Featured Innovation

Underwater Training Lights TV Show

“System and Method for Training a Swimmer.” U.S. Patent Number 6,086,379. July 11, 2000. David Pendergast, Albert Termin, and John Zaharkin

B.Termin, D.R.Pendergast. “Pace Lights and Swim Performance." Swimming Technique Magazine, Volume 36, 18-20 (October/December 1999)

TYR Aquashift - Athens Olympics TV Show

TYR Aquashift - Empire Sports TV Show

In This Section..

A series of videos highlighting a number of technologies that were developed to assist in the improvement rate of swimmers.

Underwater LED Pace Lights

The first feature is a television segment showcasing a U.S.patented underwater pace light system designed to help swimmers improve their technique. You’ll find links to the original patent document, as well as an article explaining how the system works and how it’s used in training.

After the patent was issued, the technology was licensed to LumaLanes, a company that took the original idea and transformed the technology into a state-of-the-art training tool. This version allows up to eight swimmers to train at the same time, each following their own individualized training program.

The lights give swimmers a clear visual reference, allowing them to test technical changes and instantly see how these affect their speed. Our studies have shown that this leads to measurable improvements in technique and performance over time.

History of TYR Aquashift Low Drag Swimsuit

The next two videos feature the initial development of low drag swimsuits. The suit featured is the "TYR Aquashift" that was created exclusively for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. This suit was conceptualized and developed from previous research on the concept that drag is the major componeut in swimming performance.

Companines in that time frame were searching for methods to help swimmers improve performance. It was thought that developing a swimsuit that reduced drag was just like how modern lanes were designed reduce the turbulence and waves between lanes.

As is well documented, these suits were eventually banned from competition, and male swimmers were not permitted to wear the full body configuration. During that time period, we also published a number of papers about the componeuts of swimsuit drag that are contained in our Library Section of this website.