How to Swim Laps With a Snorkel Mask
Swimming provides some of the best cardiovascular toning and conditioning of any individual or team sport. However, your breathing technique can make or break your success and enjoyment of this activity, even if you're swimming only for recreation. Using a snorkel is a productive, simple way to correct any fears or issues you may have related to the timing or ability of your breathing while swimming laps. Swimming with a snorkel may take some getting used to, but there are some tips to help with the transition.
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Instructions
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Put your snorkel in your mouth and place the goggles or mask over your eyes. Make sure you can see and breathe clearly before entering the pool. You may need to wash your snorkel and mask first if it has any residue or is brand new for safety. Sailhawaii.com suggests breathing in with the mask over your nose to create a good seal.
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Get in the pool and place your head and body lengthwise along the top of the water, with your face down and submerged up to your ear level in the water. Breathe through your mouth into the snorkel to be sure it is working properly and make sure you can see through your mask or goggles underwater.
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Put one arm over the other above your head, with your hands slightly cupped, to propel yourself through the water with a freestyle, crawl stroke and breathe in and out through your mouth into the snorkel. When swimming these laps with your snorkel find your own rhythm with the movement and breath, but generally you will want a couple of seconds between your inhale and exhale.
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Tips & Warnings
If your snorkel doesn't come with an attachment piece for connecting it to your mask or goggles, purchase one for ease of fit and keeping your snorkel in place. If the goggles or mask of your snorkel become fogged, take it off and dip it in the water and dump the water out to clear the view. You can also readjust the strap for proper suction and adhesion to your face to keep water from filling up your view.
If you go under water with your snorkel, be sure to blow out with force to expel any water before breathing in again. There are many strokes and styles of swimming laps, and you may need to experiment with timing and ways to use your snorkel appropriately without inhaling water. Swimming Snorkel recommends a snorkel with a silicone mouthpiece for comfort with extended use.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Kids snorkeling image by Christopher Meder from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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I have been told by doc to swim with snorkel to ease neck pain. my first try was a disaster. I will keep trying not to drown.
