Quitting my 45 year long nose clip habit

Hi all I realize that I am really cheating myself out of about half of the air I could be utilizing by needing to wear a nose clip! I keep being told to just blow out while swimming. So I figured step 1 was to start getting into that habit, and it's tough! The very first time I ever got into the pool (age 5) water immediately shot up my nose. I got out, went into the house, grabbed a nose clip from the closet and that was that. I endured the geek/nerd comments all through school but I always could swim like a fish and that would shut everyone up. But now, I'm pushing myself harder and realize how inefficient it is making my breathing. I do have a nose clip that doesn't work so well and I need to blow out a little (a short burst when I first go in) to keep the water out - is that what normally happens? I call this thing my training wheel, but it is still keeping my nose closed for the most part... I think I wasn't in the right line when the Big Guy was handing out this reflex before I was born :-) It's a terrifying thought that the next time my deck coach is there, she is going to try to make me do 50 without it...:bitching: Any advice???? Thanks!