If you’re new to triathlons, you’ve probably asked, “Can I use a snorkel during the swim?” It’s a common question because, let’s face it, many triathletes struggle with the breathing element of swimming in both training and racing. But learning to breathe efficiently in the water is essential to your success as an athlete. While snorkels can seem like a convenient solution, their use in triathlons isn’t a black-and-white issue.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the rules for snorkel use, explore the pros and cons of using one, and discuss how snorkels can affect your training and race-day performance. By the end, you’ll know whether you’re allowed to use one—and more importantly, whether you’d even want to.

What You’ll Learn in This Article

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Triathlon regulations for snorkel use (and whether they're allowed in IRONMAN events)
• Pros and cons of using a swim snorkel
• The impact of snorkels on breathing and technique
• How to train effectively for the swim, with or without a snorkel
• Strategies to improve your swimming

If you're an adult who can't yet swim 400 meters or yards continuously, check out our book, Triathlon Swimming Foundations.  We have taught tens of thousands of adults how to swim, and they're now comfortable and confident in the water!

Understanding Snorkel Use in Triathlons

The rules around snorkels in triathlons vary by event and what country you’re competing in (the national governing body). Here are a few examples of the rules set by various governing bodies and race organizers:

• USAT (USA Triathlon): Allows snorkels during races but notes that they may disqualify you from awards.
• IRONMAN: Generally prohibits snorkels, though specific races may make exceptions. Always check the official rules for your event. This aligns with Ironman's focus on creating a fair playing field for all athletes. Some exceptions might occur in events accommodating athletes with neck or shoulder problems, but these require prior approval. At the IRONMAN World Championship, snorkels are not allowed in the swim portion.
• Local Races: Smaller triathlons sometimes let snorkels slide, but it’s essential to confirm with the race director.

Key Takeaway‍

Always read the race guide and ask event organizers if you’re unsure. Don’t assume snorkels are legal across the board. If you’re preparing for an IRONMAN, focus on mastering normal breathing techniques for the swim instead of relying on a snorkel.

The Pros and Cons of Swim Snorkels

A swim snorkel can be a valuable tool to add to your swim arsenal in training. It’s an aid, similarly to a pull buoy or swim fins that can help you dial in certain aspect of your technique, thus enhancing your swim training. Here are a few benefits of using a snorkel.

Benefits of Using a Snorkel

• Focus on Technique: With no need to turn your head to breathe, a snorkel helps you concentrate on body position and stroke mechanics.
• Improved Efficiency: A snorkel helps you practice a more streamlined form by reducing neck movement.
• Good Way to Train with Injuries: If you have neck or shoulder problems, a snorkel can enable you to keep training while minimizing discomfort.
• Breathing Control: Helps develop better control of your breath by actually restricting the amount of air you can take in through the tube.

For long-distance swimmers or those working on endurance, snorkels can build comfort with constant exhalation underwater, improving overall technique.

Potential Problems with Snorkel Use

While snorkels have their advantages, there are significant drawbacks to relying on them too much. Just as you wouldn’t want to swim every session with fins, or necessarily race with them (but hello, free speed!) you wouldn’t want to use a snorkel in every situation. Here are a few of the cons of snorkel use:

1. Dependency: You might become reliant on the device, making transitions to normal swimming harder.
2. Poor Race Transfer: Most races don’t allow snorkels, so training with one exclusively won’t prepare you for race conditions.
3. Restricted Breathing: The tube limits how much oxygen you can inhale, which could slow you down during high-effort swims.
4. Comfort Issues: For some swimmers, snorkels can feel unnatural or lead to neck strain if not used properly.

Key Takeaway‍

A snorkel is a great training aid but can be a bad idea if overused.

Considerations for Snorkel Use in a Triathlon

If your race permits snorkels, should you use one? Ask yourself these important questions, first.

• Comfort: Are you comfortable enough in the water without one?
• Equipment Risks: What happens if water enters the snorkel mid-swim? Clearing it can be tricky in open water.
• Rule Compliance: Even if allowed, would using a snorkel disqualify you from rankings or awards?

