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!
Are we sure the snorkel is worth the effort?
Absolutely I do! When I use it, it gives me a chance to work on form. You can watch your hand entry and create some balance. I'm terrible about breathing 90% to my right, so using a snorkel helps get the stroke back into alignment. I use it just about daily in warmup (for about 200-300y) and my coach has seen a difference in the form. I also find it useful in kick sets to keep the body in a more natural swimming position, rather than arched back as you lean on the board. And it's great for sculling. In all of these instances, it takes the variable of turning your head to breathe so that you can focus on good form.
Are we sure the snorkel is worth the effort?
Absolutely I do! When I use it, it gives me a chance to work on form. You can watch your hand entry and create some balance. I'm terrible about breathing 90% to my right, so using a snorkel helps get the stroke back into alignment. I use it just about daily in warmup (for about 200-300y) and my coach has seen a difference in the form. I also find it useful in kick sets to keep the body in a more natural swimming position, rather than arched back as you lean on the board. And it's great for sculling. In all of these instances, it takes the variable of turning your head to breathe so that you can focus on good form.
