Snorkel?

This user's post has been ignored.

Biggest problem would be sighting as you swim. Hard to lift your head up w/ a snorkel and not get swamped. Most OWS are too murky to keep your head down and stay on track...no line on the bottom of the lake/ocean/channel.

Edited by rghbsn 2009-09-13 10:09 PM

I also have a buddy...excellent runner, ok biker, but really poor swimmer. For his first sprint triathlon today, at the last minute yesterday he went out and bought a super fancy snorkel for $30. He said after about 100m, it was more hassle than what it was worth and he just swam with it in his hand the rest of the way. He finished the 400m in 15:XX with a wetsuit to give you an idea of his swimming skills.

As far as legal, it depends on the race.  I saw it listed in one set of race rules as NOT allowed.

IMO, along with nose clips, snorkels are crutches that people use in place of putting in the time with a coach to learn good technique.  Swimming has a steeper learning curve than biking or running, and I think people do not have enough patience with it, because they were able to become faster runners and cyclists by just putting in miles.  Swimming doesn't work that way.  Encourage your friend to go back to basics to learn how to breath, preferably with a coach or swimming instructor.