Off the Deck

The USMS decision to adhere to FINA’s ruling on suits this week meant that I had to order a new racing suit because my current one, a to-the-ankle cut, is now illegal at meets.

Not really a big deal. It was time for a new one in any case, and I found a “2010 FINA-Approved” knee-length Fastskin on sale via my fave swim-merchant, www.SwimOutlet.com.

Despite their price, in some ways it’s good that racing suits don’t last forever, because today I’m wondering how long this current ruling will stick. Will it still be in place before the new Fastskin wears? Or are we headed for another change, and thus another suit for me within a year or two?

I’m also curious about the fate of the now obsolete stash of tech suits — those with neoprene, zippers, etc. What are vendors going to do with them?

Obviously, a first move is to put them on sale now that masters can’t wear them either. But who would cough up $100 to buy one now, and for what purpose? Time trials at practice? Get used to the fit/feel of a tech suit for the first time? The occasional open water race that will allow them? Unsanctioned meets? Halloween costume?

This particular overstock situation must be kind of odd for vendors. After all, it’s not like these suits aren’t moving because they’re no longer the favored style, color or pattern of the day. They are banned.

No, these suits are not likely to end up in the “odd-size/ugly pattern” sale-bin box, merchandise that still moves because it fits someone somewhere who doesn’t care what they look like while training in a $10 suit.

So what is their fate? Recycling? Donation? Dust-rag? I wonder if someone out there will get savvy and find a good use for them…

Until next time,
Rebecca, swim evangelist

This entry was posted on Sunday, January 24th, 2010 at 9:11 am and is filed under Swimming. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.