We are hearing that FINA will not put the new swimsuit ban in effect until sometime in May-July. So for now all of the currently approved swimsuits will be legal until a date is set. This should mean that NCAA’s and short course championship season will be allowed to use the Speedo LZR, Blue Seventy Nero, Aqua Zone Renegade, and the new TYR A7 swimsuits.
Tag: blue seventy nero
FINA Bans Racing Suits for 2010, Goodbye to the LZR and blueseventy
On Friday the governing body of swimming – FINA voted to ban the controversial racing suits for 2010. The final vote will take place this coming week but all reports are that the vast majority of the suits on the market will soon be banned by FINA. This includes the Speedo LZR Racer, BlueSeventy Nero, Aqua Zone Renegade, Jaked, and the new TYR A7 racing swim suits. The FINA list (RULE SW10.7) of banned swimsuits should be released by the end of September. Reports are that there will be no material allowed below the knees and no material on the arms for both men and women. The men’s suits cannot go above the waist and the most important ruling will be textiles only. This will outlaw all of the non-permeable material swim suits.
In the mean time the suit companies will be appealing the decision and jocking for a position on the approved list of swimsuits. Speedo has already started with the following statement:
Speedo is fully committed to safeguarding the reputation of the sport of swimming at every level and for this reason we will await a confirmation from FINA about their final decision regarding approved swimwear rules for 2010 before making further comment.
However, we would like to re-iterate that Speedo has always operated within the rules of the sport and will continue to do so, investing in research and development to ensure that we continue to lead the way in high performance swimwear that meets the approval of both the governing body and the most important people, the athletes themselves.
As a forward thinking company, that has invested millions in R&D, we believe that technology “properly monitored and adhering to guidelines – does have a place in all sport. Any move which seems to take the sport back two decades“ such as a possible return to the traditional female swimsuit and male jammer – is a retrograde step that could be detrimental to the future of swimming.
We recognise the catastrophic effect and controversy that the introduction of fully non-permeable wetsuits by certain manufacturers has had on the sport of swimming in recent months. Speedo has always believed that there is no place in the sport for buoyancy aids. We were and remain highly supportive of FINA’s Dubai Charter which recommended the banning of these suits from January 2010, whilst allowing some elements of non-permeable materials.
The Speedo LZR Racer suit, which was developed in strict accordance with FINA rules and regulations and fully approved by FINA in 2007, has had an unprecedented positive impact on the sport of swimming since its launch. Developed over a three year period with the input of over 400 swimmers, coaches and experts, the swimming community by and large welcomed the benefits the suit brings whilst recognising that it upheld the integrity of athletes as it does not aid buoyancy.
For over 80 years, we have taken a lead role in supporting the sport from grass roots all the way to elite levels. We have been responsible for every major ‘legal’ innovation in swimwear since 1928. Speedo remains totally dedicated to the sport of swimming at every level.
BlueSeventy Nero and Aquazone Renegade Suits Now Available
The Blueseventy Nero and the Aquazone Renegade suits are in stock now and ready to ship just in time for the summer long course swimming season championship meets. Blue Seventy Nero swimskins were re-approved by FINA and are legal for the 2009 swimming year. Things might change for 2010 but now is the time to get your blue 70 swimsuits for this summers sectional swim meets, long course LSC JO’s, and zone meets. The Aquazone Renegade swimsuits are also instock now and they are also FINA Approved for USA Swimming meets. Also on the approval list are the Speedo LZR Racer swimsuits and the TYR Tracer swimsuits.
Many of you have asked what is the best swim suit? Is it the Blueseventy Nero or the Aquazone Renegade or the Speedo LZR Racer? The results are obvious that they all preform amazingly well in the water and will improve your times in the pool. The Blue Seventy Nero and the Aqua Zone Renegade both utilize the Yamamoto SCS fabric which is extremely fast and has a very small drag coefficient, while the Speedo LZR swimsuit uses bonded seams, and specially designed panels to reduce drag and increase speed in the water. For the money the Blue Seventy and Aqua Zone swimsuits cannot be beat they are less expensive than the Speedo LZR and they will fit like a glove when you put one on. The Aquazone Renegade features specially located Lycra panels to achieve one of the best fits of any racing swimsuit. The Speedo LZR has smashed countless swimming records around the world but it requires a little more effort to achieve the correct fitting. Too small and you might rip the LZR pulse fabric and too big you will get wrinkles thus reducing the effects of this amazing swimsuit. We will let you and your record breaking new times be the judge of the fastest swimsuit.
Blue Seventy Nero and Aqua Zone Renegade Suits are Now Shipping
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
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.
Aqua Zone Renegade Racing Suits Now Available
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.
