Snorkels at IM Louisville or other IM's

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838

West Palm Beach, FL

Subject: RE: Snorkels at IM Louisville or other IM's

I'm not so sure why folks are so perturbed by the use of snorkels. Reading between the lines it seems like some people think folks that use snorkels are an advantage somehow. I suppose it is for a person who can not (or does not) turn their head to breathe, but all things being equal it's a pretty big impediment. Aside from the drag it creates, it makes your breathing hypoxic. In other worlds, folks that use snorkels get less oxygen than they would if they used a typical head turn. Any inhale contains the air that was used and not flushed from the snorkel on the last exhale. So every breath has less available oxygen (and more CO2) than a conventional swimmer. Really, the only advantage for snorkel users seems to be that it allows them to swim as opposed to not swimming at all.

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10154

Alabama

Subject: RE: Snorkels at IM Louisville or other IM's

Spleen - 2010-09-22 3:36 PM I'm not so sure why folks are so perturbed by the use of snorkels. Reading between the lines it seems like some people think folks that use snorkels are an advantage somehow. I suppose it is for a person who can not (or does not) turn their head to breathe, but all things being equal it's a pretty big impediment. Aside from the drag it creates, it makes your breathing hypoxic. In other worlds, folks that use snorkels get less oxygen than they would if they used a typical head turn. Any inhale contains the air that was used and not flushed from the snorkel on the last exhale. So every breath has less available oxygen (and more CO2) than a conventional swimmer. Really, the only advantage for snorkel users seems to be that it allows them to swim as opposed to not swimming at all.

I have no issue with someone using a snorkel if they have a medical need for it becuase they have limited range of motion in their neck. My only issue is with someone who doesn't know how to swim w/o a snorkle out in the open water swimming 2.4 miles in an IM.

~Mike

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5781

Northridge, California

Subject: RE: Snorkels at IM Louisville or other IM's

Rogillio - 2010-09-22 2:13 PM

Spleen - 2010-09-22 3:36 PM I'm not so sure why folks are so perturbed by the use of snorkels. Reading between the lines it seems like some people think folks that use snorkels are an advantage somehow. I suppose it is for a person who can not (or does not) turn their head to breathe, but all things being equal it's a pretty big impediment. Aside from the drag it creates, it makes your breathing hypoxic. In other worlds, folks that use snorkels get less oxygen than they would if they used a typical head turn. Any inhale contains the air that was used and not flushed from the snorkel on the last exhale. So every breath has less available oxygen (and more CO2) than a conventional swimmer. Really, the only advantage for snorkel users seems to be that it allows them to swim as opposed to not swimming at all.

I have no issue with someone using a snorkel if they have a medical need for it becuase they have limited range of motion in their neck. My only issue is with someone who doesn't know how to swim w/o a snorkle out in the open water swimming 2.4 miles in an IM.

~Mike

I'm sure there are OWS purists out there who similarly look down on people who choose to use legal wetsuits to swim 2.4 miles.

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Subject: RE: Snorkels at IM Louisville or other IM's

tcovert - 2010-09-22 3:52 PM

Rogillio - 2010-09-22 2:13 PM

Spleen - 2010-09-22 3:36 PM I'm not so sure why folks are so perturbed by the use of snorkels. Reading between the lines it seems like some people think folks that use snorkels are an advantage somehow. I suppose it is for a person who can not (or does not) turn their head to breathe, but all things being equal it's a pretty big impediment. Aside from the drag it creates, it makes your breathing hypoxic. In other worlds, folks that use snorkels get less oxygen than they would if they used a typical head turn. Any inhale contains the air that was used and not flushed from the snorkel on the last exhale. So every breath has less available oxygen (and more CO2) than a conventional swimmer. Really, the only advantage for snorkel users seems to be that it allows them to swim as opposed to not swimming at all.

I have no issue with someone using a snorkel if they have a medical need for it becuase they have limited range of motion in their neck. My only issue is with someone who doesn't know how to swim w/o a snorkle out in the open water swimming 2.4 miles in an IM.

~Mike

I'm sure there are OWS purists out there who similarly look down on people who choose to use legal wetsuits to swim 2.4 miles.

you bet your a** there are!

