Reasons to not use nose clips for swimming
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spoonybard posted 7 weeks ago.
I guess I used the wrong term. I do mean Nose Clips. Sorry for the confusion.
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catwood posted 7 weeks ago.
They look stupid...
More practically, they could easily get kicked off during a race or practice if you swim with people, and then what do you do? Probably not a good idea to become too dependent.
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NotAsFast posted 7 weeks ago.
Practice exhaling air out through your nose and mouth equally, till it becomes natural. Then you wont have the problem. Most people who swim regulary do this without even thinking.
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prendergi posted 7 weeks ago.
To be honest, when I swim there are many times a little bit of water will make it's way up my nose. It isn't the greatest experiance but it does happen. At first is it a little freaky but as long as you don't inhale through your nose, it will be fine. Same as getting a mouth full of water when you least expect it. That experiance just down right sucks but it happens and you have to learn to deal with it and not freak out.
I would ask your coach why he suggests no nose clip. I'm going to guess that part of it has to do with confidence in the water. If you are busy thinking about water going up your nose, you aren't thinking about anything else like your stroke.
Open water swims are a different animal and I sincerely hope you can get some experiance in the open water prior to your triathlon. Bilateral breathing really helps in open water.
"The pain of discipline is far less than the pain of regret" - Sarah Bombell
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jnrice posted 7 weeks ago.
I have never used them, and never felt like I was missing anything. I do have one hanging from the mirror in my truck because I found it on the ground in the parking lot one morning after a swim and forgot to drag it in to lost and found. :) So maybe I do use one, just not on my face.
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gdtkona posted 7 weeks ago.
One bout of sinusitis taught me the need for nose plugs/clips. All of the exhaling through my nose was for naught. Post op sinus surgery I would recommend that you consider them a mandatory piece of equipment . Just look at some of the water in which we find ourselves. I wish I did not need them. They are a bit uncomfortable and inconvenient. But one or two swims without them, even in a pool and my sinuses are not happy. I can not tolerate ones that completely close off the nasal airway. I use a set that I attach to a thin elastic band wrapped around my head. This holds them in place and allows them to sit gently on my nose and allows me to exhale a bit through my nose. I just bend them open a bit. I feel air hunger or air panic when they nose is completely closed off. No question they look funny/odd/geeky/stupid. But for those who would comment, once the race starts they usually only see my feet. Also, I did see an Olympic backstroke swimmer wear a pair. Never concern yourself with what others may think. This is number 19 IM in Kona for me, nose plugs and all.
I just started swimming lessons in preparation to do my first triathlon in the spring of 2010 and am having difficulty with water going up my nose. As a kid I had no problems with this and as I got older it has become harder to prevent it. Also, about 3 years ago I had sinus surgery to fix a deviated septum and slightly expand the opening to the sinus area located under my right eye (maxillary sinus).
Our coach briefly mentioned to not use nose clips, but there wasn't any clear reason given. I was wondering if anyone out there can give me some advice as to why using a nose clip is a bad thing.
I have read articles about blowing bubbles through my nose and that works for the most part, but if someone is in another lane and splashes or I turn my head down into the water too fast, water comes rushing in. I feel that by having to almost immediately blow air out my nose is causing me to lose too much air and get out of breath quicker.
Being in a pool with no current and only 1-2 other swimmers nearby, makes it easier to not get water in my nose. However, once I am in an open water setting with currents and potentially hundreds of other swimmers, I am very concerned over being stopped by water getting up my nose.
Thank you in advance for any advice you provide.