Hi, I'm trying to figure out how to use a snorkel comfortably, preferably without a nose clip (because the noseclips keep falling off me). I use a Finis snorkel and either get water up my nose or have small bits of water accumulate in the snorkel. It's a little better when I exhale through my nose, but either way, water accumulates in places that make it uncomfortable to swim more than a 25. Even when I don't suck in little bits of water, it's really hard to get enough air, and I can feel myself panicking. After each lengths, I stop and empty little bits of water from my snorkel, and catch my breath. (I am an experienced competitive swimmer in good health, so I'm very comfortable in the water without a snorkel.) Even with a noseclip, it's uncomfortable.
My son is just beginning winter swim team, and they will be using snorkels too. The coach advised for them not to use a noseclip, that they will get used to swimming without it. So I'm looking for advice for both myself and for my son, so we can use the snorkels comfortably. Any advice on breathing easier with snorkels would be much appreciated!
For my training, I feel the center-line snorkel has become one of my favorite tools in the bag. I admit that it took quite a while to get comfortable and not focus on the intricacies of its use. Initially, I only used it for longer, lower intensity pull sets. Today, I utilize it for greater than 50% of my workout. I use it for all up-tempo and performance sets. It allows me to focus on head and body position.
I both inhale and exhale through the Finis snorkel. I think it will become a personal preference as you get more acclimated. I replaced my original Finis about 18 months ago when the headpiece materiel deteriorated. The replacement had a different purge valve design. I preferred the old design which did a better job clearing residual water. I ended up placing the new headpiece on my original tube.
I also recommend use of the "cardio cap" which forces increased effort. Over time. the benefits to your cardio thresholds are noticeable.
Turns are no problem; you will masters the use of a Finis snorkel soon.
Good luck,
Tree
For my training, I feel the center-line snorkel has become one of my favorite tools in the bag. I admit that it took quite a while to get comfortable and not focus on the intricacies of its use. Initially, I only used it for longer, lower intensity pull sets. Today, I utilize it for greater than 50% of my workout. I use it for all up-tempo and performance sets. It allows me to focus on head and body position.
I both inhale and exhale through the Finis snorkel. I think it will become a personal preference as you get more acclimated. I replaced my original Finis about 18 months ago when the headpiece materiel deteriorated. The replacement had a different purge valve design. I preferred the old design which did a better job clearing residual water. I ended up placing the new headpiece on my original tube.
I also recommend use of the "cardio cap" which forces increased effort. Over time. the benefits to your cardio thresholds are noticeable.
Turns are no problem; you will masters the use of a Finis snorkel soon.
Good luck,
Tree
