I have been working with the same swimming group for the last several years. These are all experienced triathletes who have no competitive swimming background. They have progressed from my basic class to the advanced technique class and now to the workout group. We cover about 3,500 yds in a workout which includes drills, intervals, sprints and endurance work.
Two months ago I added a new component, snorkel swimming. We use a center snorkel and hand paddles for 1,000 yards of our workout. I wanted to take head turning out of the swimming equation so that my swimmers could work on hips and arms without any interference. The snorkel, because of its shape, also makes it more difficult to get air into your lungs. The result was astounding. Every 500 yard time trial brought new best times. My swimmers were able to hold a faster pace. There strokes were much more efficient and they swam in a straighter line.
During the snorkel sets I remind the group to be aware of when they would be breathing if they did in fact turn their heads. Some swimmers still choke periodically. The overall experiment was a great success and we will continue to use the snorkel.
I personally enjoy a 1,500 meter swim in my lake with my snorkel and hand paddles. Not having to turn my head is so peaceful.
I have a herniated disc in my neck and turning my head for an entire workout really aggrevates the problem. With the center snorkel I can now swim. I prob would have given up tri’s if I didn’t have it
Swimming with a snorkel is very different from swimming hypoxically. I want my swimmers to breathe often and not be concerned with a breathing pattern during these sets. The snorkel makes the muscles involved in breathing work harder. When you take the snorkel off you can actually feel that you are sucking air in.
Many swimmers put a piece of tape over a part of the top of the snorkel to make it even harder to get the air in.
I have the Finis snorkel, and can only manage a length or two before I find it clogged with water. I always discover this when exhaling, which means I have no breath left to clear it out. I must be doing something wrong! Even in the pool it freaks me out too much to use it.
My brain was dead for awhile and I had nothing to say.
finis makes two snorkels: the original and the freestyle. I have both and like the original much better. It has a purge valve and water escapes much more easily. Which one do you have?
<I personally enjoy a 1,500 meter swim in my lake with my snorkel and hand paddles. Not having to turn my head is so peaceful. >
I saw someone swimming Hanalei Bay yesterday doing exactly that. I’m doing my first ocean swims this week. Very enjoable except the recent shark news has me a little freaked out.
My brain was dead for awhile and I had nothing to say.
finis makes two snorkels: the original and the freestyle. I have both and like the original much better. It has a purge valve and water escapes much more easily. Which one do you have?
They do take some time getting used to.
DougStern
Doug, I’m not sure which one it is, but it’s blue, and had a valve at the bottom that sorta works. I probably should give it more time, I’m just loathe to waste any pool time at all, and have found myself in a near panic a couple times in the deep end…