This is a question for the men that use this forum:
I was wondering why at most meets I attend for masters, I notice that it is more often the younger males that wear swim caps for competition? I am in my early twenties, and whenever I get ready for my events at a meet I look around and notice that it's primarily only younger guys that put a cap on for their events. Just curious for some input from other male swimmers if they notice this as well, or if it is just me. I've talked to other guys my age and they seem to agree for the most part for a variety of reasons. Any response is appreciated!
Dave
Thanks for reponding!
I personally wear a cap because it makes me feel that much faster in the water, so I guess it's kind of a mental thing. I guess more of the debate is if men in general seem to wear caps at all whether it be for practive or for competition. I wear one for both, it just keeps my hair from getting straw-like.
The topic just intrigued me after showing up at my first masters practice, and I was the only guy out on the deck putting a cap on before jumping in for my workout. I noticed likewise at some of the meets that I go to, where only about 25% of men wear caps, and those that do tend to be younger.
Former Member
....Ah, yes. an interesting question.
I myself don't care about wearing swim caps because I don't particularly care for the material pulling my hair or face.
What I usually do is cut my hear at a 1 1/2 inch length... Yeah, I have it very short, but it's a price to pay and I don't seem to mind the look either.
...as for meets: I have yet to attend one that's close by (in the same town I reside in) so that I can compete.
All I know is, when that happens, I might just try shaving my head to see what kind of effect it will have on my swimming. Probably not much there, but it will be an excuse to shave.
I'm 55 and wear a cap at meets,not in practice, As well as making my head feel slicker it makes it feel more bouyant and faster.
Former Member
I'm 28 and don't wear a swim cap. Am I getting old?
Former Member
Hey, I'm a Dave too and I wear a swim cap. Maybe you should go around at the next meet and see if all those guys wearing caps are named Dave.
I wear one for pretty much the same reason. My hair is medium length and it tends to get straw-like if I don't wear one.
Former Member
I'm 63, shave my head and wear a cap.
Hmmm. No one ever said you had to be smart to be a master's swimmer.
-- mel
Former Member
I wear a cap when my hair is long & don't when it is short. I'm forty-six and am told how lucky I 'am to have so much hari. both of my brohters were almost completely bald by the time they got to be 40yrs old. Neither ever swam. It is all genes-or lack thereof!
Former Member
I'm 48 and use a cap - I wet my hair down before I go to the pool, to try to keep the chlorine out of it....
