I have a friend with the same problem. He is a huge devotee of the TI approach. It could be a coincidence, but someone else mentioned the extended glide and chin tucked down head position, both of which seem to be features of the Total Immersion philosophy (though perhaps I am wrong here.) You mentioned coaching for five years. Was your style inspired or influenced by TI?
In any event, I think probably the best solution if you don't think you would be able to change your stroke is to grow a beard. Once the hairs are a little longer, they lose that sandpaper abrasive quality. You might even be able to get relief just by sprouting one of those Don Johnson semi-beards from his Miami Vice days. I often have one of these, not on purpose but mainly because I don't remember to shave, and I don't get shoulder abrasion!
Either a beard or I suppose you could try applying some duct tape on the spot where the abrasion in the worst. This would likely stay in place for a good chunk of the practice and prevent the problem. If it works, you could come out with a line of flesh-colored duct tape for tough bearded swimmers.
I have a friend with the same problem. He is a huge devotee of the TI approach. It could be a coincidence, but someone else mentioned the extended glide and chin tucked down head position, both of which seem to be features of the Total Immersion philosophy (though perhaps I am wrong here.) You mentioned coaching for five years. Was your style inspired or influenced by TI?
In any event, I think probably the best solution if you don't think you would be able to change your stroke is to grow a beard. Once the hairs are a little longer, they lose that sandpaper abrasive quality. You might even be able to get relief just by sprouting one of those Don Johnson semi-beards from his Miami Vice days. I often have one of these, not on purpose but mainly because I don't remember to shave, and I don't get shoulder abrasion!
Either a beard or I suppose you could try applying some duct tape on the spot where the abrasion in the worst. This would likely stay in place for a good chunk of the practice and prevent the problem. If it works, you could come out with a line of flesh-colored duct tape for tough bearded swimmers.
