Progressing once at a competitive level will stall for many kids regardless of barrier to entry, swimming you example you only need a trunks/costume and a pool but once you have to start travelling all over the country for gala's, a lot of parents can't/won't be able to support it, is always going to be a barrier for many kids
swimming you example you only need a trunks/costume and a pool
This is the theory, then you start doing proper swimming training!
It's not expensive so the point stands about barriers to entry but float/pull buoy/goggles/fins/hand paddles etc. is a right load of crap to carry around :)
Progressing once at a competitive level will stall for many kids regardless of barrier to entry, swimming you example you only need a trunks/costume and a pool but once you have to start travelling all over the country for gala's, a lot of parents can't/won't be able to support it, is always going to be a barrier for many kids