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!
Not sure what you mean about lost time. At 20, as a masters swimmer, you've got a lifetime of fitness and competitions ahead of you. You're starting at a young age and have years to improve your abiliities. Be happy about that.
As a 42 year old male swimmer, with lots of hair -except on my head, I chose not to shave at the Nationals in Coral Springs. I'd rather buy a fastkin body suit than spend the time involved in shaving my back, legs, chest, arms, etc. I swam hairy chested and was satisfied with my results.
My opinion is not to bother with this until you're at a point, after a few meets, that time imporvements are tapering. Then you may want to consider it. The only time I shaved was at my high shcool county championships 25 years ago. I did notice a frictionless sensation without body hair. Good luck.
Will
Not sure what you mean about lost time. At 20, as a masters swimmer, you've got a lifetime of fitness and competitions ahead of you. You're starting at a young age and have years to improve your abiliities. Be happy about that.
As a 42 year old male swimmer, with lots of hair -except on my head, I chose not to shave at the Nationals in Coral Springs. I'd rather buy a fastkin body suit than spend the time involved in shaving my back, legs, chest, arms, etc. I swam hairy chested and was satisfied with my results.
My opinion is not to bother with this until you're at a point, after a few meets, that time imporvements are tapering. Then you may want to consider it. The only time I shaved was at my high shcool county championships 25 years ago. I did notice a frictionless sensation without body hair. Good luck.
Will
