full body shave?

I don't see how shaving your what-not would give you an advantage on the field....

Don't forget after a couple of weeks, when the hair starts growing back, you will itch like crazy.

Nobody will believe in you if you don't believe in yourself

lol, well i that was intended to mean chest, arms, and other places that would be in contact with the water and not... umm covered up.

I'm 55 and just did the deed.  I come from a competitive swim background but had not shaved down since 1982 (everything except head, pubic and eyebrows, although one friend questioned my commitment). My season race plans included a 5K USMS Open Water National Championship as a priority. A fractured scapula ended my plans to compete at the highest level. Nevertheless I was able to get in good enough shape to have a fun race, so I decided to go through with my plans to shave. In the end I was glad I did it. It was fun and fast, and I didn't scare anyone when i got out of the water.

I too am very hairy and I will always remember the gasps from the crowd when I emerged from the swim FOP without a wetsuit in my first oly. I knew it wasn't because I swam without a wetsuit. The water was warm enough, it was just that it was a tri and everyone was wearing one, but I look like I swam it in a fir coat. (slight exaggeration)

I also found this week during a training session on my bike that I was much cooler shaved (temperature in the 90's). So I've decided to stay shaved down until the end of the season. Sounds strange, but I am considering doing it again next year. As for the itchyness when it grows back: if that is all the discomfort you are suffering from competing in triathlons, you aren't trying hard enough.

 Funny but true story. So my wife tells me as I'm shaving down that it will drive me nuts when it grows back. She explains that when having her first child no one ever told her they would be shaving her, and the re-growth drove her nuts. She said it was very uncomfortable, so I had to ask her how it compared to having to pass a basketball sized child between her legs during birth. We had a good laugh.

 If you do it use the electric clippers first (with help for your back) and spend sometime in a bathtub with a bar of soap and a razor. That worked well for me.

If you're using clippers the "itch" mentioned above shouldnt be too bad. I currently shave chest, arms, and legs w/ a razor. I've clipped everything w/ a zero before and its not too bad.

On the other hand there are A LOT of "hairy" guys at tris.. so its personal preference I feel.

and I personally like it smooth.

Yes! Shave everything!

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions.  I was mostly concerned about grossing everyone else out so I probably wont bother doing all the shaving.  I'm not concerned about being very competetive or placing because like I said in the initial post, I am 60 and it's my first tri, and I'm riding a 1982 steel frame Raleigh, 12 speed!  The bike portion is 19 miles so I'm just going to enjoy the race and do my best.  Thanks again to everyone who posted.  Dan

Well, based on my screen name, "Bigfuzzydoug", you can guess where I stand! 

NEVER BODY SHAVE!  EMBRACE THE FUZZIES!!!

Of course with that said, I do keep the back, shoulders and upper arms shaved and I TRIM DOWN all of the rest.  Sometimes your best friend can be...

There's nothing wrong with a guy being hairy... respectable in public and in control hairy.  And no, it doesn't slow me down any more than how slow I already am. 

LOL....from one fuzzy guy to another that is quite hilarious!!!

My first tri is this weekend and I have no plans on shaving, plus my girlfriend would begin to question things a little bit. Now my younger brother has quite a bit more fur than I do. He literally could be a stunt double for Chubaca!

Andy,

You could just use the electric razor on a short setting (smallest guard).  Depending on your overall swim experience shaving may not actually give you any noticeable advantage.  If you decide to shave to the skin, do it a few weeks before your race.  Then you'll know what to expect as the hair grows back.

I find that shaving my arms actually helps me feel my stroke pattern while swimming (and I'm no pro at swimming).  I don't notice a real time difference... yet.

It's worth the attempt - once.  If it works for you keep doing it, but don't do it the first time right before a race.

Watch this whole video. 

Boys boys boys (which includes 60 y/o men).  If you would like to get around the itch, may I suggest the wax.

AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!! OOOOOUUUUUCCCCCHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! NNNNNOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

Makes me think of that scene in 40 Year Old Virgin... only I think I'd probably come up with a few more interesting words than he did... :D 

By the overwhelmingly positive response...I think we need to start a thread of challenges.  So, here it is, call it the 'i'll try it if you try it' thread.  You guys try waxing and I'll try snot rockets.  Fair?  We both might find ourselves pleasantly surprised at the results.  I betcha a good wax job would help with some chafing that shaving can leave.

When I reminded you of the itching I was talking about when you quit shaving and the hair starts growing back. Thats when you will feel it and it will last for a two or three weeks.