Every Christmas we get asked lots for our recommendations and advice on where Santa and his elves can find specialist gymnastics gear, so every year we have put together a list for our members and this year we have the biggest and best list yet! 2020 – 2021 has been a tough year for small businesses in particular so keeping this in mind this Christmas we are encouraging everyone to buy Irish and support our homegrown businesses! We’ve dug deep to look for the best suppliers around for all things gymnastics! Brexit is causing a spanner in the works with customs charges so below are European/Irish companies.
KILKENNY GYMNASTICS ACADEMY LEOTARDS
We sell our own range of custom designed leotards, made by Quatro, a reputable brand with over 10 years in the gymnastics attire industry. This year we have 2 girls designs priced at €53 which are exclusive to KGA members. Please ensure to check the size chart here so you have your size for ordering.
For the boys we have this cool black and amber design priced at €52. This is the mock up image of the boys leotard. Boys leotards are also worn with shorts or longs which can also be purchased from Quatro. Please make sure to check out the size chart for these here.
HOW TO ORDER
Please read the below very carefully
- These are only available to purchase directly through Quatro.
- Call +441792587796 (press 1 for Sales dept)
- Tell them which leotard & size you would like to purchase
- You should not be charged shipping costs
- All leotards will be shipped and delivered to Sugarloaf Gymnastics & we will contact you about picking them up
- For Boys leotards – due to short lead times due to Brexit you must order by Wednesday 24th November to ensure delivery on time
- For girls leotards – you need to order by 10th December to ensure delivery on time.
You will need to know your gymnasts size before ringing. For girls leotards approximate age sizes are below (they are not showing on the Quatro size guide):
- INT age 5-6
- CME age 7-8
- CLA age 9 – 11
- AXS age 11 – 12
- ASM age 12 – 13
- AME age 13 – 14
- ALA age 15+
KILKENNY GYMNASTICS ACADEMY BAGS, TSHIRTS & HOODIES
These items are available to purchase via Irish company Trueform Activewear (based in Cork) here.
GIRLS GYMNASTICS SHORTS / LEGGINGS
There are lots of different colour shorts available on Decathlon (gymnastics shorts are normally bicycle shorts/hipster shorts so that they are not loose). The same with leggings they offer lots of styles. Dance World in Ranelagh, Dublin have lots of options too. \
GYMNASTICS BAR HANDGRIPS
Hand grips are needed for using on Bars when training several hours per week. They help give some extra protection to the hands from friction from the bar and help offer extra grip when doing swinging and circling elements. Please note that only our Advanced/Competitive/Squad Teams will need the more expensive dowel grips. Recreation gymnasts can purchase palm guards if needed. We recommend purchasing wristbands also to go with grips/palm guards as the velcro/leather can rub on the wrists. Ensure to measure your childs hand via the instructions on each companies website!
- Click here to look at GymGyms selection of grips
- Click here to look at Equip My Gyms selection of grips
- Click here to look at Dance Worlds selection of grips
TRAMPOLINE SHOES
Please note these are from Elite Gymnastics, a UK based company.
GYMNASTICS EQUIPMENT
Home gymnastics equipment is something we always get asked about. Gymnasts must be careful on their home equipment of course and only use the equipment to help make their existing skills perfect or build strength/flexibility, not to teach themselves new skills and risk injury! Over the last number of years home gymnastics equipment has become a lot more popular but what to get is really a personal choice, taking into account budget and space, so that decision is really down to you!
GYMNASTICS FLOOR MATS
The size of home equipment is a personal choice, check and see what space you have available in your home. Make sure to check the measurements of the equipment! The below are available to buy in Ireland without customs charges.
- Michael Murphy Sports (based on Donegal) (Click here)
- MC Sport (based in Dublin)
- Ikea Gymnastics mat in Green or Pink
- GymGym.ie (based in Cork)
- Amazon Germany foldable mat
- Amazon Germany foldable mat
- Wesco (based in Galway, ensure to ring and check if item is in stock to ensure it arrives on time)
- Decathlon
GYMNASTICS BEAMS
The size is a personal choice, check and see what space you have available in your home.
GYMNASTICS WEDGES
- Wesco (based in Galway, ensure to ring and check if item is in stock to ensure it arrives on time)
- GymGym.ie (based in Cork)
- MC Sport (based in Dublin)
GYMNASTICS BARS
- GymGym.ie (based in Cork)
- Fitness Equipment Ireland have some Parallel Boys which boys work on, great for building strength
HOME EQUIPMENT FOR CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS
Sensational Kids, this Irish company stock the popular Gorilla Gym which attaches to your door frame. This is a much loved brand by lots of kids including younger children with additional needs who love moving! They have lots of options available for children for working on co-ordination, balance, and building muscle tone!
- Click here to look at the 6 piece Gorilla Gym
- Click here to look at the 4 piece Gorilla Gym
- Click here to look at Balance and Co-ordination set
- Click here to look at Maze Balance See Saw
- Click here to look at small trampoline
- Click here for a soft play mat
- Click here for Gross Motor Kit
Wesco also have Balance Boards available
McTivities a family run business in Kilkenny have a whole host of sensory play items for children of all ages. We particularly love:
- Teeter Popper which helps to improve balance, core strength, co-ordination and gross motor skills
- Skipping Ropes – brilliant for all children!
