Category: Swimsuits

TYR FINA Approved Swimsuits

TYR FINA Approved Swimsuits

by Swim Guy ♥ 4 Comments

Here is the statement from TYR, regarding their FINA Approved Swimsuits:

On Tuesday, the international governing body of our sport, FINA, released their “FINA 2009 List of Approved Swimsuits.” The suits on this list are approved through December 31, 2009.

TYR has three of our technologies listed as approved:

1. Tracer Rise
2. Tracer Light
3. Untitled technology

These technologies are not listed by name on FINA’s list, but rather as corresponding codes to the samples that were submitted.

The codes correlate as follows:

1. A10 refers to Tracer Rise
2. A12 refers to Tracer Light
3. A7 refers to untitled technology

We are currently working with FINA to have these model names clarified and reflected on their official list.

In the meantime, we are pleased to have Tracer Rise and Tracer Light approved for use during the many events that will comprise the upcoming season. This will include the National Championships (World Championship Trials) in Indianapolis and the World Swimming Championships in Rome.

blueseventy Addresses FINA’s Suit Approvals

blueseventy Addresses FINA’s Suit Approvals

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Here is the statement from blueseventy:

New Zealand — May 19, 2009 — Today FINA released its list of approved suits for the World Championships in July. FINA rejected 10 high-tech racing suits and approved 199 others with 136 swimsuits to be modified in accordance with the “Dubai Charter”.

blueseventy submitted 11 models of suits for FINA approval, including tights and jammers.  At this time, blueseventy suits are not listed on FINA’s site as approved models, but one of the 136 that need to be modified, and this includes the models that had previously been submitted (in late 2007) and had received approval.

blueseventy is stunned by this omission.  “As a company, and personally, we were very comfortable with the criteria for testing that FINA had outlined, our suits passed well under the threshold for buoyancy and thickness proposed by them,” stated blueseventy’s Global Marketing Manager, Dean Jackson.  “We have had confirmation that our suits passed the independent laboratory testing for both of these tests.”

Officially blueseventy is classified as one of the suits that ”may cause significant air trapping when worn by the swimmers.” However, there are several other similar brands with suits that use exactly the same fabric, with a similar construction, that have passed without a problem.  This confusing situation has led the company to seek clarification directly from FINA and blueseventy is awaiting their response.

blueseventy has 30 days to make modifications to the suit so that it no longer traps air, but the system around this is unclear since trapping air is not a measurable value and the subjective nature of this “testing” is not black or while. Initially the Dubai Charter and resubmission of these suits was in order to gain acceptance for the Rome World championships and it is blueseventy’s understanding that previously approved suits remain legal for all competitions.

“We are dedicated to working on the best solution to the short-term situation and will work closely with FINA on this process,” said Roque Santos, blueseventy Vice President of Swimming. “Most importantly, we care about swimmers, we care about our company and we care about fair play for all brands in this process.”

Fina Ruling on Approved Racing Swimsuits

Fina Ruling on Approved Racing Swimsuits

by Swim Guy ♥ 2 Comments

Judgement day has come for the swimsuit industry. FINA has made a ruling on legal and illegal swimsuits. See the FINA ruling below:

The FINA Commission in charge of the swimwear approval, formed by representatives of the FINA Executive, FINA Technical Swimming Committee, FINA Coaches Commission, FINA Athletes Commission, and FINA Legal Councillor had a meeting on May 18, 2009 in Lausanne (SUI) and after reviewing 348 swimsuits from 21 manufacturers forwarded its proposal to the FINA Executive, who decided the following:

–    202 swimsuits approved;

–    10 swimsuits rejected for not passing the tests of buoyancy and/or thickness;

–    136 swimsuits to be modified in accordance with “Dubai Charter” rule 3.1 c), as they don’t fulfil the requirement stating that “swimsuit material shall not be constructed to or include elements/systems which create air/water trapping effects during use”. The manufacturers have now a deadline of maximum 30 days (until June 19, 2009) to resubmit the same swimsuit for FINA approval, with the corresponding corrections (“Dubai Charter” rule 4.3 d).

