Swimming w/Snorkel in Tri? - Triathlon Week

steved1 · 08-23-2004, 08:22 PM

Has anyone ever seen someone swim a Tri with a snorkel? It is a very effective way for me to swim without tiring as I do when breathing freestyle. I'm much more efficient.
This has helped me so much I was wondering why I've not seen others use in competition. It is legal - I checked with USTA.

Any thoughts or experience?????

Robert G. · 08-24-2004, 11:11 AM

You know, I was sure that you were wrong about the rules of using a snorkel, but It's not listed under banned equipment in the official rules. :huh:

I've seen people train in the pool with one, but never in a race. I would be concerned about getting enough air through the tube when I'm working hard.

wannatri · 09-10-2004, 05:59 PM

Hmm, I would have guessed that it was banned. One thing I've observed from my swimming background is that people who use a snorkel (or something like a Finis Swimmer's Snorkel) tend rotate their bodies less. This ultimately leads to a shorter, less efficient stroke and more stress on the shoulders. I've never seen anyone use it in competition, but if it isn't banned and it makes you faster, I'd say try it.

steved1 · 09-13-2004, 02:49 PM

I finished my triathlon swim (600 yrds) almost 3 minutes faster than previous times thanks to the Snorkel. I'll continue to work on technique and alternate training with and without snorkel. For now I'll compete with the snorkel as it gives me speed and confidence that I lacked.

wannatri · 09-13-2004, 08:44 PM

Cool ... congrats. Don't be surprised if some day they decide to ban the snorkel.

Zylo · 09-19-2004, 06:18 PM

If it was legal. If it worked. All the pros would use it.

Period.

I'll check on the rules regarding snorkels tonight.

wannatri · 09-20-2004, 01:45 PM

Finis makes a swimmer's snorkel. The difference is that a swimmer's snorkel mounts in front of your forehead. Whereas, a conventional snorkel goes either on the right or left.

The snorkel can help you work on stroke technique just like other drills. Personally, I believe the snorkel has a tendancy to flatten your stroke, reducing hip/shoulder rotation. If your stroke is good, the snorkel won't give you more speed. Besides, a snorkel is just one more thing that can get knocked off during a crazy mass start.

If it works for you, use it (at least until it is explicity banned :)).

Zylo · 09-20-2004, 03:37 PM

I just e-mailed the co-ordinators of the Subaru Triathlon Series that covers Southern Ontario here in Canada. I asked them if using snorkels was legal or not.

Snorkels are banned and illegal to use in competition.

So there is no point to training with them. Learn to breathe properly.

steved1 · 09-20-2004, 07:53 PM

I emailed the USAT and they said it is legal. I raced last weekend in an event and talked with the official and he confirmed that it was legal.

Sorry that it is not legal in Canada!

steved1 · 09-20-2004, 07:55 PM

Snorkels are legal in USAT-sanctioned races.

Sincerely,

B.J. Evans
Communications and Media Relations Manager
USA Triathlon

Robert G. · 09-20-2004, 08:31 PM

interesting, but i would take fins over a snorkle any day :D

steved1 · 09-21-2004, 01:28 PM

Zylo,

I checked TriCan website and rules (just curious) and did not see how a snorkel would be banned. I did not contact any officials. The rules read as follows;

D.3.2 Illegal Equipment
Athletes must not use:
a) Artificial propulsion devices, (i.e. fins, socks, gloves, paddles, or floatation devices)
b) Wetsuits with thickness exceeding 5mm
c) Wetsuit bottoms only
d) Swimsuits made of material not approved by FINA in non-wetsuit events.
e) A second swim suit, which they remove after the swim in non-wetsuit events.

I would think this is not an artificial propulsion device! Just my opinion!

Zylo · 09-22-2004, 06:17 PM

There are many different series of triathlons.

Each have their own rules.

For my series which covers all of Southern Ontario:

The Subaru Triathlon Series

Which uses the exact same ruleset as the ITU [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] , which is the International Governing body for Triathlons worldwide. These are the International Rules and the Rules they use in the Olympics.

They are banned and illegal to use in competition.

Sorry if the United States doesn't follow International Triathlons rules. That's your series I guess. But Internationally and officially. Snorkels are banned and illegal.

steved1 · 09-24-2004, 06:42 AM

I read the rules on ITU web site and no mention directly or indirectly of snorkels. I've contacted the ITU for clarification and will let you know what they say!

dean in oz · 11-24-2005, 12:38 AM

maybe we should use flippers or an aqualung and swimm under the pack , what about a motorcycle in the bike , poss roller blades in the run ,
i cant believe you could possibly ask the question about snorkel !!!!!

good fishing though you got a lot of us to bight