Tip of the Week: Shave the Sideburns

February 22, 2010

In open-water swimming, it is best to be anonymous. When no one can tell for certain if you are in their start wave or competing in their age group, it is less likely that they put up a fight when you pass them. Here’s one quick tip to make sure you don’t get recognized: shave the sideburns. It may sound strange, but sideburns are actually easy to see in the water. They are part of the face, which humans are well adapted at recognizing, yet at the same time they are not covered by the swim cap. You may not be able to tell if the person beside you is a man or woman, thanks to the fact that men don’t usually race in speedo briefs anymore. And you won’t be able to tell eye color (covered by goggles) or hair length (covered by the swim cap). But you can tell if they have sideburns, regardless of the suit they are wearing.

View previous swimming tips.