The complete list of approved swimsuits (valid until December 31, 2009) can be found on the FINA official website at http://www.fina.org

Meeting FINA/Swimming Coaches
On May 19, 2009 FINA and a group of swimming coaches coming from 18 countries met at the EPFL (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) in Lausanne (SUI), where Prof Jan-Anders Manson, Director of the Laboratory of Polymer and Composite Technology, presented the procedures of the testing process defined on the FINA swimwear approval regulations.

The exchange of opinions was very constructive and the direction to be taken on the swimwear approval process is certainly better understood.

How to fit a female practice suit

How to fit a female practice suit

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Ok so you want to buy a practice suit or grab bag suit, but you don’t know what size? Don’t worry here is a little advice to help you out. Your race suit should be at least one size smaller than your practice suits. When you try one on make sure when you pull the strap up it doesn’t go up to your ear, then it is too big. Your practice suit should just be comfortable and it should be slightly tight but not too much. Just put on what feels the best. It doesn’t matter too much as long as it fits. For practice suits, you want them a comfortable size because you wear them for long periods of time. Your racing suit should feel tight. It will loosen up in the water, but I like mine to feel like a second skin. Ok so now you know how the practice suits fit, now you need somewhere to get a good deal? There are lot’s of great deals at D&J Sports on grab bag swimsuits.
Stay focused with TYR Guard Swimsuits

Stay focused with TYR Guard Swimsuits

by Swim Guy ♥ 1 Comment
TYR Guard Swimsuits and T-shirts
TYR Guard Swimsuits and T-shirts

You don’t worry about records or recognition. You don’t have the time. As our protector in and around the water, you must focus on ensuring the safety of others, not the glory of yourself. You pay attention to your surroundings and are aware of anything that may seem even slightly out of place.

TYR has constructed their Guard line with the same unwavering focus. The TYR lifeguard swimsuits feature the long lasting Durafast fabric which is designed to resist sun and chlorine damage while also staying colorfast and comfortable. With the TYR Guard suits, your focus can stay where it’s supposed to. On safety, not your equipment.

The new TYR lifeguard suits are available for both women and men. The female styles include one piece lifeguard suits, 2 piece lifeguard suits, life guard cover up shorts, and lifeguard t-shirts. The TYR Microback Guard suit will give you the least amount of tan lines this summer while you are up on the guard stand. The TYR male guard styles include male guard shorts, lifeguard boardshorts, the popular TYR Guard Challenger Trunk, and male guard t-shirts.

TYR has engineered their lifeguard line with the same advanced aquatic technology as their unbeatable competitive swimsuit line. As literal life savers, you deserve the best like long-lasting swimsuits with sun resistance and chlorine protection.

Blue Seventy Nero and Aqua Zone Renegade Suits are Now Shipping

Blue Seventy Nero and Aqua Zone Renegade Suits are Now Shipping

by Swim Guy ♥ 6 Comments

The Blue Seventy Nero swimsuits and the Aqua Zone Renegade swimsuits are back in-stock and shipping. Be sure to order yours today before they are sold out again. Both of these new racing suits are smashing swimming time records across the country and throughout the world. The super fast Yamamoto SCS fabric with hydrophobic skin and a drag coefficient of only 0.032 (over 50 times lower than skin) accually reduces friction drag through the water. Helix technology improves fit and allows for a better swim stroke. Blue 70 and Aqua Zone Renegade are both approved for use in all FINA events. The D&J Sports swimshop is now shipping racing swimsuits for YMCA nationals and other championship swim meets.

The First Step in Regulating the Speedo LZR and Blue Seventy Nero

The First Step in Regulating the Speedo LZR and Blue Seventy Nero

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FINA meet this weekend and drafted the Dubai Charter which is the first step in regulating the controversial swimming suits like the Speedo LZR Racer, TYR Rise, Blue Seventy Nero, and the Aqua Zone Renegade. FINA is laying the ground work for new regulations that will start popping up in the next few months and years to come. The idea is to insure that the sport of swimming remains fair and that the playing field or pool is equal for all swimmers.

 

 

DUBAI CHARTER on FINA requirements for swimwear approval

As the world governing body for aquatic sports, FINA has the authority and responsibility to issue regulations applying to its five disciplines. This includes the determination of the specifications applying to sport equipment. In the context of the discussion in connection with swimsuits development and their alleged impact on sport, FINA reaffirms that it will continue monitoring the evolution of the sport equipment with the main objective of keeping the integrity of the sport.  

