright colors.

Are Krazies A Great Gift For Swimmers? Yes of course! Krazies are a sure bet to refresh a dull closet of solid color swimwear.

They may even make early morning swim practices easier!

Why? Just one look at the colors and your eyes are bound to pop open! Neon colors and crazy prints are popular all across the fashion industry and Kiefer is excited to bring them to the pool.

The Current Flavors

Right now we are offering trendy neon colors and popular patterns; check out our Tahitian Tropic for neon brights or Fireworks for some bold pop! For a subtle look, check out the soothing blues in our Watercolor or the classic look of our Nautical print.

Catch new suits in October, January, April, and July!

With each release, Kiefer offers a variety of swimsuit colors and patterns in limited runs. These are limited edition prints, and once they’re gone, they are history! But don’t worry, Kiefer Krazies are refreshed quarterly with 5 new suits.

If I Told You, I’d Have To...

A benefit of testing and developing products for Kiefer is having advance access to upcoming Krazies releases.

Recently I was stopped during a swim by another pool member. She had to know where I had gotten my stunning neon rainbow patterned suit- but I couldn't give away more details since this particular suit pattern had not yet been released!

Fortunately, this attention-getting suit is showcased on the front cover of Kiefer's October swimwear catalog - check out Feline Frenzy, a white suit with neon rainbow animal print.

Summarizing My Krazies Swimwear Review

[caption id="attachment_1103" align="alignleft" width="165"] Watercolor[/caption]

Take a step back from the ordinary world of pastels and stripped straps, steal the show at the pool, and save save some money!

Kiefer Krazies offer better value and variety than other swimwear brands.

See you at the pool!

Looking for more advice? Check out my swimwear material advice.

Kiefer's Latest Kickboard

Kiefer Core Kickboard[/caption]

Hey swimmers, have we got a new piece of training gear for you! Kiefer is excited to add the Kiefer Core Kickboard to our lineup of quality kickboards. Trust us - this board is different. And might I personally say, better than anything else out there.

In fact, this training device is more than just a kickboard. It is a multi-functional tool to helping swimmers of all abilities improve themselves in and out of water.

A New Kickboard Design

I'm sure you've noticed that it doesn't look like most swimming kickboards, and its form follows function. A wide base and different structural materials create optimal float and body position, while engaging core muscles on multiple levels.

Great For All Swimmers and Aquatics Programs

Experienced Swimmers

Experienced swimmers can use it as a standard board with benefits:

• Unique design minimizes pressure on upper back, lower back, and shoulders.
• When held vertically, it becomes a water plow for a more intense leg workout.
• Use molded hand grips and turn your body vertical holding the Core Board overhead for an added challenge to vertical kick sets.

Teams

Teams, this kickboard battles back against shoulder discomfort or pain. The Kiefer Core Kickoard is specifically designed to be more user friendly than a standard board; plus, it has more uses. In addition to water plowing or vertical kicking, it's an excellent transition pad for quick pool exits to situps, pushups, and other deck exercises - without rubbing back, hands, or knees raw on rough or hot pool decks.

Fitness Swimmers / Aquatic Exercisers

Use the Core Kickboard for increasing arm and chest strength. Hold it vertically and submerge it halfway in the water.  While standing on the bottom of the pool, use the Core Board to push water away from you. Too easy? Push the board deeper to find your ultimate resistance level. Too hard?  Try sitting on the board and pulling yourself around the pool using a modified breaststroke or freestyle pull.

Facilities / Kids

Facilities, this board benefits you also! Besides being completely adaptable to the aforementioned swimmer types, this board is great fun for kids. The increased size and shape allows these boards to function as surfboards. By placing it under your feet or sitting on it, kids can practice balance or run silly races back and forth across the pool. Of course racers would lose points if they fall off the Core Board!

