I'm looking to buy a snorkel, to use while swimming freestyle to work on technique. I've read the reviews of these two snorkels and wanted to see if there was any concensus from readers here.
www.swimoutlet.com/.../1221.htmwww.swimoutlet.com/.../3029.htm
Based on the product name it would seem like an obvious choice but many reviewers complained about too much water getting into the 'freestyle' snorkel while swimming. However, I'm guessing the 'freestyle' version may be easier to clear after flip turns.
After a couple weeks I started trying flip turns. Nose plugs bother me...so I just forced my self to get used to flipping and blowing through my nose. Just be patient with yourself for a month(no matter which model you choose) and you won't even have to think about using it.
I agree with the Bobinator. I started out with 50s but the concept was similar: just get used to them, don't worry about speed. After a while it just clicks; at this point the turns are the main thing slowing me down.
If/when you have access to a long course pool, that would be even better. The snorkel is a lot more fun LCM, you can just zone out and concentrate on your technique. (I still don't much worry about times when I use the snorkel, though I know some swimmers who are actually faster when wearing the thing.)
My main piece of advice, take it or leave it: when blowing out the water after a turn, don't exhale too forcefully. If you do and still you haven't fully cleared the snorkel, well that can be a problem. :) It doesn't take much to clear the snorkel of water, in my experience.
I never tried it with nose plugs, I don't think I had an issue with that aspect. For me the main problem was access to oxygen, I had 1-2 panic attacks when I thought I wasn't getting enough. Then suddenly it clicks and everything is fine.
I use the regular model and unfortunately I think it teaches you to push off with your head raised a bit. If I use my regular streamline position and push off with any kind of force, the thing flies off or gets wrenched around. So I take it easy on the turns when I use the snorkel.
After a couple weeks I started trying flip turns. Nose plugs bother me...so I just forced my self to get used to flipping and blowing through my nose. Just be patient with yourself for a month(no matter which model you choose) and you won't even have to think about using it.
I agree with the Bobinator. I started out with 50s but the concept was similar: just get used to them, don't worry about speed. After a while it just clicks; at this point the turns are the main thing slowing me down.
If/when you have access to a long course pool, that would be even better. The snorkel is a lot more fun LCM, you can just zone out and concentrate on your technique. (I still don't much worry about times when I use the snorkel, though I know some swimmers who are actually faster when wearing the thing.)
My main piece of advice, take it or leave it: when blowing out the water after a turn, don't exhale too forcefully. If you do and still you haven't fully cleared the snorkel, well that can be a problem. :) It doesn't take much to clear the snorkel of water, in my experience.
I never tried it with nose plugs, I don't think I had an issue with that aspect. For me the main problem was access to oxygen, I had 1-2 panic attacks when I thought I wasn't getting enough. Then suddenly it clicks and everything is fine.
I use the regular model and unfortunately I think it teaches you to push off with your head raised a bit. If I use my regular streamline position and push off with any kind of force, the thing flies off or gets wrenched around. So I take it easy on the turns when I use the snorkel.
