The images above illustrate two design concepts: the first is focused on amplifying a swimmer's lower body movements in the water—like a motorized version of swim fins. The second concept goes a little further by attempting to mimic how a penguin uses its upper body to swim. Apparently the project is still in development, and since the image illustrates that the motorized lower body fin has actually been tested, I am going to assume that is the direction they have decided to pursue. That's probably for the best. [IHMC via Wired]

The Lunocet weighs about 2.5lbs out of the water, but in the water it's positively buoyant. Constructed from silicon wrapped in carbon fiber with a titanium footplate, the system gives you the same power on a downstroke as an upstroke. Coupled with a pair of strong legs the monofin could theoretically generate enough power to drive a human completely out of the water—yes, real life dolphin acrobatics at last.

So is the Lunocet worth its $1250 to $1800 pricetag? We don't know, but it sure sounds a whole lot better than actually training. And we doubt that we'll be getting access to DARPA's swimming tech anytime soon. [Lunocet]

For serious swimmers, here's some serious info about this next gen suit. It was designed with input from NASA, and the fabric is touted as the "world's lightest swim fabric." The seams are ultrasonically welded together and the Hyrdo Form Compression system holds the swimmer's abdomen and other bits at an optimal position for streamlining. The suit is made up off three pieces, which were cut from a three-dimensional pattern to hug the body more closely. Word on the street is it takes about 15 minutes or so to squeeze into this marvel of modern swimming pool engineering.

The suit is available for pre-order now at Speedo, and ships in October. [Speedo via Uncrate]

Originally, his team wanted it to have porous walls, like a sponge, that would really absorb waves—way more than the pool's two extra lanes and gutters, which are actually pretty standard. The spongey walls would have been so effective in neutralizing speed-killing waves, it might have profoundly changed the sport. But the Chinese didn't want to pay for them.

The other change, rejected by swimming's governing body, were new starting podiums with a flap, giving swimmers something to push off from, which testing showed cut a tenth of a second off times. They'll debut at next year's world championships. Guess you can't fight progress. [Radar]

Known as "doping on a hangar" and the "Speedo surfboard," the LZR has hugged the bodies of 30 record-breaking swimmers since its introduction in February. Rivals complained about fairness, and the International Swimming Federation (aka FINA) scheduled a meeting with Speedo to discuss the seamless, ultrasonically bonded suit. The meeting went swimmingly, for Speedo. Not only did FINA dismiss rivals' claims, they also turned around and endorsed the suit for future pro swimming events.

In response, Arena fired off a prototype super suit of its own, complete with plastic inserts and who knows what else. "A new era in the sport kicks off today," said Christiano Portas, the head of Arena. "We can fight for ethics but we stood alone when it came to everyone saying that the word 'fabric' in the rules was just a generic term. Now we explore many other things." My money is on one of these custom-built Columbian submersibles, how about yours? [The Australian]

As Bernard entered the pool on his way to making history, Rattay managed to capture one of a kind images and beamed them around the world in minutes thanks to a custom set up that combines a Canon EOS 1D Mark 2N with a 15mm fish-eye lens, waterproof cable and a transmitter sends everything to a waiting laptop. From there, the images were worldwide in minutes, which is far faster than any of Rattay's soggy bottomed competitors. "I don't need to wait for a couple of hours for the competition to end before jumping into the pool to retrieve my CF card, as do the other photographers," he said. What's the fun in that, Rattay? You afraid of a few cannonballs? [Reuters]

This Aquavee portable swim system offers similar benefits, allowing you to "swim in any style at any time" and continue swimming as long as you're able to keep flopping and kicking. It works by using a harness and suction cups to hold you in place. Suction cups are, as you know, the world's most secure way to attach something, so you know this is going to work forever. On the bright side, you won't have to plant stakes into the ground—something that's not quite kosher if you live in an apartment complex like us. [Aquavee]

Enter the ExerSwim. This is a device that can be rolled into the pool and will create a constant current that is great for swimming against. Think of it like an underwater treadmill. Although, you may be better off buying enough land and installing an Olympic-size swimming pool, because the ExerSwim carries a hefty $4,000 price tag. –Travis Hudson

Product Page [Via OhGizmo!]

Product Page [Waterproof Music via UberGizmo]

You can't really install these things in public pools, however, since it requires you digging holes and mounting a pole into the dirt. But for $70, your own home can become a much better place to train for the triathlon. For the biathlon you're going to have to build yourself a mountain and a shooting range. – Jason Chen

Product Page [Promolife via Coolest Gadgets]

The company says the second-generation shuffles in various colors are also on their way, but it looks like they're going to charge an extra $50 for that. If you also want one of the company's waterproof headsets—mandatory since the iPod stock earbuds aren't waterproof—they'll throw that in for $100. Or you just save your $250 and hum to yourself as you swim. – Charlie White

Product Page [Swimman]

Nemo 33 [via NotCot.org]