Does a swim cap really reduce a swimmers drag and increase their speed?

Answer 1

Though its primary purpose is to stop water from going into a swimmer's ears, (and keeps hair fairly dry), it can help a swimmer to move faster. The cap has a tiny bit less friction with the water than hair does, and this can have a measurable effect on speed, especially at the competitive level.

Answer 2

yes, hair is probably the main reason you get drag. By wearing a swim cap, it will decrease the chance of getting frictional drag and that will increase your speed in the water.. Shaving body would also help increase your speed (:

Answer 3

Swimming with a cap allows you to swim faster...but only but only slightly.

This is because without a cap your hair creates the slightest bit of drag and also soaks up the water makes you heavier

Answer 4

using a swim cap does make you swim faster

Answer 5

Swimmers reduce drag often by shaving, wearing swim caps, and often wearing elite swim suits that are extremly tight so there are no bumps, all of these result in reducing drag.

Answer 6

YES.