What Wrestling Gear You Need As A Beginner?
Like in every other contact sport, in wrestling you must take safety very seriously. So consider getting the right wrestling gear before joining this sport.
Wrestling is a full-contact sport that teaches you a lot about discipline and patience while building up character and physical strength.
And, while some consider it rough, others appreciate a good fight to blow off some steam and work on their bodies at the same time.
If you’re setting foot in the gym for the first time and are considering some wrestling lessons, you will need appropriate wrestling gear.
Safety Wrestling Gear
Take a look at our suggestions and find out which wrestling gear you should consider investing in as soon as possible.
1. Headgear
Middle schoolers, high schoolers, and even college students who practice wrestling are demanded to wear protective headgear.
Headgear also goes by the name of “ear guards” because it comes with padded shells that cover the ears to prevent injuries.
When looking for the right ear guards, you need to consider their overall fit and the quality of the manufacturing materials.
They should be soft enough on the inside to allow prolonged, comfortable wearing, yet durable enough to absorb shocks and prevent injuries.
2. Kneepads
If you’re a newbie in the wrestling field, kneepads are mandatory.
Keep in mind that one of your knees will constantly hit the mat, which can lead to swelling, injuries, and other more serious health problems in time.
Padded kneepads will prevent those by absorbing shocks and keeping your joints together without causing bruises or diminishing your freedom of movement.
3. Wrestling Shoes
Shoes are also very important, just like the rest of the gear because they will protect you from injuries and accidents while on the mat.
A pair of comfortable wrestling shoes for kids can cost anywhere between $70 and $160 or even more, depending on the brand, design, and performance.
Asics and Adidas are currently the market leaders and they offer hundreds of choices for all budgets and wrestlers.
But, no matter which pair you choose, you need to pay attention to some features such as the size, the overall fit, flexibility, length, and materials used.
By comparison to other athletic shoes, wrestling shoes are lightweight and often enough come with flexible soles to provide maximum freedom of movement.
Since you will be wrestling on cushioned mats, there is no need for extra durability or air chambers to support the heels.
As for the length, most people opt for ankle-high boots because they can protect you from swelling, pain, and sprains by keeping your ankles tight and secure.
You should also pay attention to the materials used to manufacture the shoes. Most people opt for a combination of suede and mesh for durability, flexibility, and maximum air ventilation at the same time.
Bear in mind that wrestling implies a lot of physical effort so you need to wear a pair of shoes that will keep your feet cool and dry throughout the training session.
4. Unitards/Singlets
Although all official competitions suggest men and women should wear singlets or unitards, practicing in them is not mandatory.
In fact, many newbies try to avoid the uniform and go for regular sweat shorts and t-shirts.
No matter your choice, make sure the clothes you’re wearing are lightweight, breathable, and comfortable.
If you opt for sweatpants or shorts instead of the regular wrestling uniform, look for the right size that allows increased flexibility for your legs.
5. Mouthguards
Last but not least, you should also invest in some good mouthguards that will protect your cheeks, lips, teeth, and tongue.
Keep in mind that wrestling is a full-contact sport, which means that you need to properly protect the most sensitive areas of your body, and that includes your mouth.
They should be made of quality materials that won’t put extra pressure on your teeth or jawline when wearing them. It goes without saying that they should also fit the shape and size of your mouth as well.
As you can see, you need some serious wrestling gear to start this sport and keep it safe. But besides mouthguards, headgear, and kneepads, you also need supervision from a professional to avoid serious injuries.