OK - here is the research ....
Sharp RL, Hackney AC, Cain SM, and Ness RJ (1988): The effect of shaving body hair on the physiological cost of freestyle swimming. Journal of Swimming Research 4(1):9-13.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine if shaving of body hair would have an effect on the physiological cost of standard swimming velocities. Physiological effort required to swim at a given velocity was assessed using determinations of blood lactate concentration 2 min after each of four 200 yard freestyle swims. Six subjects volunteered and were asked to swim four 200's with 15 min rest between each and reducing their time by roughly 10 sec on each consecutive swim. On the next day, subjects shaved their body hair from arms, legs and exposed torso and repeated this swimming protocol. Blood lactate accumulation at a submaximal speed of 1.08 m/sec was significantly reduced by an average of 28% by shaving. Blood lactate accumulation at a maximal swimming speed of 1.30 m/sec was significantly reduced by an average of 23%. This much change in the physiological cost of submaximal and maximal swimming speeds is nearly as great as that resulting from a season of collegiate swimming training. It was concluded that there is indeed a physical benefit to shaving-down (most likely a reduction in body drag) and that the benefits are not solely due to a psychological response.
Competitive swimmers progressively reduce training volume or ''taper'' prior to an important competition in an effort to improve performance capabilities. The purpose of the current study was to determine the effects of taper upon factors associated with swim performance. Twelve intercollegiate swimmers were tested before and after taper in preparation for their season-ending meet. Power during a tethered sprint swim increased significantly (P
Sure - that is why female swimmers used to shave all the time .... oh no, coaches asked them not to shave for months before a big meet.
That doesn't mean the coaches were right, though!
Anyway, I would think the rationale for this is more part of the psychological aspect. They're used to swimming hairy, so when they dive in hairless they feel totally different and that boosts their confidence so they swim fast.
Sure - that is why female swimmers used to shave all the time .... oh no, coaches asked them not to shave for months before a big meet.
That doesn't mean the coaches were right, though!
Anyway, I would think the rationale for this is more part of the psychological aspect. They're used to swimming hairy, so when they dive in hairless they feel totally different and that boosts their confidence so they swim fast.
