Nose Clip

Former Member
Former Member
Is it possible to compete with a nose clip on? Due to some sinus problems (so the doc thinks) I need to swim with a nose clip which is ok if I swim just for me, but a couple weeks ago our coach mentioned something about a some competition in the summer...... I feel so stupid wearing this thing on my nose..... Am I the only one? If there a better way to fix my sinus problem? Can it be related to the pool water or am I just making it up? :frustrated:
  • If you need one to remain comfortable or prevent health issues, by all means use one. I have swum with alot of people who use clips regularly, and seen plenty used at meets.
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    When I was 4 yrs old, my nose was broken. thej as an adult, I've had two operations to remove nasal polyps. I always use a clip. I use the large size for sync swimming. It works really well. I have polyps right now but they are kept small becuse I'm not blowing out through my nose. The other kind with the strap don't seem to fit my nose. I order 12 at a time because of th ediscount at Kiefer's and because I lose them easily.
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    My college coach requires that all our backstrokers wear nose clips in practice and strongly suggests they use them at meets as well. (and about half do!). I wear a nose clip when I am swimming with a swim snorkel. Lots of people do it:-D!
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    My college coach requires that all our backstrokers wear nose clips in practice and strongly suggests they use them at meets as well. (and about half do!). I wear a nose clip when I am swimming with a swim snorkel. Lots of people do it:-D! Why? Oh, that would drive me nuts!
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    My college coach requires that all our backstrokers wear nose clips in practice and strongly suggests they use them at meets as well. (and about half do!). I wear a nose clip when I am swimming with a swim snorkel. Lots of people do it:-D! I, too, want to know why a coach would require a nose clip for backstroke, that makes no sense to me. It surely has nothing to do with speed or technique. I need to inhale and exhale out of both my nose and mouth because I can take in more and release more. So even if people are doing it, why? Donna
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    I bought and used my first nose clip ever this week. I am sooooo glad I did. For the first time in forever I did not sneeze and blow for hours after my swim! That was so refreshing. I had been so convinced that I would not be able to swim wearing a nose clip!! Then I read somewhere here "you will be surprised how quickly you get used to it" and decided to try one. Now I am a convert :applaud: Craig -- being new to nose clips;) I am not familiar that they come in sizes. Is there a particular site I can visit to check this out. Thanks, Nancy
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    It has been demonstrated at the elite level, the underwater breakout is the faster than surface backstroke. Also the underwater backstroke breakout requires the swimmer to 1) have a constant exaltation through the nose, 2) allow copious amounts of water to flow into their nasal cavity, or 3) block the flow of inrushing water. Some swimmers will have option 3A. If I make a certain facial expression (the "something stinks" look) it blocks the nose without need for a clip. Only time having a deviated septum comes in handy. I can kick u/w on my back without having to exhale anything significant (no noticeable bubbles)
  • IIt surely has nothing to do with speed or technique. It has everything to do with speed and maybe a little to do with reducing sinus infections. It has been demonstrated at the elite level, the underwater breakout is the faster than surface backstroke. Also the underwater backstroke breakout requires the swimmer to 1) have a constant exaltation through the nose, 2) allow copious amounts of water to flow into their nasal cavity, or 3) block the flow of inrushing water. Typically swimmers who choose option 1 have subsequently shorter breakouts as the race progresses; the need for air drives them to the surface and the exaltation reduces stored air volume and buoyancy. Option 2 often leads to coughing and spewing. Option 3 (nose clips) is the most effective option and not sneezing afterwards is an added bonus. When I race backstroke with a nose clip, I usually add 4 to 5 yards to each breakout over non-clipped races.
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    yeah, right...that must be the reason why all the Phelps and Thorps are frequently seen with those clips in big meets ;) Seriously. I dont think that this has an impact at all on speed under normal circumstances, but if you have problems controlling the outflow of air, then yes definately there is most likely a big impact on the time you can spend under water. /Per
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    I use them for the same reasons nancytris uses them and have not found them to cause me any problems and maybe prevent some. As for breathing I subscribe to the theory (personal-no citations here) that the larger the openng the more air one can effectively move. Yes the nasal passsages can contribute, but is it worth the hassle considering the much smaller diameter of the canals. Factor in the problems listed by nancytris and these are my rationales for using noseplugs. Good luck.
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