Blue Seventy has some new competition
Looking for performance? Aqua Zone is dedicated to helping swimmers of all ages dare to dream. They are leading swimsuit manufacturer from Mexico and now they have a swimsuit made of the same extremely fast fabric as the Blue Seventy Nero swimsuits. The Aqua Zone Renegade swimsuits are designed for the high performance swimmer that trains and competes to achieve extraordinary results. RENEGADE Dreamed by many, designed by Aqua Zone. Made with a Nylon elastic Knitted fabric with our unique nano super composite skin technology that reduces water absorption while providing flexibility, durability and comfort. The Renegade is 4 times less resistant to water and low drag coefficient, high water repellency, and it is light weight and quick drying. The perfect fit to help streamline the body and undulation reduction. You will see this suit on many college teams across the country this championship season.
– Engineered compression in targeted areas along the muscular contours of the body optimizing performance.
– Keep water in its place! Our “hydrophobic” fabric coated with a micro neoprene layer provides an amazing a 0.032 drag coefficient (over 50 times less than shaved skin) combined with a Low profile silhouette, Water repellency, Highly compressive, chlorine resistant, fast drying and you’ve got yourself the best damn suit in the world!!!!
– This suit will last you a whole season, not just 3 swim meets.
– One more thing, the Aqua Zone Renegade suit is approved by FINA for Pool and open water events.
Performance Enhancing Suits
With the first female world record of 2009 now in the books, questions are in the air as to when or if FINA will step in soon to make a ruling. Sakai Shiho, of Japan, is the first female to break a world swimming record in 2009. In the 100m back at the Japan Open, she set a short-course record of 56.15 seconds. The previous mark of 56.51 set by Natalie Coughlin of the United States.
There is no question that swimsuits like the Speedo LZR and the Blue Seventy Nero Swimskin have enhanced performance. The critical issues are the fabric and the testing procedures to be performed by FINA. It remains to be seen if any rules will be changed and when they would go into effect, some new rules may not go in effect until 2010. Below is the FINA statement from February 20, 2009:
The FINA statement:
“FINA, represented by its Executive and Technical Swimming Commission, Legal, Coaches and Athletes Commissions’ representatives, held today a meeting in Lausanne (SUI) with representatives of 16 swimwear manufacturers in order to examine amendments of the current ‘FINA Requirements for Swimwear Approval’.
Based on FINA’s proposals and contributions discussed at the meeting, the FINA Bureau at its meeting on March 12-14, 2009 in Dubai (UAE) will consider amendments which include:
- DESIGN: The swimsuit shall not cover the neck and shall not extend past the shoulders nor past the ankles;
- MATERIAL – The material used shall have a maximum thickness of 1mm; When used, the material shall follow the body shape; The application of different materials shall not create air trapping effects;
- BUOYANCY: The swimsuit shall not have a buoyancy effect of more than 1 Newton (100gr);
- CONSTRUCTION:Any system providing external stimulation or influence of any form (e.g. pain reduction, chemical/medical substance release, electro-stimulation) is prohibited;
- 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;
- USE: The swimmer can only wear one swimsuit at a time;
- CONTROL: FINA will establish its own independent control/testing programme. Scientific testing will be conducted by a team led by Prof. Jan-Anders Manson, from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) and Laboratory of Polymer and Composite Technology;
- APPROVAL: Swimwear manufacturers will be able to make submissions for approval of swimsuits until March 31, 2009.
In a further step, rules applicable from January 1, 2010 will also be examined by the Bureau.
One of the main aspects to be considered is the limitation of the use of non-permeable material.
“FINA has studied this matter very carefully, and together with all interested parties and the scientific expertise of EPFL, we have reached the best possible result. With these amendments, FINA shows that it continues to monitor the evolution of the sport’s equipment with the main objective of keeping the integrity of sport. While we need to remain open to evolution, the most important factors must be the athletes’ preparation and physical condition on achieving their performances” – FINA President Mustapha Larfaoui, Feb 20, 2009.
END of statement.
Blue Seventy Avaliable Soon
The most popular swimsuit of the short course championship season is almost completely sold out. The new Blue Seventy Nero swimsuit has been sold at a phenomenal rate this month and only a few odd sizes remain on the shelves of a few swim shops. The performance of the Blue Seventy Nero Swimskin racing suit has helped propel it to the top right along side of the Speedo LZR Racer and the TYR Tracer Rise. The Speedo LZR Racer has been selling out and delivery is taking longer for Speedo USA since there is only one factory supplying the whole world with the LZR. The lower price of the Nero Swimskin and delivery problems with Speedo have certainly helped Blue Seventy sell more suits this season. Blue Seventy is expecting to start shipping more Nero swimsuits at the end of the month so swim shops like D&J Sports will have BlueSeventy suits in stock during the first week of March. Just in time for the last couple rounds of championship swim meets.
Water Warrior 