7 Father’s Day Gifts for the Swim Dads

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Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

7 Father’s Day Gifts for the Swim Dads

By Gigi Picard Swimming World College Intern

One month ago, we celebrated the world’s swim moms. What would we ever do without them?

But now it’s time to turn our attention to dads. They share in the agony of driving to the pool for those 5:45 a.m. practices – and, on race day, they bite their nails as much as mom when they watch us stretch for the wall to reach our half-second drop goal. So show your love and appreciation for all they do as supporters and spectators in your swim life. Here are some swimming-inspired gift ideas that can be on your doorstep just in time for Father’s Day.

The Dad Card

The Father’s Day card is a classic gift that never ever gets old because whether you buy it from the store or make it yourself, there can always be something personal added to it. But which one to get? Heartfelt is nice, humor works, but the cheesier the better is always perfect, too. Maybe, given the Olympic Trials are underway, you could say: “Happy Father’s Day to my Olympian at Heart!” Just be fun with it.

Dad Jokes

If your dad is anything like mine, he thinks he’s “really funny” and laughs at his own jokes. So why not give him some inspiration and something to laugh at by giving him a book of dad jokes all swim-themed. You can make it yourself too! One joke can be: What kind of stroke can you use on toast? Butter-fly! Remember, cheesy always works with dad.

Hydration Station

To keep your swim chauffeur hydrated for this summer practices, customize a water bottle for him. The clear or colored bottle could say “Champion Swim Dad” or have an Olympic ring design around or maybe along the side. Something else you could add is a motivational quote or two: Just Keep Swimming or a quote from his favorite swimmer. 

Cap It Off

With the Olympic Trials in full swing, it seems very appropriate to get some gear as well and do some pool training with the whole family this summer. So for Father’s Day why not start off by gifting swim caps with maybe the Olympic rings or just the family last name? While you’re at it, throw in goggles so you can be fully prepared for family training! 

Dryland Drip

If your dad is in need of some new dryland fashion, you could always get him a short sleeve shirt that says: “I Am A Swim Dad” or a simple swimmer logo across the shirt and shorts. But if your swim dad is also very into hats, you could get him a swim baseball cap (yes I know a land sport) and maybe make it Olympic themed like Team USA or one with a flag on it. 

Crocs Without Socks

Everybody knows the stereotypical dad wears socks and sandals. But any swim dad should know the proper swim footwear attire is Crocs. My suggestion is to find a pair of Crocs in his size and favorite color (solid color or pattern too), but preferably ditching the socks unless they’re DragSox. If your swim dad already has a pair, then maybe buy him some jibbitz to add to his Crocs.  

The Dad Cushion

When you’re able to get your swim dad off of the couch and at the meet, he’ll still need some protection because not all of the bleachers are exactly cozy. I recommend a stadium seat cushion that dads can use during meets that can say “Daughter in the Water” for instance on the back. They work for swimming and if the swim dad has a water polo athlete too. 

To make the day extra special, I would also treat your swim dad to a meal with either takeout or going out to a restaurant and then watch the last day of the Olympic Trials with him. 

Happy Swim Dad Day everyone!

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