dizzy w/ flip turns .. help

If you were one of my age group swimmers I would tell you to do more to get used to the feeling. However, I would also say if it's not something that you feel you need then do open turns and just get as quick as possible with those.

Have you tried sighting on a fixed point on the bottom of the pool? This is a technique dancers and figure skaters use to avoid getting dizzy while spinning. Try picking a fixed point on the bottom of the pool (the T, for example) and keep your eyes fixed on this location for as long as possible. At some point the dynamics of the turn will force you to look away, but it might help your dizziness to look at the fixed point for as long as possible.

thanks for the responses. yes, having had seasonal allergies for.. well basically forever (although they are less now) i've always had issues w/ my eustachian tubes being able to equalize pressure in my inner ears (makes scuba diving difficult). I thought that may be related to equilibrium problems, its nice to hear of a medical opinion in support of that theory. I have a good place to start.. thanks. always have done flips w/ eyes open although my focus tends to wander all over the place (getting bored w/ the blue line?). I will try experimenting w/ eyes open/closed, but i suspect that may lead to greater dizzyness. (i seem to recall a blurb on this several mo. back in USMS Swimmer Magazine)

Have you had your ears checked? It could be some inner ear fluid issue. If so, then you should cut down on salt and it might help. But I'd see a doctor and rule out any medical issue. I'm one that has an inner ear issue but so far as escaped the dizziness of flip turns although my doctor warned me that it might happen.

Are your eyes open or closed while flipping? You might try some variations of closing your eyes such as: Eyes open going into the turn so you know you're beginning the flipturn in the right place. Close your eyes as you begin the spin and until your feet are set on the wall. Open your eyes for the streamline push-off. I like to see what is going on as I flipturn. But in playing around with it, I think you could save yourself that spinning out of control feeling by closing your eyes on the somersault. That is, if it isn't an inner ear problem. I hope you can figure it out. I love flipturns and they make your swims faster! Good luck!