Back in the 70’s in competitive swimming, we’d shave for the regional qualifier or state finals. Did this twice and found a slight, but definite, psychological uplift, it gives a bit better ‘feel’ for the water, and it feels like you’re swimming faster. I have no doubt it’s worth maybe a second or three over a pool swum 1500m, in open water other factors like sighting, waves, drafting would have 100x the impact.
As for looks, think about it for a minute. Most women don’t judge men by looks, especially body hair, they choose men for other reasons. So trying to show muscles better, or whatever the supposed aesthetic reasons for men shaving their bodies, is basically to impress or intimidate the competition, not for women. So you shavers are…basically…doing…it…for…other…men.
Hey, to each his own I say, but I’m not batting my eyes at any of you.