Biomimetrics is a term for taking product design ideas from nature. As scientists, researchers, doctors and engineers are exploring nature to gain an understanding of how novel materials, products and compounds can be designed and developed.
Velcro, waterproof glue and turbine blades are just a small sampling of what has been inspired by nature. The possibilities are also applicable to the open water swimming world.
While the triathlon community and its researchers have determined that drafting directly behind the feet is the optimal way to draft in the open water, Open Water Source and a few other open water swimming coaches are looking at nature for hints, specifically the flocking behavior of birds, the positioning of fish in a school and the way a dolphin swims alongside a boat, for inspiration on how humans can best draft and race in the open water. Based on their studies that admittedly need further research in (near) real-world conditions, they believe that drafting between the hips and feet is optimal during many competitive situations.
The aim of these coaches is to study the natural processes as a starting point, gain insights, adapt where possible with humans so their athletes’ performance.
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.