GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR
"Fastskin" or "Aquablade" Suit
These suits are more expensive than normal Lycra suits because of the technology in the fabric. The logic (when used correctly) is that they repel the water from the suit as oppose to absorbing it. By doing so, swimmers "slide" through the water because there is less resistance created. In addition, a suit that repels water is going to be lighter than a suit that absorbs it. Unfortunately, the ability of these suits to repel the water decreases rapidly and will wear out before the actual suit does, usually within a few meets.
To maximize the effectiveness of these suits, swimmers need to wear them only when racing. Never wear these suits during warm-up. By the time your are done with warm-up, the fabric has absorbed all the water it is designed to repel. These suits need to be put on dry, and be dry when you start your race. The repelling affect only works if the suit is dry. As swimmers wear their suits between races, they are stretching out their suit in ways which decreases the life of the suit. It is recommended that these suits are taken off between races and dried out.
I believe that there could be a small advantage to these suits if properly maintained and used. I believe there could also be an advantage psychologically in that a swimmer who thinks they are going to swim fast usually does. If the suit helps a swimmer to maintain this mindset, that it serves a purpose. However, the importance of the suit should never be greater than the swimmer’s belief in themselves. Swimmers need to believe that they are fast because of their ability and effort, not because of the kind of suit they have on. I think there is a danger when younger swimmers believe that they need such a suit to succeed. In addition, if the suit creates such an inconvenience to the swimmer that they are experience negative feelings associated with the swim meet, than the suit is doing more harm than good.
A suit is a suit. Yes, suits are made differently but when it comes down to it, there are so many other factors they play a much more significant role in a child’s ability to succeed. If a swimmer is not practicing hard, not eating right, not sleeping enough, staying up late, not focused on what their responsibilities are, has a bad attitude, or a low energy level, it doesn’t matter what suit the swimmer is wearing, they will not succeed. I am amazed sometimes when a parent will spend $90 for a Fastskin suit and then let the swimmer spend the night at a friends house the night before a meet. The suit is just a small part of a much larger package of responsibilities.
Success at a meet is determined by so many things, big and small. Which suit a swimmer is wearing should only be a factor if you have done everything else in your ability to be properly prepared to swim your best. Even then, I would question whether swimmer’s are doing what is necessary to properly use maintain the suit.
Coach Devon.