Bonus KICKING Drill Set

At Kiefer, we do our best to provide challenging swim workouts. Use the Core Kickboard for the following drills to improve overall strength and performance. This adaptable mini set will familiarize you with the unique Kiefer Core Kickboard features:

20 x 25’s* Freestyle Kick @ :10 rest

• #1 Normal Position
• #2 Water Plow Build
• #3 Normal Position
• #4 Water Plow FAST!
• Exit to Deck

  • After #4 for 1:00 of sit-ups with your back on the board. Repeat 1-4.
  • After #8 for 1:00 of plank position on elbows and toes, keeping board under elbows. Repeat 1-4.
  • After #12 for 20 push-ups on your hands or knees with board. Repeat 1-4.
  • After #16 for 1:00 of plank.  Repeat 1-4.
  • After #20 for 1:00 of sit ups.

* More advanced swimmers can take this set to 20 x 50’s

I know that the Kiefer Core Board will raise your training to a new level. We'd love to hear what benefits or new uses that you've discovered when using your Kiefer Core Kickboard.

See you at the swimming pool,

Emily

Can Your Child Swim?

It's already the middle of summer - has your little swimmer developed the confidence to jump in the water? As a parent, there is so much you can do to offer your own swim lessons and help your swimmer-in-training become self assure/aware enough to take the plunge.

To jump start learning, I recommend using the Kiefer Paddler®, let me tell you why.

The Paddler is adjustable and works well with most children under the age of 10. It isn't a lifesaving device - it is a learn to swim and be competent in the water device. With your guidance, it will help your child learn to swim safely and properly.

The Kiefer Paddler Teaches Proper Swimming

The problem with other learn to swim devices on the market is not how they are made but what they teach. Arm floaties, for example, encourage kids to keep their heads up and feet down. Problem. What happens if the child falls in the water without the floaties? They revert to what they have been taught, head up, feet down, and sinking soon follows.

The Kiefer Paddler is a unique learn to swim device because it is a teaching tool as well as a floating support. By positioning the Kiefer Paddler at the chest or hips (depending on size and ability of the child), young children are encouraged to keep their body parallel to the surface. This promotes learning to float and be comfortable in the water. Children can freely propel themselves back and forth across the pool by kicking or pulling unrestrained with their arms. Unlike floaties or life vests, there is no limitation in mobility.

More Kiefer Learn To Swim Floats

Kiefer offers other learn to swim tools like the Kiefer Swim 'N Play Trainer. The Paddler and the Bubble Trainer work in a similar fashion, but the Paddler provides a more stable support system for a nervous or novice swimmer. The Paddler's swim noodle composition wraps nearly all the way around the body, preventing face submersion unless it is chosen by the user. Kiefer also offers the Rock It Boat, a kick and body position trainer. Rock It Boat doesn't offer the same amount of upper body mobility as the Paddler, making the Paddler the ideal choice for first timers.

Make Learning To Swim Fun

In the water, parents can assist familiarizing the child with the Paddler. The Paddler can become a speed boat along with a song to help relax your swimmer. Loosening the adjustable belt to allow a firm handhold allows you to use the Paddler as a harness and pull your swimmer around the pool in big circles. This encourages their feet to float (or you can encourage them to kick) behind them. Sing ‘motor boat, motor boat go so slow' (slow circles) 'motor boat, motor boat go so fast' (faster circles) 'motor boat, motor boat step on the gas' (super fast circle).

As a coach and a parent to a toddler, I have found most kids have a joyfully competitive nature. Set up a course for your swimmer to race across and time them. Whether you are in a backyard pool or your local aquatic center, just pull out your watch and shout out “ready... go!” Our three year old loves when I count out the seconds as she kicks across a 25 yard pool with her Paddler.

Know Any Great Tricks To Get Kids Swimming?

I'd love to hear what other parents and teachers are doing to get kids to take the first plunge into the pool. What has worked for you?

See you at the pool,

Emily

A Creature Of Habit

Believe me, I'm like most lifetime swimmers. I'm a creature of habit, and making a change to my swim workout, my kickboard, or even my anti-chlorine shampoo is very unlikely. Change my goggles? Only if I've lost them and they're no longer being made by the manufacturer. But I'll make one exception to my goggle and swim gear rule.

From Pool To Pond

Many competitive swimmers and triathletes transition from the pool to open water without changing up their choice of swim goggles. But I'd recommend experimenting. Swimmers that plan to race and train longer distances in open water should consider a change, ditching their regular goggles for a pair better suited for open water.

