Youth Inc. Recommends: Five Resources to Help You Understand Swim Gear

From fins to paddles to wearables, swim gear can be a game-changer — if you know how to use it. But with so many products on the market (and so many “must-haves”), it’s easy to lose sight of what actually matters. 

These five resources focus on how gear works — what it trains, when to use it, and how to choose what’s right for your goals. No pressure to buy, just smart info for swimmers, coaches, and curious parents.

The 5 Swim Training Tools Every Swimmer Should Know

What it is: A gear rundown from MySwimPro’s Fares Ksebati, covering the most common categories — fins, paddles, snorkels, drag tools, and more — and how each helps improve specific parts of your stroke. 

Why we like it: Unlike many gear videos, this one isn’t sponsored. That means you get thoughtful insights on when and why to use each tool, without the product placement.

The Best Swim Training Fins 

What it is: A detailed comparison of top swim fins — highlighting features like stiffness, size, and purpose (speed vs. technique, short fins vs. long fins, etc.). 

Why we like it: Fins aren’t one-size-fits-all. This article gives you the lay of the land, helping you choose based on training goal, not just brand.

The Best Swim Paddles for Technique & Power 

What it is: An evaluation of several paddle types — from entry-level to high-performance — with notes on how each affects stroke feel and resistance. 

Why we like it: Used right, paddles are awesome. Used wrong, they’re a shoulder injury waiting to happen. This guide helps swimmers pick the right type and use it well.

The Best Swim Snorkels for Training 

What it is: A comparison of center-mount swim snorkels, with breakdowns of which styles suit sprint training, technique work, or all-around use. 

Why we like it: Snorkels aren’t just for SCUBA divers. Used correctly, they can help you isolate parts of your stroke that usually suffer from you having to worry about breath - and even build endurance over time. This article makes it easier to find one that fits your training needs (and face).

The Best Waterproof Fitness Trackers for Swimmers

What it is: A guide to waterproof wearables — from Garmin to Apple Watch to more swim-specific devices — with pros and cons for lap tracking, heart rate, and long-term performance feedback. 

Why we like it: This is for the data lovers. Not everyone needs a tracker, but if you're interested in logging splits, stroke counts, or recovery stats, this guide helps you shop smart.