The New York Times reported on the US$14,950 AvidaSwim system that collects, tracks and analyzes real-time information from swimmers while they are training.
AvidaSwim has five wireless sensors that are worn on the head, wrists and feet and monitor pace, stroke count and distance per stroke.
If the swimmer needs instruction from the coach while they are training, a head sensor connected to an earpiece allows coaches to talk with their swimmer.
Already, the University of Michigan men’s swim team is using the device. Coaches can use the live instrument panel during workout so data is collected and the coach’s comments are synched to video (e.g., checking the breakout and commenting on pacing and stroke technique).
We can imagine AvidaSwim will be on the shopping list of many top programs and passionate triathletes. But can it be used in the open water races to aid with navigation, pacing and positioning?
Southern California native, born 1962, is the creator of the WOWSA Awards, Oceans Seven, Openwaterpedia, Citrus Corps, World Open Water Swimming Association, Daily News of Open Water Swimming, Global Open Water Swimming Conference. He is Chief Executive Officer of KAATSU Global and KAATSU Research Institute. Inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Swimmer, Class of 2001) and Ice Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Contributor - Media, Class of 2019), recipient of the International Swimming Hall of Fame's Poseidon Award (2016), International Swimming Hall of Fame's Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award (2010), USA Swimming's Glen S. Hummer Award (2007, 2010) and Harvard University's John B. Imrie Award (1984). Served on the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee and as Technical Delegate with the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, and 9-time USA Swimming coaching staff. Note: WOWSA only recommends products or services used or recommended by the community. WOWSA does not receive compensation for links or products mentioned on this site or in blog posts. If it does, it will be indicated clearly on that specific post. See WOWSA's privacy policy for more information.