by Claire Forrest
Claire went to her first swim meet at the age of eleven, on a whim. She fell in love with the sport and never looked back. Classified an S6 disabled swimmer for US Paralympics, Claire specialized in mid-distance freestyle and backstroke and made national and world rankings throughout her career. Claire is passionate about integrating disability swimming into the larger swim community, having swum for able-bodied club teams and her college’s DIII team.
You may be stumped on what to gift the swimmer in your life, and the answer isn’t yet another new swimsuit, but much simpler than that. Here are a few gift ideas that will make your swimmer feel like taper came early this year!
1. A pass to an all-you-can-eat pasta bar
Not only will your swimmer absolutely love this, but it is also a very economical gift from your perspective. Every single cent you spent on this gift will be put to good use.
2. A get-out swim
Who needs the consumerism of the holidays anyway? The best gifts are free, and it is the thought behind them that counts! And the thought that a coach just gave them a chance to hit a goal time on a sprint and get out of the remainder of a tough practice? Priceless.
3. A coupon redeemable for five uninterrupted naps
There’s nothing better than finally drifting off into one of those beautiful post-morning practice swimmer naps where you fully intend to wake up not knowing what day it is. And there is nothing worse than a nap being interrupted by a knock on your door. Promise to let you swimmer sleep, and they’ll be forever grateful.
4. A one-time use of the best shower in the locker room
Let’s be honest, we all know there is one shower in every locker room that has significantly better water pressure than all the others. If you’re looking for a gift to give a great teammate, look no further. Sharing the good shower is caring, especially if they’re trying to relieve their shoulders from the straps on their speed suit after a long meet.
5. Recovery day
Coaches are chuckling reading this, knowing this one isn’t likely to happen, but what’s the holiday season without the wonder of dreaming big dreams?
6. A day off…with no obligations!
This happens once in a blue moon, but when it does, it’s pure magic. No homework, no chores. Just thinking of it makes you blissfully sigh.
7. A snorkel that doesn’t leak
Wouldn’t that be something? If anyone knows if this actually exists, please let me know, because I want one.
8. Hot tub time
Perhaps as rare as a day off are the times when your coach says, “You know what? You guys worked hard today. Enjoy the hot tub for a bit.” Instead, it just calls to you from beyond the deck while you’re struggling through practice. A little hot tub time is a true treat.
9. A tournament of Sharks and Minnows
Only swimmers know how epically intense this game can be. Take no prisoners! Or minnows, I guess.
10. A swimmer’s body without having to swim
Well, this will probably never happen. But wouldn’t it be nice? You’d have to be at the top of Santa’s list for this one. Until then, back to the pool we go!