In college our coach always said do not shave the insides or your arm or tops of your feet. Is this truly any better than shaving it all? I guess its to grab more water, but I dont think shaving is to reduce drag, its more for the feel. So which one does everyone think is more beneficial?
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Former Member
Shaving hair off your body reduces friction drag. This reduction in drag results in an increase in speed. The reduction in drag is slight, approximately 3-4%.
When you swim faster you can feel the water pressing on your body in a different, more significant way. This is one reason why swimmers claim to have an increased kinesthetic feel after shaving.
If you are shaving everything but your feet and forearms, I don't think you are going to be any faster or slower. I'm guessing the effect would be negligible.
Shaving hair off your body reduces friction drag. This reduction in drag results in an increase in speed. The reduction in drag is slight, approximately 3-4%.
When you swim faster you can feel the water pressing on your body in a different, more significant way. This is one reason why swimmers claim to have an increased kinesthetic feel after shaving.
If you are shaving everything but your feet and forearms, I don't think you are going to be any faster or slower. I'm guessing the effect would be negligible.
