If the full body rubber suits do end up getting banned, why should USMS follow their lead on this issue? (i.e. assuming the suits would continue to be manufactured).
Isn't Masters mostly for each individual to pursue what they want and the level they want out of the sport?
If the full body suit is preferred by many USMS participants, why not satisfy the base by keeping it available?
What's really the point of forcing old USMS swimmers out of their girdles if FINA bans them?
John Smith
Parents
Former Member
Wow this thread went south in a hurry. :)
To address Jim's question about post-suit letdown: yes, as in giving up any expensive, unhealthy addiction cold turkey, there will be some pain. Pull the band-aid right off, say I! Then you can join me and former smokers in the ranks of the righteously (annoying) smug holier-than-thous.
Let me preface my comments by saying that I am a huge fan of the tech suits; I think they have given people something to talk about besides MP's bong hits, they are generally regarded positively by those who have tried them (and are probably derided generally by those who have not), and the cost is probably only really an issue for age-groupers. I also think that arguments like "unfair playing field", air-trapping, buoyancy, etc are red herrings.
Having said that, the suits have made times relative. I know that I am not just a few percent slower at 45 (and 185 lbs) than I was at 22 (and 170 lbs) - the suits make a difference. How much? Well, I will likely find out next year.
But for me, masters swimming is less about the times and more (much more) about racing. The times are just a way to "keep score". So, having stunk up the Indy pool in my B70, I will commit to racing in textile jammers from now on.
I can only hope that messrs Guthrie, Blank, Weissman, Dicks et al will join me...:help:
Wow this thread went south in a hurry. :)
To address Jim's question about post-suit letdown: yes, as in giving up any expensive, unhealthy addiction cold turkey, there will be some pain. Pull the band-aid right off, say I! Then you can join me and former smokers in the ranks of the righteously (annoying) smug holier-than-thous.
Let me preface my comments by saying that I am a huge fan of the tech suits; I think they have given people something to talk about besides MP's bong hits, they are generally regarded positively by those who have tried them (and are probably derided generally by those who have not), and the cost is probably only really an issue for age-groupers. I also think that arguments like "unfair playing field", air-trapping, buoyancy, etc are red herrings.
Having said that, the suits have made times relative. I know that I am not just a few percent slower at 45 (and 185 lbs) than I was at 22 (and 170 lbs) - the suits make a difference. How much? Well, I will likely find out next year.
But for me, masters swimming is less about the times and more (much more) about racing. The times are just a way to "keep score". So, having stunk up the Indy pool in my B70, I will commit to racing in textile jammers from now on.
I can only hope that messrs Guthrie, Blank, Weissman, Dicks et al will join me...:help:
