Wetsuits at Meets?!

IMO, There is no way you could be faster in a pool with a wetsuit.....no way. Way. I've had this discussion with my friend Dave Holland, who bombarded me with literature on this. Below is one reference, with abstract. I've read the full article, the trials were done in a 50m pool. Possibly for sprints it would be a hindrance but not for distance events. The effect of wetsuits on swim performance. Nicolaou, K.D.; Kozusko, J.M.; Bishop, P.A., Journal of Swimming Research Fall 2001: Vol. 15. p. 20-26 The use of a wetsuit during the swim portion of a triathlon has increased in popularity over the past few years. The purpose of this study was to quantify the impact of both the full-body and sleeveless wetsuits on 800m swim performance. Nine collegiate female swimmers swam three counterbalanced and randomized trials of 800m. Velocity, distance per stroke, swimming efficiency index, heart rate, ratings of perceived exertion, and perceived comfort were recorded for all trials, full-body wetsuit, sleeveless wetsuit, and swimsuits. No significant difference between the trials was found in distance per stroke, ratings of perceived exertion, heart rate, or swimming efficiency index. No significance was found among three different comfort levels between the two wetsuits. Inhibition in kicking occurred in 50 % of subjects with the full-body wetsuit and 27.7 % with sleeveless wetsuit. However, significant differences were found in velocity between both swimsuits (1.28 +/- 0.059 m/sec) and full-body wetsuits (1.31 +/- 0.033m/sec), and the sleeveless wetsuit (1.36 +/- 0.065 m/sec) and the full-body wetsuit (p

Ok, how about the men swimming short course?

I really can't see anyone being confused by a FS versus a wetsuit. It's an obvious difference.

Surely by this definition even a fastskin isn't permitted because I have heard a fastskin can reduce your time by at least half a second? Shouldn't the rules be more specific and actually mention wetsuits by name? 102.14.1—Design The swimsuits worn for competition shall be nontransparent and conform to the current concept of the appropriate. The referee shall have authority to bar offenders from competition until they comply with this rule. 102.15.9—Swimmers are not permitted to wear or use any device or substance to help their speed, pace or buoyancy during a race. Goggles may be worn and rubdown oil applied if not considered excessive by the referee. I for one do believe that the 102.14.1 does implicitly mention wetsuits. A wetsuit does not conform to the concept of a pool competition, as their primary use is for outdoor OW - therefore is not appropriate for a pool meet. By my interpretation, 102.15.9 does not apply to swim suits per se. Swimwear is given its own section in 102.14. I think of a device as a watch or something similar. A substance would be more like a topically-applied oil (as mentioned in the rule). I can't believe the wetsuit wearer was not DQd. I wonder if they did this knowing that there weren't enough officials around to catch. :toohurt:

I can't believe the wetsuit wearer was not DQd. I wonder if they did this knowing that there weren't enough officials around to catch. :toohurt: Perhaps. I know that I should have been DQ'd in the 50 *** and wasn't. I cramped on the start and couldn't turn my right foot out. I felt like I was flutter kicking half the way. I felt so bad I wanted to turn myself in!

My thought is that they're wearing them (fastskins)... more as a cover up rather than seeking superior performances.

This may be one type of "swim skin". The women's style doesn't look like a typical wet suit: Women's: www.aquasphereswim.com/.../aqua_skin_wt80_ladies.html Longer version: www.aquasphereswim.com/.../aqua_skin_wt60sleeveless.html "Aqua Skins are ultra light and are ideal for swimming in a pool or open water. Constructed of innovative fabrics such as TLN (Teflon-Lycra-Neoprene), Lycra and a Lycra-Neoprene blend, Aqua Sphere Aqua Skins offer superior insulation, 100% UV protection and superior flexibility. Aqua Skins can be worn by themselves or with conventional swimwear to provide a thermal layer that will make time in the water more enjoyable. Aqua Skins come in six styles for a wide range of thermal protection." ...And... "According to medical research, a muscle works correctly only when it is at a temperature around 82 degrees. At temperatures below this, it starts to contract and lose its elasticity. Prolonged work on a cold muscle causes cramping. It is also known that the body cools 25 times faster in water than in air. To reduce these effects, we have developed a range of Aqua Skins which enable you to keep your muscles close to this ideal 82-degree temperature for an effective swimming or training session."

If this swimmer beat you in the event and, in the process, put up a top 10 time, I'd dispute it.

Well, I guess cheating with a wetsuit is cheaper and safer than steroids and HGH. Sheesh. Officials couldn't possibly police that. Swimmers would have to complain. That'd make meets real fun. Turn people in and squabble about their "suit." Ugh.

I think I have seen these skins before on kids who show up for swim lessons.