Swim Skins

okane1

It is my understanding swim skins are allow in togs only event. Am I right in this statement?

Looking at getting myself swim skins. Can anyone recommend a particular manufacture and model?
I'll be using it in sea swims, from distance of 2km upto 10km.
Thanks

okane1

Just found the list of approved swimsuits/skins, answers my own question

http://www.fina.org/H2O/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=917&Itemid=461

swimmer_hoop

It should be worth noting that if you are using the skins in a Leinster Open Water event you are allowed wear a full body suit with a zip/clasp, this is contrary to FINA approved guidlines for Open Water which state that although shouldr - ankle textile suits are allowed they must not have a zip/clasp on them.

Just in case you were thinkimg of looking that way. I like wearing FastskinII leg suit for most sea races. If you're looking for some older suits on the cheap eBay is great. Here's a seller from Ireland which is a rarity for suits. http://shop.ebay.ie/eazy2swim/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25

Mods: I dunno if posting that link up here is against forum rules, if it is I'm sorry please take it down, I only put it up as a common resource for everyone. swimmer_hoop

okane1

I spend the last few hours going through the FINA approved togs list and trying to source the same approved skins online. Most appear to be on sale in the USA and they do not appear to ship to Ireland.

Thanks for that eBay listing. Weather I go down the approved FINA list or not, still unsure. Would like to, but if I cannot source them in Ireland, it will leave me with little choice.

Down here in Munster, it won’t matter, as wetsuits are allowed in all swims. I think wetsuits do not help me, it makes my kick become lazy as I don’t need to focus on kicking as the suit keeps them up. If I go down the togs/skin suit, I think I might increase my speed with my kick coming into effect.

The races up run by the LIDSA, are the zipper skins allowed or do they follow the FINA guidelines?

kris71

With a bit of time spent on research on ebay you can find a full fsII suit for less then 50 pounds. I find it a bit hard to find the right size tho. But thanks for that link