What to Pack for a Swimming Gala
Galas are long, warm, noisy days, and nothing ruins one faster than a snapped goggle strap with no spare. Whether you're a swimmer or a parent packing for one, this checklist covers everything. It is part of our racing and competition guides.
What should you pack for a swimming gala?
The Gala Packing Checklist
| Item | Why | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Race suit | For your races | Pack it on top so it's easy to find. |
| Training suit | For warm-up and swim-down | Saves your race suit from extra wear. |
| Two pairs of goggles | Straps snap at the worst moments | Same model, same adjustment. |
| Two caps | Caps tear, especially latex | Club cap if your club requires one. |
| Two or more towels | One gets soaked quickly | Microfibre dries faster between races. |
| Warm layers and slides | Poolside waiting time is long | Hoodie, joggers or shorts. |
| Food and water | Energy for a long day | Small, familiar snacks. |
| Pen and highlighter | Marking events in the programme | Write event and heat numbers on your hand. |
How do you manage your race suit on gala day?
Warm up in your training suit, then change into your race suit with plenty of time before your first event. Allow around 15 minutes to put it on. Cover up between races so it doesn't snag on benches. Our guide on how to put on a race suit explains the technique.
The mistake: Packing only one pair of goggles and one cap.
What happens: A strap snaps or a cap tears behind the blocks, and there's no time to sort it before your race.
How to avoid it: Pack spares of both, adjusted and ready to go. Our racing goggles are worth having in pairs.
What should swimmers eat at a gala?
Small, familiar snacks they've eaten before, little and often: fruit, sandwiches, cereal bars and plenty of water. Avoid trying anything new on race day. Galas can run for hours, so a cool bag is worth packing.
What should parents pack?
Light clothes, because spectator areas are hot. A drink, a snack, a book for the gaps between races, a phone charger and cash for the programme. Our post kids swimwear guide for parents covers the kit side of junior swimming.
THREE GALA DAY RULES
THREE GALA DAY RULESSpares
SparesTwo goggles, two caps, two towels.
Time
TimeArrive early, and allow 15 minutes for the race suit.
Cover up
Cover upLayers and slides between races.
Which bag suits gala day?
Something big enough for all of the above, with a wet compartment. A holdall or large club backpack works well. Our swimming bags include gala-sized options. Our swim bag comparison helps you choose. For younger swimmers, our guide to World Aquatics (WA) approved swimwear is worth reading before the season starts. Our swimwear experts are happy to help you kit out for the season.
Why Buy Gala Kit From Allens Swimwear
We've kitted out swimmers for galas since 1976.
Written by a swimwear specialist at Allens Swimwear, 50 years of expert fitting. Updated 27 October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you need to take to a swimming gala?
A race suit, a training suit for warm-up, two pairs of goggles, two caps, towels, warm layers, slides, food, water and a pen for the programme.
Should you warm up in your race suit?
We recommend warming up in a training suit and changing into your race suit afterwards. It saves wear on the race suit.
What should swimmers eat at a gala?
Small, familiar snacks little and often, plus plenty of water. Don't try new foods on race day.
Why do swimmers take two pairs of goggles to a gala?
Straps can snap and seals can fail at the worst moment. A spare pair, already adjusted, avoids panic behind the blocks.
How early should you arrive at a gala?
Early enough to find a seat, warm up and change into your race suit without rushing. Check the meet pack for warm-up times.