Equipment for 'Swim & Explore' and 'Swim & Relax' Programs

Barkino

Designed in 1993 by Marco Serra under the supervision of Francesco Cavaliere, the barkino was born as the sea equivalent of a land excursion backpack. It has the appearance of a small boat (the old models have a keel while the new ones have the shape of a small trimaran) but it obviously has no engine and is pulled by the swimmer thanks to a long lineattached to the waist of the swimmer and an underwater belt.

It is the most important element of classic Swimtrekking as it allows swimmers to carry out excursions in the water setting a point of arrival different from that of departure. Inside the barkino, swimmers can store any personal item (keys, mobile phone, shoes, sandwiches, bottle of water, etc.).

In addition to having the function of a backpack, the barkino is extremely important as it acts, thanks to its flag, as a marker buoy indicating the presence of man in the water. In this way, all the boats in the vicinity are obliged to stay at a distance of 100 m from the buoy. Furthermore, all the swimmers in the group can follow the flag on the barkino as a a direction signal in the water.

equipment-barkino

At last but not least, the barkino has the function of life saving. For example, if one of the swimmers in the group is in trouble, has a cramp or is no longer able to continue the swim for any reason, having the barkino would mean having a floating support able to immediately secure the life of the person in difficulty.

Wetsuit

The wetsuit is necessary for the swimmer as it offers a significant number of advantages. First of all, it prevents the heat dispersion of the body in the water. Although the water temperature may not seem cold, it must always be remembered that the human body, immersed for a long time at a temperature significantly lower than its own, tends to lose heat. In addition, the wetsuit offers the body better buoyancy by reducing friction in the water and improving performance: the swimmer also benefits from the point of view of energy savings.

Lastly, the suit protects the swimmer from more or less known external agents: it avoids exposure of the body to sunlight and protects from everything that could be dangerous (jellyfish, rocks, sea tomatoes, etc.). The wetsuits used by the swimtrekkers can be of two models: sleeveless (to facilitate shoulders rotation) or with sleeves (good quality sleeves which still allow shoulders rotation while keeping the body warm).

Fins

The fins that swimtrekkers use during their swimming excursions are simple medium-sized snorkeling fins, neither too big (like the scuba or freediving ones) that would strain the leg muscles too much during long excursions, nor too short (like the swimming ones) that would not be very effective for the apnea in in case of an emergency rescue.

type-KBuoy

The marker buoy, of any brand, can be suitable to perform a function similar to that of the barkino - which is still much safer and more resistant in terms of performance and safety at sea. Therefore, a careful evaluation is recommended before purchasing.

Mask & Snorkel

The mask and snorkel are necessary in exploratory swimming as they allow the swimmer to have a wider view than with simple swimming goggles. The swimmer is invited to focus on the wonders that the seabed offers, without the need to continuously rotate the head to breathe thanks to the snorkel. The mask must necessarily adapt to the face of the wearer - we recommend a try before entering the sea!! For the snorkel, instead, swimmers can choose between a model with valve or one without valve. It is indifferent in terms of performance but, at the same time, we recommend the snorkel without a valve as it is more resistant and less prone to problems.

Swimming Cap

In addition to collecting the hair and keeping the mask firmly attached to the face, the cap is necessary in the sea as a visibility signal. Our swimtrekking caps have bright colors that do not exist in the marine environment. The swimmers will therefore be clearly visible to their teammates as well as to any boat nearby.

Swimming Socks

The fit is important as it protects our feet from any abrasions caused by prolonged use of the fins. The socks will be particularly useful if you enter the water from a rocky coast or a hot beach.

Swimtrekking Challenge Equipment

Goggles

During the open sea crossings we will not be able to explore any seabed. This is why we recommend the use of simple swimming goggles, as comfortable as possible. Always try to do some water tests in the days preceding the crossing. Also, always remember to bring with you two pairs of goggles. You will give one to the instructor who will be in charge of you and will give it to you in case you need it.

 

type-KSwimsuit

It is important to have at least two costumes. Our suggestions are based on our experience. Any of different request regarding the use of the equipment will be accepted by us with understanding and sharing. Those who want can wear personal equipment, wetsuit, fins or others.

 

Lycra

A lycra is necessary when using a sleeveless wetsuit, to reach a total body protection, and it is optional when the swimmer is equipped with a long-sleeved wetsuit. However, we suggest making a fair assessment based on your physical characteristics. For people who are particularly sensitive to the cold, it may be necessary regardless of the type of wetsuit (even a heavy one). Our suggestions are based on our experience. Any different requests regarding the use of the equipment will be accepted by us with understanding and sharing.