[cmccuist]

I noticed that not all of the backstrokers don't wear them. Probably because of the constrictive nature.

How about the high-tech pools they're using now? The lane rope floats are specially designed to dampen waves. The water is actually salt-water rather that chlorinated fresh water, which is more bouyant to the swimmers. There are troughs on either side of the pool to further dampen the wave action.

Although when Michael Phelps swims, it looks like you could jump in with a long board and ride his shoulder wave the full 50 meters!!