I'm in my 40s, started swimming a month ago after being out of the pool for 20 years. I grew up in a swimming pool (well not LITERALLY but you know what I mean) and have always used a rubber nose clip.
I endured teasing and being called 'Rubber Nose' but all I know is it kept me from sputering and getting water up my nose.
At this point, I know I have to learn to swim without one to make my breathing really count. Just being able to breathe through my mouth isn't enough. I'm swimming longer and longer distances now, not stopping between laps to rest every lap, and getting enough air is getting more critical. Especially if I am doing freestyle.
Problem is, I have never had whatever reflex you're supposed to have to keep the water out. I even have trouble in the shower sometimes.
Anyone have any advice for me? :confused:
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I can't remember ever having any water "go up my nose". Some of the swimmers that I coach do have this problem and have asked for my advice.
I do advise them to keep slight but constant positive pressure of air through their nostrils whenever their head is under the water.
Mostly this problem occurs during a flip turn. It never has for me and it may be because I do not do "tumble turns" but "flip turns". The head position, I think, is different for both.
In a flip turn, I put my chin on my chest BEFORE my 180° flip over. I think this keeps the nostrils tucked away from the water as I turn. When I see most people doing a "tumble turn" their head is not tucked as tightly and the nostrils may be directly in the path of the water as they turn.
This is just a theory of mine. Does anyone have a similar experience ?:)
I can't remember ever having any water "go up my nose". Some of the swimmers that I coach do have this problem and have asked for my advice.
I do advise them to keep slight but constant positive pressure of air through their nostrils whenever their head is under the water.
Mostly this problem occurs during a flip turn. It never has for me and it may be because I do not do "tumble turns" but "flip turns". The head position, I think, is different for both.
In a flip turn, I put my chin on my chest BEFORE my 180° flip over. I think this keeps the nostrils tucked away from the water as I turn. When I see most people doing a "tumble turn" their head is not tucked as tightly and the nostrils may be directly in the path of the water as they turn.
This is just a theory of mine. Does anyone have a similar experience ?:)
