Snorkels... Do you find them a help or a hinderance?
Former Member
Hey Folks,
There is no coral reef where I swim so I find it interesting that more and more fitness and tri swimmers use snorkels during workouts but almost no collegiate team swimmers do at my pool. Has anyone found them to be a great help? By having free flowing air aren't you cheating yourself?
Hoppy Thanksgiving
SK
If you use the FINIS snorkel, you are generally getting LESS air than before. Especially if you put on the flow restrictor.
I like them okay. Breathing really changes your stroke, so it is nice to take it out of the equation and work on other aspects of technique. It tends to make your stroke more symmetrical so if you have a weak side, this can help. (Breathing to your less-dominant side would also help.)
I also like them for controlled/recovery swimming. Since the airflow is restricted, it forces me to control my speed and not go too hard.
I know some swimmers and coaches who lavish praise on snorkels. I think I remember Paul Smith saying they are his favorite piece of equipment.
If you use the FINIS snorkel, you are generally getting LESS air than before. Especially if you put on the flow restrictor.
I like them okay. Breathing really changes your stroke, so it is nice to take it out of the equation and work on other aspects of technique. It tends to make your stroke more symmetrical so if you have a weak side, this can help. (Breathing to your less-dominant side would also help.)
I also like them for controlled/recovery swimming. Since the airflow is restricted, it forces me to control my speed and not go too hard.
I know some swimmers and coaches who lavish praise on snorkels. I think I remember Paul Smith saying they are his favorite piece of equipment.
