Hi all...
I'm just getting started with this whole serious swimming thing, and at 20 I'm trying to make up for lost time.
A friend of mine who was an excellent swimmer in high school is sort of coaching me now, although I'm a little skeptical about some of his advice. He suggests that I shave down like a competition swimmer in order to achieve a "better feel" for the water while I'm improving my technique. Is there any truth to this, and is there any other reason I should consider doing it? I'm obviously not anywhere near ready for competition, but I want to do whatever I can to learn quickly.
Any advice on this, and any other advice for a late starter would be really appreciated!
I can only relate using my experiences as a recent new swimmer. I started swimming in June 2005 at 42. I could barely swim a lap (25 yds) of freestyle when I first started. I now can swim all 4 strokes proficiently (not real fast, but legal) and swim roughly 3000-4000 yards 4 times a week.
The first time I shaved was at US Masters Nationals in May of this year and cannot imagine any reason to do it prior to swimming in a big meet or at a time accompanied by a taper. Most swimmers get a better "feel" for the water due to the added sensation, but there are many other things to work on prior to worrying about shaving. I may not have enough swimming experience to expertly comment on the need to shave when you start out, but I doubt there is much benefit.
The most important thing to my progress was joining a Masters swim team. Swimmers are tremendously supportive and at most clubs very welcoming to new members. Their encouragement and the expertise of a seasoned coach are both priceless.
At 20, you haven't lost much time. You might want to comment on what your current abilities and goals are because there are alot of expert long time swimmers browsing this forum that will be able to provide some sage advice.
Good luck!
I can only relate using my experiences as a recent new swimmer. I started swimming in June 2005 at 42. I could barely swim a lap (25 yds) of freestyle when I first started. I now can swim all 4 strokes proficiently (not real fast, but legal) and swim roughly 3000-4000 yards 4 times a week.
The first time I shaved was at US Masters Nationals in May of this year and cannot imagine any reason to do it prior to swimming in a big meet or at a time accompanied by a taper. Most swimmers get a better "feel" for the water due to the added sensation, but there are many other things to work on prior to worrying about shaving. I may not have enough swimming experience to expertly comment on the need to shave when you start out, but I doubt there is much benefit.
The most important thing to my progress was joining a Masters swim team. Swimmers are tremendously supportive and at most clubs very welcoming to new members. Their encouragement and the expertise of a seasoned coach are both priceless.
At 20, you haven't lost much time. You might want to comment on what your current abilities and goals are because there are alot of expert long time swimmers browsing this forum that will be able to provide some sage advice.
Good luck!