Some prefer swim masks in open water, like the Kiefer Maui Swim Mask. Swim Masks have larger frames than your typical goggle, allowing a larger sealing area and increased field of vision, but tend to be heavier and less hydrodynamic. For those who still prefer swim goggles, Kiefer has the perfect solution, the Kiefer Visionspex Polarized Swim Goggle.

Kiefer Visionspex Polarized Swim Goggle

The Kiefer Visionspex goggle is larger framed than typical goggle, providing a very accommodating fit to the adult eye socket. A flexible goggle frame molds easily and comfortably to the face. Ample silicone gaskets do not crowd eyes, and require little strap pressure to secure a watertight seal. Even with an overtightened strap, these gaskets remain comfortably and do not bear done on the eyes.

The Visionspex strap is made from a nicely finished silicone and is split into two as the strap approaches the back of the head, allowing for a tailored and secure fit to satisfy the unique physically geometry of any user. The quick adjust system is located at both points where the strap enters the frame, and requires little time and effort for easy and precise adjustment.

During my open water swim in Lake Andrea yesterday, I made mental notes of why this goggle is my constant

companion during my open water training. Besides the comfort of the goggle, it's still fast in the water (no bulky clunked here). But that's not the even the best part about these swimming goggles.

I think the most outstanding advantages of the Visionspex Polarized are the lenses. They provide wide viewing angles, allowing great views of competitors and surrounding life aquatic. Lenses are also treated with anti-fog to provide a clear path - so there's no need to stop, flood, and drain to maintain clear vision. But the best lens feature is the polarization (and anyone who's had their course sighting flooded out by unwanted sun reflection - take note!). Even in sunny conditions, the polarization helps tame the glare of the sun, allowing you to better differentiate waves, swimmers, boats, and shore landmarks.

Summing It Up

In short, Visionspex are a great choice for training and racing, and a natural for open water. Offering ultimate comfort and enhanced visibility, they're worth adding to your swim bag.

Please check 'em out and let me know what you think.

Now get out there and grab some water!

Thanks,

Robin Spencer Kiefer

Looking For More On Open Water Swimming?

Be sure to check out our Open Water Swim Training post, and check back for my review on the Safer Swimmer Open Water Swim Buoy.

Hello and welcome to the Kiefer Swim Shop blog!

Before we dig in and really get this blog going, please allow me to introduce myself and share my background.

My name is Emily Milak. I started swimming when I was three and fell in love with competition. My love for the sport makes me passionate about helping others discover swimming and I hope to be a resource for our readers.

I have competed at junior and senior nationals, traveled with the US National team to World Championships twice, and won two individual NCAA championships in the 500 Free. I currently hold an NCAA record for one of those titles. In my post swimming career, I spent several years as a head age group coach at a highly successful swim club and later became a mother to a wonderful little girl. I continue to swim and compete, most recently becoming a United States Masters Swimmers national champion. My knowledge base is broad from a wide range of personal experience. I've worked clinics and mentored athletes, I love to talk to people, tell stories, and answer questions. I'm here to help you become stronger swimmer - just let me know how i can help!

Please join the conversation and let me know what topics interest you - what do you want to hear about?

For now I'd like to share my thoughts about my latest "go to" goggle, the Kiefer Conqueror.

Kiefer Conqueror Goggle Review

The Kiefer Conqueror is a top of the line all purpose swim goggle.

Personally, I use Conqueror goggles in all situations, for swim practice, fitness swimming, and racing. A fully customizable fit is achieved due to interchangeable nosepieces and durable silicone goggle straps that are easily adjusted. Goggle gaskets are soft and mold snuggly to the eyes without causing painful pressure, comfortable for both two hour swim workout or a quick 50 yard sprint - and everything in between. The optics provide incredible clarity in the water and are treated with anti-fog for lasting clear vision. With all of these benefits, the Conqueror has become a standard in my gear bag and my racing pack. Compared to other goggles with similar molded eyecups, our Conquer has so much to offer at only a fraction of the cost.

Click hear to get a pair for yourself!

P.S. Don't miss next week's swimming advice on how to choose a swim fin.