In doing so, FINA wishes to recall that the main and core principle is that swimming is a sport essentially based on the physical performance of the athlete. This is the fundament which FINA has and will continue to preserve as its main objective and priority. FINA brings together athletes from around the world to compete on equal conditions and thereby decides the winner by the athlete who is physically the best.  

This does not however imply that swimming, like all other sports, should not integrate the natural progress and improvements in technology where this helps, bettering the conditions under which the athletes compete and optimising their athletic performances. 

FINA also acknowledges the significance of the contributions manufacturers are bringing to the sport at all levels, including to the federations, athletes, coaches and event organisers. This co-operation is essential to continue to develop and remain a major sport worldwide.  In a rapidly evolving world, regulations need to progress as well to address new emerging issues. Before any discussion arose, FINA had initiated a process in view of adapting the equipment regulations. To improve their quality and credibility, FINA has not only consulted the manufacturers but has also sought the support of independent scientific experts of worldwide reputation who will notably assist in the determination of meaningful tests.  

With the support of independent experts, FINA will set up a long term monitoring project with the mid/long term objective to allow an ongoing control on equipment development.  

The FINA Bureau, after considering the conclusion of the meeting with the Swimsuit Manufacturers held in Lausanne (SUI) on February 20, 2009, where the full support from the FINA Athletes, Coaches and Legal Commissions was also received on this matter, has decided to revise the requirements for swimsuit approval with the aim of making them more clear, simple and transparent. 

1. Amendments to existing FINA requirements for swimwear approval (valid until December 31, 2009) 

a. DESIGN: The swimsuit shall not cover the neck and shall not extend past the shoulders nor past the ankles. 

b. MATERIAL:  

  • i. When used, the material shall follow the body shape; 
  • ii. The application of different materials shall not create air trapping effects. 

c. THICKNESS: The material used shall have a maximum thickness of 1 mm. The measurement method is in accordance with ISO Standard 5084 for textiles. 

d. BUOYANCY: The swimsuit shall not have a buoyancy effect of more than 1 Newton (100 gr). 

  • The value to be observed applies to all swimsuits sizes. 

e. CONTROL: FINA has established its own independent control/testing programme. Scientific testing on thickness and buoyancy will be conducted by a neutral team led by Prof. Jan-Anders Manson, from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) and Laboratory of Polymer and Composite Technology. 

f. CONSTRUCTION: Any system providing external stimulation or influence of any form (e.g. pain reduction, chemical/medical substance release, electro-stimulation, or others) is prohibited. 

g. CUSTOMISATION: All swimsuits of an approved model must be constructed in an identical fashion with no variation/modification for individual swimmers from the samples submitted for approval. Any modification before use is prohibited; it is clarified that an adaptation of size does not constitute customisation.  

h. USE: The swimmer can only wear one swimsuit (FINA Rule GR 5.3). 

i. SWIMSUITS TO BE SUBMITTED: All swimsuits to be used during the period of application shall be submitted, even if previously approved. The only submission deadline under these rules is March 31, 2009. 

j. APPROVAL: Approvals issued under these rules remain valid until December 31, 2009. Manufacturers must indicate the approval on the product in use through a method to be implemented by FINA. The purpose is to check that the swimsuits used in competition are approved models.  

In addition to the amendments valid until December 31, 2009, the FINA Bureau approved the following: 

2. FINA requirements for swimwear approval (valid from January 1, 2010) 

a. SWIMWEAR SUBJECT TO APPROVAL: Any swimwear used in FINA competitions and Olympic Games shall comply with these new rules and shall be a model approved by FINA in accordance with these new procedures. It is further clarified that results achieved in other competitions may only be recognised as world records by FINA if approved swimwear has been used. 

b. PERMEABILITY: In addition to the thickness and buoyancy scientific independent tests already included in the previous requirements, FINA will define the use of non-permeable materials based on a ‘permeability value’ test. The non-permeable material can only be used for a maximum 50% of the total surface of the swimsuit for full-body models. For these models, the maximum surface of non-permeable material to be used on the upper and lower part of the swimsuit shall be respectively 25% on each part. Non-permeable material shall be distinguishable.  

