I’ve decided to train and attempt my first event this Aug. I have a crushed disc in my neck and I need to use a snorkel. I’ve read a lot of articles and posts about using a snorkel but reviews are so different. I want this.
My question is how safe are they to use in a Sprint Tri? Do a lot of people use them? Will the snorkel be a target in the water? Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated.
I’ve seen people use them on occasion but not too often. You will probably get a few looks before the start but honestly, who gives a shit. Sounds like you have a really good reason for using it so go for it. Just be mindful about where you line up for the start. Open space mean you have less water being splashed down inside and less chance of it getting kicked. I’d also make sure you are comfortable sighting with it. Good luck!
If you use the snorkel theres nothing wrong with that. Just practice before what you will do if you lose that snorkel or it gets full of water during the race. Basically have a back up plan.
Thank you both for the input.
Go for it! As far as a possible backup plan…can you do the backstroke with your injury?
You may want to write something on your back similar to “F@&K OFF. CRUSHED DISC” so that all the bitches drop their attitude.
Ha ha. I agree with this. I’ll bet 3/4 of racers or more do not even know it is legal. A guy was using one at a local race a couple years ago in my AG. He had a neck injury but most people didn’t know and didn’t know it was legal to use a snorkel. Was funny to hear the comments as we got in the water.
To the OP: go for it and don’t worry about it. Best of luck.
You may want to write something on your back similar to “F@&K OFF. CRUSHED DISC” so that all the bitches drop their attitude.
Or, “If you’re reading this, you just got smoked by a gimp with a jacked up disc”…
Wow this is legal?
Serious Q, why do more people not snorkel? Sighting issues?
It seems like even a good swimmer loses a tiny bit of speed when coming up for air, if you can avoid it with a snorkel… why not?
Wow this is legal?
Serious Q, why do more people not snorkel? Sighting issues?
It seems like even a good swimmer loses a tiny bit of speed when coming up for air, if you can avoid it with a snorkel… why not?
a good swimmer doesn’t come up for air, they rotate for air.
they do however come up for sighting as would a swimmer using a snorkel
Wow this is legal?
Serious Q, why do more people not snorkel? Sighting issues?
It seems like even a good swimmer loses a tiny bit of speed when coming up for air, if you can avoid it with a snorkel… why not?
Can’t speak for anyone else but I use one often in swim sessions. My fastest swims are with the snorkel. I feel freaking awesome. That being said, I imagine in an OWS I would get so much water in my snorkel from the splash and other swimmers it would totally negate any benefit.
Wow this is legal?
Serious Q, why do more people not snorkel? Sighting issues?
It seems like even a good swimmer loses a tiny bit of speed when coming up for air, if you can avoid it with a snorkel… why not?
a good swimmer doesn’t come up for air, they rotate for air.
they do however come up for sighting as would a swimmer using a snorkel
How about a snorkel and a periscope?
Wow this is legal?
Serious Q, why do more people not snorkel? Sighting issues?
It seems like even a good swimmer loses a tiny bit of speed when coming up for air, if you can avoid it with a snorkel… why not?
I use one occasionally in training. I feel fast with it, but my times are slower than without.
Go for it. Obviously one with a purge valve is ideal but I still say hell yes. You’re sure to catch the bug like the rest of us. Good luck!!