This is a list of the various gadgets and gear that I am using in my training and on swim day. This list is not all inclusive but it does include most of the items I have found essential to my training.

Garmin Forerunner 935 I needed something that counted swimming distance while training that I could also read. This one works great for pool and open water swims. Garmin Swim 2 This is the only GPS device I have used that can track location while under water. My hands don't leave the water often with breaststrole so this watch is handy. My only issue is the battery goes dead after about 8 hours of swimming. Platysens Marlin This device is pretty impressive. As an open water device this thing rocks! The GPS tracks your location and the device gives you an audio update in a vast range of intervals of time, time in the water, total distance and split time in another vast range of distances. Magic5 Goggles These are custom made goggles, they take a scan of your face and then send you the color of your choice. They feel like you are not wearing goggles all. Z Clear Lens Cleaner & Anti-Fog This a great product! The anti-fog feature lasts over twice as long as other products I have used. AfterShokz Xtrainerz Waterproof Headphones These work much better than "in your ear" music players, I could not get them to stay in my ears. These allow you to listen to music and still hear what is going on around you. TYR Silicone Cap I wanted a high visibility cap and something to cheer everyone up, it's going to be a long day. Speed Hound Open Water Swim Buoy I wear this during my open water training. TYR Durafast Elite Square Leg Swim Suit Competitive suit, I wanted a suit that was fast but wasn't embarrassing to wear. This suit is very comfortable. TYR Sport Poly Mesh Trainer Swim Suit Drag suit, I wanted to try a suit that provided more drag and this did the trick. I lost a couple minutes off each mile time. Turbo Waterpolo Suit Regulation suit, per the crossing rules, you need to have a "legless" suit. That means your suit may not extend on to the upper leg below the level of the crotch. These guys have a great selection of suits. If you are getting one custom made, it takes several (4) months, so plan ahead. TYR Resistance Swim Suit Resistance suit, I don't know how much resistance these provide but they are comfortable and durable. Waterproof Capsule Case I take several supplements during my open water swims, these make delivery much easier on me and the person in the boat. Microfiber Sport Towel I have two of these things, one in the laundry and one in my swim bag. They dry quick and don't take up much room in the swim bag. Ruby's Lube I tried duck fat, lanolin and Vaseline, this stuff was easiest to apply and lasts a long time. (HINT) I even apply it for pool swims once by distance got over 5ish miles. Waterproof Hard Case I wanted a large, sturdy case that I could use to ship my gear to Dover in and also use on the boat during the swim. I think this will work great. Såk Gear LiteSåk 2.0 Waterproof 5L Dry Bag This thing is a must have for pool swims. It is an easy way to carry all your workout gear to and from the pool. Såk Gear DuffelSåk Waterproof 40L Duffle Bag I needed a bag that would easily fit in a kayak and could hold my gear for shorter open water swims. Darkfin Short Webs Power Gloves These are nice because you can still use your fingers to access your electronics. Like all paddles and web gloves, they really emphasize the weaknesses in your stroke. Dryrobe Advance Adult Changing Robe I wanted someting that was warm and big enough to change while wearing it. These robes are designed and built very well. Hammer Nutrition These guys know their stuff. They have everything you need for long distance swim nutrition.

Gear that worked well but then I found something better.

FINIS Swimsense This is the best swim watch I have every had! This is the backbone of my training. I know they don't make them anymore but you can usually find a refurbished one on eBay or a similar site. The one I am using has lasted over 7 years. - Update, the watch still works but Finis stopped allowing the times to be uploaded to their site. Aqua Sphere Vista Goggles I know these are big and not really streamlined but they are comfortable and have an excellent field of vison. Regular sized swim goggles become uncomfortable to me after a couple hours. - Update, once I started swimming in the 8-9 hour range, these gave me a headache. FINIS Duo Underwater MP3 Player These work much better than "in your ear" music players, I could not get them to stay in my ears. These allow you to listen to music and still hear what is going on around you. - Update, I found less obtrusive ones that sound better.

Gear that didn't work as I hoped This is a list of the various gadgets and gear that failed in some way.

Fitbit Ionic Smartwatch This watch lasted 1 year and 1 month then stopped working. MP Michael Phelps Men's Swift Square Leg Swimsuit It's a nice looking suit but if you are swimming more than a couple miles, it will chafe the heck out of you. Waterproof Capsule Case The threads on this gave up after about 8 uses.