c. SUBMISSION DATES: The first submission deadline under these rules is November 1, 2009, followed by a submission on August 1 every year (example: August 1, 2010; August 1, 2011). Submission to approval 12 months in advance of the forthcoming FINA World Championships or Olympic Games. Moreover, the approved model shall be available on the market at least 6 months prior to the forthcoming FINA World Championships or Olympic Games. 

d. LIST OF APPROVED MODELS: FINA will publish a list of approved models. The publication is without prejudice to the fact that criteria and conditions of approval must be effectively met by products in use.  

e. APPLICATION: These new rules are applicable from October 1, 2009. They are applied to swimwear to be used in competition from January 1, 2010. Further amendments, if necessary, shall be issued by the FINA Bureau.  

3. FINA Monitoring Programme on swimwear

FINA will continue monitoring the evolution of the sports equipment and watch innovations in shape, material and other elements which may need to be addressed. 

FINA will consult with its National Federations, its Athletes, Coaches and Legal Commissions, Swimming Committee and manufacturers on any further developments in this respect. 

FINA will consolidate the independent scientific support from Jan-Anders Manson and his team, from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) and Laboratory of Polymer and Composite Technology.

Refuse to Fade

Refuse to Fade

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Are you tired of your swimsuit fading and spending money replacing swimsuits every few weeks or monthly? Then you should look into getting a polyester swimsuit the next time you head down to the swim shop. Taking advantage of a unique polyester and PBT blend, the TYR Durafast swimsuits fit and perform like traditional Lycra swimsuits, but they last three times longer. The combination of polyester and PBT provides chlorine protection, sun resistance and quick drying capabilities to prevent color fade and degradation. But it’s not just a durable practice suit. Durafast’s remarkable fit and shape retention is an engineering treasure; a long-lasting poly suit that fits and performs so well you could race in it to.

Nike Lifeguard Swimsuits

Nike Lifeguard Swimsuits

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 It is time to start getting ready for summer and lifeguards have some new options in their uniforms. One of the new lines of lifeguard swimsuit is the Nike Guard Collection. Nike Swim has redesigned their lifeguard collection to include some great looking swimsuits. The female styles include the one piece tank suit with the guard logo on the front chest, plus an additional logo on the back hip for extra visibility on the pool deck or beach. Nike also has a 2 piece lifeguard swimsuit with one of the skimpiest cuts, which is prefect for those lifeguards who are looking for a great tan this summer. The Nike female guard suit line also has a guard cover-up short. The Nike male guard suit is a boardshort with the guard logo on the front and back. Nike also has a Guard t-shirt with their lifeguard logo on it. Be sure to order your Nike lifeguard swimsuits early this year, last year they were extremely popular and sold out early.

Aqua Zone Renegade Racing Suits Now Available

Aqua Zone Renegade Racing Suits Now Available

by Swim Guy ♥ 3 Comments

The Aqua Zone Renegade racing swimsuits are a specially designed suit to challenge the speed with the irreverence of those who challenge their limits. The Renegade is structurally designed to suit the high performance swimmer who trains aggressively to achieve extraordinary results. Manufactured with the latest Japanese technology based on water drag coefficient to improve speed. By using compression on specific body areas it eliminates passive drag caused by the natural movement of muscles. One of the best swimsuits on the planet for the best swimming performance. FINA has approved this suit. It is acceptable for all international, USASwimming, and NCAA competitions. Please check with your local high school regulatory body or USA Swimming Local Swim Committee (LSC) to make sure that no local regulations prohibit the suit. The Aquazone Renegade is made of the same material made popular by the Blue Seventy Company, with superior manufacturing at a better price. These suits are resistant to pool chemicals which make this suit last for a full season or fast racing.

 

The new Aqua Zone Renegade swimsuits are now available for purchase. They come in several different body styles for both men and women. The Aqua Zone Renegade men’s styles include the Full Body suit, the Knee Suit, and the Legskin suit or Ankle suit. The Aqua Zone Renegade women’s styles include the Full Body suit, the Knee Suit and the Strap Suit or record breaker back leg suit. Get yours now at D&J Sports.