Tampon for the first time? HELP?!?

Alrighty...soo we are having family come over this weekend and we are gonna have a big swim party and a BBQ...and well yesterday i started my period. I have never used a Tampon before and since i want to go swimming my mom told me it was alright to begin using tampons. The brand she had bought for me were OB regular and when i went to use it, it felt very uncomfortable and i could only get the tip of the tampon in without feeling great discomfort. I REALLLYY want to go swimming because i dont want to be a loner in the hot sun:/ so if you have any advice that would be GREAT. Also what are good first timer tampons that are easy to put in and take out?(THAT I CAN GET AT A LOCAL DRUGSTORE) Btw i am 14 and have had my period since i was 12... if that helps :P