I have noticed Olympians and also at meets I have been at over the last six weeks that people are getting their suit wet before they race. I have always recommended that you do not dive in the water with a wet swim suit. Many suits are made of closely knit material and are water proof. Water droplets can not pass through these suits.
I have been telling swimmers not to wet the suit before they race. The reports back to me is that they are faster wearing a completely dry swim suit before they enter the water. Comments please.
I make my suit wet before the race because
1. it fits differently when it's wet, so I can make it fit perfectly before hitting the water. I press out air which will otherwise create drag.
2. I get used to the water temperature and don't get shocked when jumping in.
I don't think 've placed the same in the event where I was DFL).
But is there really a difference in performance for an Olympian that splashes a little water 30 sec prior to start or not? If a suit will loose its hydrophobic properties in less than a minute with just a small amount of water would probably loose it within seconds of plunging in anyway.
swam 16 seconds faster for a 200 after I told her to use a dry suit. May be it was in her mind.
I was replying from a phone last night so my post didn't make much sense now that I look at it...
If the dry suit had THAT crazy of an effect, not only would we have all heard about it by now, you'd also notice the later splits in races get slower. If it really was 16 seconds in a 200 difference just by starting dry, then you should expect to see some major differences in split times with these suits during say, the second 200 of a 400 since that was "started" with the suit already wet. Even when you factor in pacing and getting tired, one would expect to see a difference that large indicated in split times, but there is none.
I don't buy it, at least not that extreme of a difference. The example you cite, it HAD to be in her mind or have other factors at play. A few tenths, perhaps. Thats at least a little easier to believe.
Some of the suits are made like this.
Textile fabric in the suit is water resistant because the fabric when knitted or woven tight provides a limited barrier between the body and the water. It will reduce drag and allows the swimmer to sit higher in the water and therefore allows less drag and restrictions.
2. I get used to the water temperature and don't get shocked when jumping in.
Have you ever actually been shocked when diving in at the start of a race? I have to say the last thing I'm thinking about when I hit the water is what temperature it is.
The ritual I don't get is people who put some of the pool water in their mouth and then spit it out. WTF?
The ritual I don't get is people who put some of the pool water in their mouth and then spit it out. WTF?
Exactly! :shakeshead: I wonder the same thing (WTF?) when I see that. I really need somebody to explain that one to me...
The ritual I don't get is people who put some of the pool water in their mouth and then spit it out. WTF?What, you expect us to swallow that nasty pool water?
I believe the act of water spouting is an offshoot of ancient sport of Kudu dung spitting.
From How to Spit with Style www.vinquire.com/.../
“Before you go to an event where you will be spitting…, it is best to practice the art with … some water, and a large sink. The shower is another great place to practice. However, regardless of your spitting skills, everyone (even the pros) will occasionally dribble a little on their chin or shirt. It's best to bring a few tissues with you should that happen.”
Back when all we had was Lycra, we used to splash ourselves. I always assumed that it was less of a "shock" when you hit the water, and so could get right to the business of swimming. Or, it was just a little ritual to keep our minds occupied.
This is me. I do it as a ritual and to cool off a bit before a race.
I hear Ryan Lochte wets his suit before the race, but I'm sure if that's what this is about.:bolt:
That explains the satisfied smile on his face behind the blocks...
