Both new and experienced triathletes often find the swim to be the most challenging leg of the race. Since triathlon swims are almost always held in open water, it's very important that you feel comfortable in the water. Learning good form and an efficient stroke are important ways to gain confidence as a swimmer. Many triathletes use training aids to work on these skills. One of the training aids you may want to consider is a snorkel.
Types of Snorkels
Although you may choose to use a standard snorkel, a better option may be a front-mounted, or swimmers, snorkel. A swimmer's snorkel is different from a regular snorkel: rather than resting on the side of your head, a swimmer's snorkel is made to fit between your goggles and sit at the center of your head. This placement allows you to swim more comfortably than with a conventional snorkel.
Possible Advantages of Snorkels
Since a swimmer's snorkel is located in the center of your head, it allows your arms a free range of motion, and will not affect a freestyle swim stroke. Breathing through a snorkel may allow you to develop a more efficient body position: you do not have to coordinate your breathing with your swim stroke, so that you can work on improving your swim stroke without having to incorporate the process of turning to one side to breathe. Regular use of a snorkel may improve your lung conditioning, according to the Triathlete Europe website. A swimmer's snorkel may be useful to a swimmer with neck, back or spinal issues that cause limited mobility, according to the Tri-talk triathlon website.
Possible Disadvantages of Snorkels
Some triathletes and coaches feel that using a snorkel in swim training may be a detriment; it may cause you to "swim flat," making you less likely to roll your body to the side during your swim stroke. Swimming flat leads to a less efficient stroke, and increases the stress on your shoulders. Others argue that using a snorkel may act as a psychological "crutch" for the novice swimmer, keeping them from addressing some of the fear they have of swimming--especially their fear of open-water swimming.
Using Snorkels in a Race
You may consider using a snorkel in an actual race. In a race situation, the combination of open water, large numbers of other swimmers, and nerves may make you feel panicky in the water. A snorkel may give you some added confidence in the water and make you feel that you will be able to breathe better out there. However, there are a few things to consider before you head out to the swim start with your snorkel. Snorkels can get knocked around in a hectic swim start. They can fill up with water in rough conditions. And they may or may not be allowed in your particular race.
The governing body for triathlon in the United States, USA Triathlon, does not specifically ban the use of snorkels in triathlons. However, it leaves the final decision to the race director of each particular triathlon; they can choose to ban snorkels in their race.
In other countries, the rules vary. Some triathlons may allow snorkels, while others may prohibit them specifically. The World Triathlon Corporation, which administers the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 brand races, specifically bans snorkels in its races.
It's important to check with the race director of your triathlon about his policy on snorkels for the race.
Conclusion
Swimmer's snorkels can have advantages while training for a triathlon--the ability to concentrate on good swimming form, possible benefits to your respiratory system, and a sense of security for newbie swimmers. In a race situation, they may provide an added sense of security for fearful open water swimmers. However, some triathletes find their use counter-productive, and they may not be allowed in all triathlons.
Snorkel or no snorkel, the best way to improve your speed and confidence in the water is to spend a lot of time in the water working on, and trying to perfect, your swim stroke. A snorkel can be an excellent training tool, but learning to incorporate breathing as you roll to the side during your swim stroke--ideally, on either side of your body--is a key skill you need to learn to be a strong, confident swimmer.
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