Swimming in open water presents a unique set of challenges compared to pool swimming. Whether you’re competing in triathlons, marathon swims, or simply enjoying a long-distance swim in the ocean or a lake, the key to cutting through the water efficiently lies in streamlining and hydrodynamics. Without lane lines or a controlled environment, you face unpredictable waves, currents, and water conditions. This means every detail of your swimming form and gear must work together to reduce drag, conserve energy, and maintain speed.
The Speedo Women’s Fastskin LZR Elite Openwater 2.0 Closedback Bodyskin is designed with these challenges in mind. It not only helps you achieve a streamlined, hydrodynamic shape in the water but also gives you the comfort and support needed for endurance in unpredictable conditions. Here’s why it’s the ideal choice for open water swimmers who want to maximize their performance.
Hydrodynamics and Streamlining: The Science Behind Efficient Swimming
Hydrodynamics is the study of water motion and how objects move through it. When it comes to swimming, the less resistance your body creates in the water, the faster and more efficiently you can swim. This is especially important in open water where every wave, current, and extra bit of drag can slow you down or force you to expend more energy.
In the context of swimming, drag is the water resistance that acts against your movement, making it harder to propel yourself forward. Drag comes in three primary forms:
- Form Drag: This occurs due to the shape of your body moving through the water. A more streamlined shape will create less form drag.
- Wave Drag: This is the resistance caused by the creation of waves as you move through the water, which is particularly significant in open water.
- Friction Drag: This occurs between the surface of your body (or suit) and the water. A smoother surface reduces this friction.
The more you can reduce all forms of drag, the more energy you’ll conserve over long distances. That’s where streamlining becomes crucial. By aligning your body in a straight line and maintaining a hydrodynamic position, you minimize resistance, helping you glide efficiently through the water.
Why the Speedo Fastskin LZR Elite Openwater 2.0 Closedback Bodyskin Is Perfect for Open Water Swimmers
The Speedo Women’s Fastskin LZR Elite Openwater 2.0 Closedback Bodyskin is designed to help swimmers achieve and maintain the most efficient and streamlined position possible in open water. Let’s take a closer look at how this suit meets the specific demands of open water swimming:
1. Full-Body Compression for a Streamlined Shape
The LZR Elite Openwater 2.0 Bodyskin is engineered to sculpt your body into the most hydrodynamic position possible. Its high compression fabric offers superior muscle support, particularly for your core, hips, and thighs, areas that are critical for maintaining a straight, streamlined bodyline in the water.
The full-body compression not only reduces muscle oscillation (which can create additional drag) but also helps you stay aligned as you swim. This reduces form drag, allowing you to cut through the water more efficiently, even when facing strong currents or waves.
2. Closedback Design for Maximum Surface Area Streamlining
The closedback design of this bodyskin ensures full coverage over the torso and back, which plays a critical role in reducing drag. The smooth, continuous surface helps reduce water turbulence and friction, particularly along your back and sides—areas prone to drag during open water swims.
This closedback feature also offers additional core stability and compression, giving you more control over your body position. Maintaining a streamlined posture can be challenging during long-distance open water swims, but the extra compression from the closedback design helps you hold your form longer, especially in rough water conditions.
3. Bonded Seams to Reduce Friction Drag
The LZR Elite Openwater 2.0 is constructed with ultrasonically bonded seams, rather than traditional stitched seams, to minimize friction between the suit and the water. Bonded seams are flatter, smoother, and create less turbulence as water flows over your body.
In open water, where you can’t rely on perfectly calm conditions, even small reductions in friction drag can translate into significant energy savings over the course of a race or workout. By eliminating bulky seams, the LZR Elite helps you maintain speed while conserving energy for the final push.
4. Durable, Water-Repellent Fabric
The suit’s fabric is treated with a water-repellent coating that reduces water absorption and ensures you stay light and fast in the water. The less water your suit absorbs, the less weight you have to carry through the water, which is particularly important over long distances.
This is especially critical in open water swimming, where suits that become waterlogged can drag you down and reduce buoyancy. The LZR Elite’s water-repellent properties help ensure that your suit won’t weigh you down, no matter how long you’re in the water.
5. Fit for Endurance and Comfort
Open water swimming can be grueling, and your gear needs to not only enhance performance but also provide comfort over extended periods. The LZR Elite Openwater 2.0 is designed to fit snugly without restricting movement, ensuring you remain comfortable even during long swims.
The shoulder straps and closedback offer excellent support without chafing, while the leg grippers ensure the suit stays in place, even in rough water. This eliminates the need for mid-swim adjustments, so you can focus on your stroke and staying on course.
Comparing Open Water Suits: What Sets the Speedo LZR Elite Apart?
Let’s break down how the Speedo LZR Elite Openwater 2.0 compares to other competitive open water suits in key performance categories:
| Feature | Speedo Women’s Fastskin LZR Elite Openwater 2.0 Closedback Bodyskin | Other Open Water Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Full-body, targeted compression for muscle support and streamlined shape | General compression; less targeted |
| Seam Construction | Bonded seams for reduced friction and drag | Stitched seams; can cause additional drag |
| Water Repellency | Water-repellent fabric keeps the suit light in the water | Limited water-repellent properties |
| Back Design | Closedback design for core stability and drag reduction | Open or semi-open back, less stability |
| Comfort for Long Swims | Designed for endurance, with supportive straps and leg grippers | May lack long-distance comfort features |
| Hydrodynamic Performance | Engineered for maximum water flow efficiency, reducing all forms of drag | Standard hydrodynamic properties |
Why the LZR Elite Openwater 2.0 is the Right Choice for You
When it comes to open water swimming, you’re up against more than just your fellow competitors—you’re up against the elements. The Speedo Women’s Fastskin LZR Elite Openwater 2.0 Closedback Bodyskin helps you swim smarter, not harder, by offering:
- Streamlined Shape: Full-body compression and a closedback design help you maintain a straight, hydrodynamic position in the water.
- Reduced Drag: Bonded seams and water-repellent fabric keep you moving fast, cutting down on both friction and water absorption.
- Endurance Comfort: With supportive straps, secure leg grippers, and a lightweight, comfortable fit, this suit is built for the demands of long-distance swimming.
In open water, every second counts, and minimizing drag can be the difference between finishing strong and fading away. If you’re serious about improving your performance in open water, the LZR Elite Openwater 2.0 Bodyskin is your ticket to cutting through the waves with precision and speed.
