Well, I'm coming back to swim at Master's meets after a 5 year hiatus (surgeries, etc) and find that I cannot wear my "Farmer John" suit bought in 2000 and worn in 4 previous national meets (except this spring). Not a "tech" suit by any means but a hell of a beer-gut bra! Not sure I would get on the blocks without it so the hiatus may continue. Is it worth alienating us "plus-sized" guys over this silly rule? I suppose it will give me yet another reason to dump some weight. Looks like those other 50+ breaststrokers won't get beat by this fat guy any time soon.
Anyone else out there feel the same? I know most of you out there don't have this problem but to have a rule that reduces participation seems counterproductive.
Lee Rider
Fort Bragg, CA
Sure. So?
I am all for increasing participation. But I suppose I am not willing to endure tech suits so that someone might compete in two meets every decade.
I am also not at all convinced that the suits increase participation, anyway; there is anecdotal information both ways.
Again, I'm not discussing tech suits; I'm discussing non-tech suits that have more body coverage (the original question). I guess I have more sympathy for a person who is uncomfortable revealing a lot of skin than I do for a person who wants to go faster in a suit.
I said "most people," one exception doesn't disprove my point. I have been to many, many masters practices. I can count on one hand the number of times I've been to a practice where a male wore a full body suit. Every once in awhile I'll see someone in swim trunks, though not in the faster lanes.
I'm not saying there aren't people with modesty issues. Those people usually find sports other than swimming to participate in.
Sure, one example doesn't disprove your point. But maybe more would show up if they knew they didn't have to wear a tiny suit. I guess I'd rather encourage more participation by everyone, including those that are overweight or are in the slower lanes. I don't think it's necessary to say "find another sport" when we could just allow people to wear suits with more coverage.
Sure. So?
I am all for increasing participation. But I suppose I am not willing to endure tech suits so that someone might compete in two meets every decade.
I am also not at all convinced that the suits increase participation, anyway; there is anecdotal information both ways.
Again, I'm not discussing tech suits; I'm discussing non-tech suits that have more body coverage (the original question). I guess I have more sympathy for a person who is uncomfortable revealing a lot of skin than I do for a person who wants to go faster in a suit.
I said "most people," one exception doesn't disprove my point. I have been to many, many masters practices. I can count on one hand the number of times I've been to a practice where a male wore a full body suit. Every once in awhile I'll see someone in swim trunks, though not in the faster lanes.
I'm not saying there aren't people with modesty issues. Those people usually find sports other than swimming to participate in.
Sure, one example doesn't disprove your point. But maybe more would show up if they knew they didn't have to wear a tiny suit. I guess I'd rather encourage more participation by everyone, including those that are overweight or are in the slower lanes. I don't think it's necessary to say "find another sport" when we could just allow people to wear suits with more coverage.