I do think it's interesting the assumptions we make based on equipment choice

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10154

Alabama

Subject: RE: Snorkels at IM Louisville or other IM's

tcovert - 2010-09-22 5:52 PM

Rogillio - 2010-09-22 2:13 PM

Spleen - 2010-09-22 3:36 PM I'm not so sure why folks are so perturbed by the use of snorkels. Reading between the lines it seems like some people think folks that use snorkels are an advantage somehow. I suppose it is for a person who can not (or does not) turn their head to breathe, but all things being equal it's a pretty big impediment. Aside from the drag it creates, it makes your breathing hypoxic. In other worlds, folks that use snorkels get less oxygen than they would if they used a typical head turn. Any inhale contains the air that was used and not flushed from the snorkel on the last exhale. So every breath has less available oxygen (and more CO2) than a conventional swimmer. Really, the only advantage for snorkel users seems to be that it allows them to swim as opposed to not swimming at all.

I have no issue with someone using a snorkel if they have a medical need for it becuase they have limited range of motion in their neck. My only issue is with someone who doesn't know how to swim w/o a snorkle out in the open water swimming 2.4 miles in an IM.

~Mike

I'm sure there are OWS purists out there who similarly look down on people who choose to use legal wetsuits to swim 2.4 miles.

I don't consider myself a purist but I think wetsuits are an unecessary crutch. To my knowledge wetsuits legality is the only rule difference between the pros and AGers that makes the AG's race easier. I've always thought it was cool that amatures can be out the same course as the professional athletes but when they allow the AGers to use wetsuits, it's no longer the same course. Maybe there are other rules differences like this but this is the only one I'm aware of....and one that is very visible.

I'd rather finish further toward the BOP than I already do and not wear a wetsuit (unless there are icebergs in the water!) than to wear one.

~Mike

Edited by Rogillio 2010-09-22 7:53 PM

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Extreme Veteran

747

Overlea/Fullerton Maryland

Subject: RE: Snorkels at IM Louisville or other IM's

If a piece of gear is legal and anyone can use it, i see no problem. As long as everyone in that race or category can use that piece of gear.

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Pro

4360

Baton Rouge area

Subject: RE: Snorkels at IM Louisville or other IM's

Grnfsh - 2010-09-24 7:58 AM If a piece of gear is legal and anyone can use it, i see no problem. As long as everyone in that race or category can use that piece of gear.

+1

If it's legal I consider using it (except snorkels as I don't see the benefit). If someone doesn't want to use a piece of equipment then that's their decision.

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10154

Alabama

Subject: RE: Snorkels at IM Louisville or other IM's

GaryRM - 2010-09-24 6:53 PM

Grnfsh - 2010-09-24 7:58 AM If a piece of gear is legal and anyone can use it, i see no problem. As long as everyone in that race or category can use that piece of gear.

+1

If it's legal I consider using it (except snorkels as I don't see the benefit). If someone doesn't want to use a piece of equipment then that's their decision.

So if they made fins legal for AGers would you wear them? What if they said you could put small motors on your bike to help with difficult climbs? Would you use one? Just cruious.

Point being, to me an IM is about testing myself not taking every legal advantage.

Then again, I'm pretty radical. I'd like to see it as tough as possible....no aid stations and such. Bring it with you or do w/o...so 'special needs bags', no aid stations with a buffet of food and drink. That'd be an interesting race. I'm pretty sure the original IM did not have aid stations every mile of the marathon. :-)

Well the neat thing about triathlons is it is an idividual sport. To each his own.

~Mike

Edited by Rogillio 2010-09-25 6:46 AM

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Expert

838

West Palm Beach, FL

Subject: RE: Snorkels at IM Louisville or other IM's

So if they made fins legal for AGers would you wear them? What if they said you could put small motors on your bike to help with difficult climbs? Would you use one? Just cruious.

But those things you mention would give you an advantage. All things being equal, using a snorkel is a disadvantage.

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Subject: RE: Snorkels at IM Louisville or other IM's

nm

Edited by ChrisM 2010-09-26 10:14 PM

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