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:
Former Member
This is a little off where the topic seems to have gone :) , but back to the rudiments of nose clips --- I found Keifer site and viewed the nose clips they offer. There are three "styles" (who knew?) and I am wondering if those of you who have used this brand have a preference, or experience with one or all and can give word of advice? Now that I am a total believer and convert to nose clip use, I would like to experience a bit more comfort than the Speedo brand is offering.
Thanks, Nancy
Former Member
I buty them from Keifer. I get the ones they make and I buy 12 at a tiem. they are for synco swimmers. There are 2 sized. the small ones I have only found in a catalogue the SCAT webpage. They are really small. I must have a big nose (doesn't look that big to me) because I have to take the large ones & stretch them.
As for the entry about swimming on your back underwater. taht's how I learned to kick for butterfly.
I have been using a nose clip for several years, primarily so I could swim longer underwater on my back. I am able to keep my air longer and my legs don't give out on me as quickly in a backstroke race. While it did take me a while to get used to breathing differently, ie not using my nostrils, I have been able to get much farther underwater on my back. The surprize benefit is the health of my sinuses, I don't feel all plugged up and sneezy after practice as before. I only use it for backstroke (and IM's) and take it off for other events and during practice unless I am swimming backstroke. I don't need it unless I am inverted underwater. I put a nose clip on my 10 year old daughter who would not put her face in the water at all, she then whipped through all the swimming lessons the pool offered in one summer. Maybe I can keep my mind on other things when I don't have to worry about a nasal flush, yech!
Call me a convert, at about three bucks for a good synchro clip its worth a try for anyone.
Former Member
Nose clips are goofy.. so are my swim goggles or for that matter any swim goggles! But I wear them as I am not a "Hollywood" heads up swimmer. I have used a nose clip plenty of times. Its for the pool not going to the supermarket! LOL! Don't worry lots of us have the same troubles time to time. Nose plugs,swimcaps goggles , real swimmers use them all.
Former Member
Nose plugs,swimcaps goggles , real swimmers use them all.
Yes, just yesterday I chuckled to myself as I went through the inventory of what I was putting on... Heart Rate monitor (check); swim cap (check); ear plugs (check), goggles (check); nose clip (check); (newly:rolleyes: ) SwiMP3 (check)... What a simple sport! No wonder those runners seem to have such an easy start!
Former Member
Thank you all for your support and great information! :applaud:
When I was at the World meet this summer I saw very few people do this in the 200 meter backstroke on the 2nd and 3rd turns. For that matter on the 200 fly, I didn't see anybody go the maximum 15 meters on all three turns and I specifically watched for this.\
Frank, you should come to Colonies Zone meets. I missed his worlds race, but Michael Ross from New England Masters (he's 38 I believe) seems to be a BIG proponent of taking the max underwater. Only on the last 25 of his 200s does he seem to come up any earlier than the 15 meters. I used to be a big fan of backstroke, gave it up and am kinda getting back into it again, and have been secretly (until now) watching most of his races for tips. He's got an amazing stroke, is incredibly powerful underwater, and also seems like a nice guy.
Former Member
Craig:
I have been doing some research on the website since I've been having a lot of trouble with my sinuses since I starting swimming again. (I also have terrible allergies.) I see that you have always answered everyone's questions on every new thread on this topic. I've concluded that I need to use saline sprays/rinses and try nose clips. I just wanted to thank you for all the advice that you've given over and over.
Thank you, few people realize that I know everything, except how to type well. The reason I respond is because I know that many doctors don't understand allergies nor nasal pasages, let alone us common swimmers. From all of the research I've done, I am convinced that many of the people who have nasal problems when swimming are either blowing out too hard through their noses, have mild sinus infections, or have polyps in their sinus cavities. Last spring my ENT put me on antibiotics for about one month & prednisone. My polyps shrunk and I still don't have any problems.
