Top 10 Must-Have Items for Every Water Polo Player’s Gear Bag
Mar 1st 2025
1) Swim Goggles
Let’s be real—those 20 minutes of head-down swimming in warm-up can feel like a battle, especially if you’re squinting through splashes or dodging stray elbows. A solid pair of swim goggles makes all the difference, giving you clear vision, less eye irritation, and a smoother swim (because no one likes taking in a mouthful of chlorinated water mid-breath). Whether you’re lucky enough to have plenty of space or stuck navigating a too-tight warm-up zone, keeping a pair of anti-fog, UV-protected goggles in your bag means you’re always ready to hit the water with confidence.
2) Latex/Silicone Swim Cap
Whether you’re rocking a flowing mane, a wild mop, or just trying to keep your hair out of your eyes, a latex or silicone swim cap is a game-changer. For our girlies and long-haired kings, having a durable swim cap in your bag means fewer tangles, less hair yanked out by your water polo cap, and way less post-practice struggle. Chlorine-resistant swim caps also help protect your hair and make slipping into your custom water polo cap a breeze. Don’t be the one constantly asking, “Hey, does anyone have an extra cap?”—stash one in your bag and thank yourself later!
3) Water Polo Suits (2 Game Suits, 2 Practice Suits)
Practice suits are more than just swimwear—they are an essential tool for every water polo player. In a sport as demanding as water polo, your practice suit needs to keep up with the relentless pace of training. S&R Sport x Delfina USA has some high-quality water polo and swimsuits designed for durability and comfort.
There’s no sport with a more iconic uniform than water polo, and your suit isn’t just gear; it’s your armor in the pool. Built to withstand grabs, tugs, and the chaos of every sprint, drive, and counterattack, a good chlorine-resistant water polo suit is essential for keeping you locked in and ready to play.
We’ve all been there—6 AM deck time, rolled out of bed barely making it to the pool, only to realize your game suit is still hanging on the bedroom door. Heart starts racing, but then you remember: you’ve got a spare suit in your bag! A backup water polo suit is a lifesaver for those forgetful mornings. Just make sure you replace it after you use it so you’re always prepared. Because let’s face it—nothing ruins game day more than having to improvise when you forget your suit.
4) 1 Towel (at LEAST, if you only have 1 game)
One game? Bring at least one. Multiple games? Double up. There’s nothing worse than stepping out of the pool, reaching for your quick-dry microfiber towel, and realizing it’s already soaked from warm-ups.
Whether it’s for drying off between games, staying warm on the bench, or just wrapping up like a burrito after a long day in the water, a fast-drying towel is a must-have. Trust us—you’ll never regret packing an extra.
5) Water Bottle
As much as we spend our days submerged, humans still haven’t evolved to absorb pool water for hydration(unfortunate, really). Staying hydrated is key to optimal athletic performance, so make sure you’re drinking from a BPA-free, insulated water bottle before, during, and after every water polo practice or game.
Hydration affects endurance, speed, and recovery. Dehydration sneaks up fast, and the last thing you want is to cramp up in the middle of a counterattack. Keep a sports water bottle in your bag—you’ll thank yourself later!
6) StrechCordz
Want to take your pre-game warm-up to the next level? StrechCordz resistance bands are your new best friend. Prepping your shoulders, legs, and muscles before hitting the water can make all the difference—giving you that extra edge of strength and flexibility you didn’t even know you needed.
Incorporating a few water polo-specific dryland stretches with a band helps activate key muscle groups and get you primed for peak performance in the pool. It’s the small prep that leads to big gains—so don’t forget to pack it!
7) Nail Clippers
"But ref, I swear my nails are short enough!" We’ve all been there, trying to convince the ref that our nails meet the water polo regulations. Good thing I’ve got my trusty nail clippers in my Delfina water polo bag to make sure they’re cut all the way down before stepping into the pool.
A quick trim ensures you’re not just following the rules, but also avoiding painful accidental scratches mid-game. Keep your nails in check, and you’ll be good to go—no excuses!
8) Sunscreen (Face & Body)
Nothing hits harder than those blazing UV rays while you're on the pool deck. Whether you're warming up, cooling down, or cheering from the sidelines, protecting your skin is a must in the water polo world.
A solid layer of waterproof, sweat-resistant sunscreen on both your face and body keeps you safe from sun damageand ensures you’re not suffering from a sunburn mid-game. Don’t skip this essential water polo gear—your future self will thank you!
9) Protein/Energy Bar
When you’re juggling intense training, games, and tournaments, sometimes there’s no time to leave the pool deck for snacks. That’s where a protein bar or energy bar comes in handy.
You play one of the toughest sports in the world, and your body needs fuel to recover and perform at its best. Keeping a bar on hand means you can refuel quickly, so you're always ready to jump back in the water polo pool and give it your all—for you and your teammates!
10) Sandals/Slides
Essential for walking around the pool deck. After long hours in the water, your feet need a break. Water polo slides offer quick, comfortable footwear for walking around, keeping your feet dry and relaxed before getting back in the pool.
Slip-on pool slides are also easy to put on and take off, making them convenient when transitioning between warm-ups, games, and post-practice showers.
To Sum it up
Having the right water polo gear in your bag is key to making sure you’re always prepared for practice, tournaments, and game day. From water polo suits, goggles, and caps to hydration essentials and training equipment, each item is important and will help you perform at your best.
You can find most of these water polo essentials at SRSport.com—your go-to destination for high-quality water polo gear, custom team suits, and training accessories. Stay prepared, stay focused, and dominate in the pool!
