Really, really dumb question

I heard people were using them at IMTX.  Apparently it isn't illegal, though I can't see how it would be adventageous to breathe through that tube for 1.5 hours.

I would polietly suggest that he join you at some local sprint or olympic in the meantime... at least to watch the transitions if not to compete.

My understanding of the rules is that snorkels are perfectly legal.

(Edited for apostrophe abuse)

Snorkels = Legal

Submarines tied to your feet = not legal.

 http://www.livestrong.com/article/252542-snorkels-triathlon-swimming/

As much as I'd like to mock this guy, he's probably one of those freakish people that can roll out of bed in the morning and go sub 12.  I hate those guys!

eliminates the need for any bi-lateral breathing. have to hand it to him for finding a way around that

it may be legal but talk about sticking out like a "sore thumb"......IMOP If I couldnt swim without a snorkel I would not do a race until I could.

Are training wheels legal if I couldnt ride a bike?

I guess that makes sense, doesn't seem like it would actually help you too much. Don't know why anyoen would want to though...

Ask the Race Director/Organizer.  It seems it is up to them.

Flippers are cool too, but only if you hide them under your wetsuit until you get in the water.

Oh, and remember to ditch them before you get out...

You'd probably want to own a bike before signing up for an IM too.

(Don't know if it's sarcasm or not,   Didn't want you to think I was making fun of your statement.  I agree with the idea of actually being prepared for the race)  

Riding a spin bike for 4 hours to train to ride a borrowed bike for 112 miles.   That's even more outlandish then the snorkel.  

Snorkels are legal and he should be able to use them for the sprint race. Here is the rule on illegal swim equipment.

swimming with a snorkel has it advantageous.  It lets you keep your head in the water longer, increasing your look-out for sharks, man eating sea turtles, and rabid manatees

I hear that a very select few use them because their necks are fused and they can't turn them enough to breathe right. Other than those people, it's just a crutch that probably doesn't help much except to promote laziness in technique.

Edit: To answer the OP's question, they are legal and have been known to be used in WTC Ironman races without issue.

Personally, I find swimming with a snorkel harder, but I've only done it a couple of times. As far as the bike goes...I work with a guy who did IMSG last year as his first ever tri and didn't own a bike until 12 weeks out.  He finished just fine.

No, not true at all.
See page 1 for a link to the actual rule on swim equipment.

I can just see him in the Washing machine of the swim start with the snorkel getting hit every half second until it is knocked off his face. That just wont work well. Has he ever WATCHED an IM event before? Even if he makes it to the bike - if there is any sort of weather available he will be in for a rude awakening on the bike as well (not to mention probably having saddle sores from an infamiliar bike)

Good luck to him though if he wants to do it.