Swimming Noodles
Swimming noodles serve many different purposes for swimmers of all skill levels. When looking for swimming noodles, it is important to consider the durability, cost, and size. Potential buyers can choose from noodles with holes, solid noodles, and jumbo noodles.
What are swimming noodles used for?
The swimming noodle is a cylindrical buoyant piece of foam that is used mainly in pools. This piece of equipment can be used as a pool toy, floatation device, or tool for aerobic exercises. Many young children will use swimming noodles when they are first learning how to swim for support. That being said, they are suitable for all ages and are a great tool for anyone who isn't the strongest swimmer. In addition, they can be used for water exercises in the pool.
This equipment serves many practical purposes outside of the pool as well. For example, they can be used to insulate pipes during cold winters. These noodles were originally used as backstops for construction projects that involved caulking. However, they officially became recognized as swimming noodles when colors were added to them in the 1980s. Pool noodles are easily accessible and affordable, making them one of the more versatile pieces of swimming equipment on the market.
Things To Consider
When looking for a swimming noodle, you'll want to consider the following:
- Are you looking for adult or children's swimming noodles?
- Do you want holes in your swimming noodles?
- How much do you want to spend on swimming noodles?
- Are you planning on buying your swimming noodles in bulk?
What are you looking for in swimming noodles?
- Maximum buoyancy
- Durability
- Affordability
- Color
- Adult use
- Child use
Types
Swimmers can choose from different noodle options, including swimming noodles with holes, solid noodles, and jumbo noodles.
Noodles with Holes
The swimming noodle with holes is distinguished by having a circular hole that runs through the full length of the noodle. A swimming noodle with a hole is easier to manufacture, which is a major reason why they’re so affordable. This kind of swimming noodle flexes and bends similar to other swimming noodles but allows water to easily travel through the hole.
Solid Noodles
The solid swimming noodle is a long cylindrical piece of foam that has no holes. As a result, this type of swimming noodle is much more solid and sturdy compared to noodles with holes in them. People have more buoyancy when using solid noodles, making them a good choice for people who need maximum floatation and security on the water.
Jumbo Noodles
The jumbo swimming noodle has a larger diameter than a normal swimming noodle with holes. This type of noodle will have the most buoyancy due to its large size, although it weighs slightly more than a normal swimming noodle. Typical jumbo noodles will have a diameter of 4.0 inches, which may make them a less ideal choice for younger children.
Brands
Some of the biggest brands that produce swimming noodles include Oodle of Noodles, SwimWays, and WOW Sports.
Oodles of Noodles
This brand offers noodles that are designed specifically for the beach and swimming pools. These noodles are made from a foam compound that’s denser than the foam used by other brands. Oodles of Noodles sells individually packaged swimming noodles, as well as bulk packages that can be great for stocking a family pool or supplying a swim class. They offer 11 different color noodles as well, providing a fun look for anyone interested in buying a new swimming noodle.
SwimWays
SwimWays is a brand known for its jumbo noodles. That being said, they have various different styles of swimming noodles to satisfy users of all ages. For example, people can purchase noodles that come in unique shapes, such as a star as opposed to the classic cylindrical shape swimming noodles usually come in. They offer standard swimming noodles with holes in five different colors, all of which are made in the USA.
WOW Sports
WOW Sports is the most popular brand to purchase unique variations of pool noodles, including plastic-covered solid foam noodles and inflatable noodles. However, they do not offer traditional noodles with holes. This brand comes at a higher price range for it’s specialized noodles, with prices around $10 per noodle. People enjoy WOW Sports for their extra-large diameter noodles, UV-resistant options, and color options.
FAQ
What is the purpose of pool noodles for swimming?
Pool noodles for swimming can take on many uses. Their most practical use is to assist swimmers in learning how to swim by providing flotation. The noodles are used in swimming drills, which allows swimmers to focus on technique. In addition, they can be used to help people float in the water. In scary situations, jumbo noodles can be used as a rescue device when people are drowning in a pool. Young children will also use swimming noodles for various water games.
How much do pool noodles cost?
Typically, swimmers can purchase traditional pool noodles with a hole for around $4 each. However, people can purchase cheap, lower-quality pool noodles for as low as $1 or $2. Solid pool noodles typically cost around $6 each. These kinds of noodles offer more buoyancy for swimmers. A swimming noodle dipped in plastic will be the most expensive variation of noodle. These can cost around $35 due to their durability and quality.
What are some different games you can play with pool noodles?
Pool noodles can be used to play sports in and outside of the water. The pool game called “seahorse race” is very popular for young children. In this game, swimmers straddle a noodle between their legs and use their hands to paddle themselves across the water. Swimmers can race across the pool in this game. Any game that requires intensive swimming or movement in a pool, like Marco Polo, can also utilize pool noodles for weaker swimmers or young children. When outside of the pool, people can use pool noodles as a tool to make obstacle courses.