What is the deal with wetsuits.Do they make it easier to swim?
473979
Some of these answers are close but the truth is, the water doesn't have to be freezing cold to cause hypothermia.  The wetsuit will allow a thin layer of water to come in between your skin and the suit, which is then warmed to near body temperature.  That way, you are able to stay in the water longer without your body heat transfering out into the water.  Without the suit, even in relatively mild water, you constantly lose body heat (unless the water is over 90 degrees farenheit) and after a few minutes you can begin to get uncontrollable shivering/shaking, and if you stay too long, hypothermia can set in (which can be fatal).
786093
Living in a warmer climate,  they are probably better swimmers.
219522
The answer is a combination of several factors.\n\nThe skin is designed so as to limit "wrinkling" while swimming. (hydrodynamics) If u look at the skin closely, they consist of placoid scales which r smooth in one direction (swimming direction), and rough in the other direction.\n\nSharks r seriously buffed up, which aids in generating work.\n\nFins stabilise the body to prevent it from swimming upside down or in a circle\n\nThey belong to the chondrichthyes... cartilaginous fishes. This skeletal system is lighter than boney frames and allows for greater flexibility. Both characteristics COULD help in swimming. (There r, however, many fast marine animals with boney frames such as the dolphin or swordfish).\n\nThe tail is the main propulsion force. Which works in coordination with it's respiratory and circulatory system. As water passes over the gills, the lamellae r oxygenated, and at the same time release waste products (co2). So, if the shark swims slowly, the respiration rate decreases... and if he doesn't swim at all, he suffocates. I guess sharks swim fast because they have to. Haha. I hope that's helpful.
600098
I work out in a pool, so that might present problems for you if you don't have access to a deep-water pool. It also takes extra time because of the changing clothes before and after. But I love it and would not do anything else. I'm in the water 3x a week for 60-90 minutes.  There's details on my blog.
1103385
Glad you picked up on it. Because they want to be. Like water. Anyone can hang around the edge. It takes skill, development, to swim. Specially in deep water. Little children it's alright for. Some people take wanting to remain children in the negative aspect to a lifetime extreme. Some things of a child you should retain. Not all.
300151
If you have a fear of the water the longer you wait to face your fears the more difficulty you will have conquering them. Children have an easier time conquering their fears of water because they usually aren't given a choice. But you do need to be careful of not traumatizing a child of the water when young or these fears will remain.\n\nIf you are not afraid of the water or have other issues, learning to swim as a teenager shouldn't be anymore difficult.
891284
A proper fitting suit, shouldn't be a struggle to put on.\n Give up the donuts or get a larger size.\n Sorry, but the idea of a wet suit is to allow water between it and you and that water adds a layer of insulation. If it's so tight that you can't get it on easily, not only do you lose that layer, but the lack of blood flow going to your extremities, will also be an issue, making you colder than if you HADN'T been wearing a suit.\n As for using lubricants to get the suit on, guess where all that stuff goes. Right into a fragile environment, when it washes out of the suit during use. All I saw mentioned were oils and  petroleum products that will also damage the suit or permeate the suit so badly, you'll smell like a combination Greek Deli/ Hungarian meat dish with a little garlic marinade that just rolled around on the floor of a Speedy Muffler King. Suits stink at the best of times, why accelerate the process?\n I did see some one mention talcum, if the suit is dry, that WILL work. Anyone here who dives a drysuit with latex seals will attest to that.
825352
You do not have to be a "stong" or "excellent" swimmer to dive or to snorkel. The important thing is that you are comfortable in the water and aren't claustrophobic with a mask on your face having your nose covered, as you will breathe through your mouth only.\n\nIn both scuba and snorkelling you use your legs and the fins on your feet to move, not your hands.\n\nIn snorkelling you can we an inflatable vest that will keep you afloat while allowing you to move. In scuba diving the whole idea is to move slowly and not exert yourself. That way you conserve air and get to stay down longer and see more.
229120
Choosing your wet suit is up to personal prference. A lot has to do with your built. How tall are you? How wide are your sholders? Are you thin or muscular? The different companies have different cuts. Try one and and make sure the seams are where they are supposed to be and that you have a full range of movement. It should be comfortable in the short time that you are trying them on otherwise you will develop a rash when surfing. Personnaly I like Excel brand wetsuits.
99191
Yes.\n\nGo and enjoy.  Once you have tried skinnydipping you will never want to wear a wet swimsuit again.
685001
in a calm sea, it should be easier to swim since the water density is higher allowing you to float easily.\nbut then depending on factors like waves and river speeds, your experience could vary!
870981
OH YES!!!!!!!\n\nAnd if you are nto swimming for competition and can swim well enough you could save your life.. then you dont have to learn anything else!\n\nUnless you want to!\n\nBreaststroke is great ... keep on going...\n\nYou can also use a kick board for working out and just kick ...really works out the legs\n\nGood for you any kind of swimming is gerat for fitness!\n\nGood Luck and keep it up!\nWismom
769382
Good heavens. One-pieces are really tough to find these days. I went somewhere this summer where I thought one was required, and I couldn't find a decent one anywhere. Luckily, no one actually cared how much my bathing suit covered! :D\n\nBut, yeah, all I know is that they're not terribly easy to find anymore, even in the typical one-piece style.
871829
Well, first they adjust their body to the pressure, by jumping into the water and staying for a period of time.  I believe the suit also has some effect.\n\nThe pressure of water compacts the body in a way, so I would think smaller lungs for breathing, muscle cramps, etc.
361969
well, then go and buy one. well, the best kind is speedo. you also can buy speedo jamers which is really nice. well, if you need one for free. you can go to lost and found and get one. well, i won't do this, i don't like wearing other people swimsuits, but well, it still an option. well, lol, you should ask this question at ebay not on yahoo answers, lol.
923665
the elastic around the edges gives everyone bulges! don't worry too much about it, but if it is an issue, take a second suit (about 2 or 3 sizes bigger) and wear it over your regular suit.  not only will this hide some bulges, but will add extra drag and make your workouts that much more intense! you will also see the results of swimming with 2 suits at your next meet!
341762
yeah just where a life jacket and it will still be well worth it.  plus you can see tons of stuff with out getting in deep water.  I am a good swimmer but I couldn't go under water with my snorkel with out swallowing water anyways.  But maybe I'm just dumb!  Anyways I put on a life jacket and loved it all the same.  As long as you aren't scared of being in the water you'll enjoy it.