HydroSpeed Technology:

HydroSpeed 2 is the fusion of water and performance. The FINIS Development team has elevated the original HydroSpeed line and created a new racing suit with three unique elements:


Water-Repellency - In order to reduce the overall drag coefficient in the water, HydroSpeed 2 fabric is comprised of a light-weight, hollow-core SCALEX material, which allows for less water absorption. The embossed, scale-like finish deflects and whisks away water from the body. The suit effectively turns the body into a hydro-dynamic torpedo, with reduced drag and increased speed.


Smart Compression - The hollow-core Scalex material provides a comfortable compression against the body. The engineered fabric holds and presses muscle groups effectively, without squeezing and restricting muscle movement. Further, each suit is comprised of several different iso-panels that target specific compression levels for different muscle groups. By isolating and slightly pressing against the muscles, lactic acid levels are reduced and nerve senses are heighted The result allows athletes to be more aware of their body position and technique, swim more effectively at higher speeds and longer distances, and ultimately increase overall performance.

Swimming New Zealand
Swimsuit Guidelines

NOTE: Your swimwear does not need a fina stamp as this guideline from swimming NZ explains - how ever if you are looking at breaking NZ records - open or age group you will require a fina approved swim suit with a fina stamp.

The Following guidelines are effective as from January 1st 2010. These guidelines are a „common sense‟ application of the FINA Rules, designed to create consistency but also to ensure that our swimmers are not burdened with excessive additional cost associated with replacement of all existing inventory of obviously compliant swimwear. General Swimsuit Guidelines

(1) The swimsuits of all swimmers shall be in good moral taste and suitable for the individual sports discipline.

(2) All swimsuits shall be non transparent and must conform with FINA approved standards in all respects.

or

(3) Until otherwise directed by SNZ, swimmers may wear „traditional‟ swimsuits provided the suits meet the following criteria:

(i) Men‟s swimwear may not extend above the navel or below the knee. Women‟s swimwear shall not cover the neck, extend past the shoulders or below the knee.

(ii) No zippers or other fastening devices are allowed except for a waist tie on traditional swimsuits.

(iii) Suits must be of textile material and must not contain any non-textile material such as polyurethane or neoprene.

(4) The referee of a competition has the authority to exclude any competitor whose swimsuit does not comply with this rule.

(5) Swimwear is limited to one (1) swimsuit.
Implementing the New Swimsuit Rules
These Guidelines have been updated to fall into line with the recent swimsuit rule changes made by FINA. The list of FINA approved suits for 2010 can be found on the FINA website here. This list is not all-inclusive and is not the final list. As additional suits are approved, they will be added to the list by FINA so it is recommended to revisit this site regularly if you are in doubt. Please note that in some cases the suit models reflected on FINA‟s list have the same name as previously manufactured suits which do not meet the new technical swimsuit requirements. Before purchasing any of the suits on the list, be sure to ask if the suit is the new model which meets the new requirements. New suits will also be tagged as FINA approved swimsuits and only those suits bearing this tag will be considered FINA approved by SNZ. In addition to the FINA approved swimsuits, these Regulations allow the use of “traditional swimsuits” provided the suits meet the criteria mentioned in the Guidelines.
Swimming New Zealand
Swimsuit Guidelines
Age Group Events In addition to the FINA Approved list the swimsuit guidelines for age group events allow competitors to wear swimsuits that have not been approved by FINA provided they meet the guidelines relating to textile material, fastening devices and coverage. Open Water Events General Swimsuit Guidelines do not apply to SNZ open water events. There are no new restrictions on swimsuits for open water at this present time. Wetsuits or any swimsuits with floatation are still prohibited. From June 1 2010, Open Water Swimwear for both men and women shall not cover the neck, extend past the shoulder, nor shall extend past the ankle. All Open Water swimsuits shall comply with the FINA Criteria for Materials and Approved Procedures. Until June 2010, the 2009 models can be used to protect the athlete from sunburn, jellyfish etc. Records SNZ national records can only be ratified if performed in a swimsuit that meets the General Swimsuit Guidelines. Qualifying Times Any official qualifying time achieved since January 1 2009 can be used regardless of the suit worn.

If you have any questions in relation to swimsuits at Swimming New Zealand events please contact Jo Davidson, TAC Chair on jo.davidson@xtra.co.nz