Final Thought

On race day, it’s better to rely on techniques you’ve practiced without a snorkel.

Using a Snorkel in Training: Key Considerations

Incorporating a Swim Snorkel into Your Training Routine

A snorkel can be important tools in your swim gear bag, but there’s no point in having a good tool if you don’t know how to use it. Here are some tips and tricks we’ve learned from years of snorkel training at the pool:

1. Use It Sparingly: Incorporate snorkel sessions 1–2 times per week, focusing on stroke drills and body alignment.
2. Combine with Breathing Drills: Alternate between snorkel use and exercises like bubble-blowing and breathing turns.
3. Simulate Race Conditions: Practice transitions to non-snorkel swimming to avoid relying on it too much.

Effects of Swim Snorkels on Technique and Performance

Using a snorkel can help you refine your form but may also create habits that don’t translate well to races. For example:

• Improved Body Position: A snorkel helps you maintain a straight line without lifting your head to breathe.
• Reduced Drag: No head turning means a more streamlined movement.
• Weak Breathing Skills: Relying too much on snorkels can hinder your ability to master efficient normal breathing during triathlons.

Key Takeaway‍

A snorkel is a tool, not a crutch. Use it to enhance technique, but ensure you train without it often.

Over 30,000 athletes have learned how to breathe comfortably and efficiently while swimming using the system outlined in our book, Triathlon Swimming Foundations. We know it can be tough to learn to swim as an adult, and we’re here to help!

Alternative Strategies for Triathlon Swim Training

Improving Swim Technique Without a Snorkel

If you’re not using a snorkel, you can still improve your swimming by incorporating various drills into your training. If you're already comfortable enough swimming 400 meters or yards continuously, as we mentioned earlier in this article, you can consider joining a Masters swim club. Most Masters swim sets include a portion of the workout dedicated to drills, and they’re easier and more fun to learn with on-deck instruction and lane buddies.

Here are a few of our favorite drills to help with breathing:

1. Blow Bubbles: Practice exhaling underwater to build confidence and eliminate CO2 buildup.
2. Sink Downs: Exhale continuously to sink below the surface, maintaining calmness.
3. Corkscrew Drill: Alternate between floating face-down and on your back, practicing controlled breathing.

Using Different Training Aids for a Competitive Edge

Another way you can improve your technique is by using other tools, like a pull buoy, which helps isolate your arms, refine your stroke, and built upper-body strength. A kickboard will help build lower-body strength and develop kicking efficiency. Fins add speed and power to your training, perfect for improving your kick.

If you’re looking for more tools and techniques to use in the pool, how to structure your weekly swim training and crucial race-day tips, check out our book, Triathlon Swimming Foundations. This is a great place to start if you want proven instructions on how to become more comfortable in the water.

Balancing Swim, Bike, and Run in Triathlon Training

Remember that swimming is only one part of the triathlon. To perform well overall:

• Balance Your Time: Dedicate equal effort to your cycle and run training.
• Simulate Transitions: Practice moving from swim to road bike and bike to run for smoother transitions on race day.
• Focus on Weaknesses: Spend extra time on your weakest discipline.

FAQs: Snorkel Use and Triathlon Training

Why might a snorkel be banned in some triathlon races?

Snorkels are often banned because they can provide an advantage by reducing the effort needed for breathing, creating an uneven playing field.

Are there advantages to training with a snorkel?

Yes! A snorkel helps you stay focused on form, improves alignment, and is a good way to train if you have breathing challenges or injuries.

How does snorkeling impact breathing techniques?

A snorkel alters your breathing by limiting the amount of air you can inhale. While this can help build breath control, it doesn’t replicate normal breathing used in races.

Can a swim snorkel help with triathlon training if banned in races?

Absolutely. Even if you can’t wear one in a race, it’s a valuable training tool to refine your technique and build confidence.

Conclusion

Using a snorkel in a triathlon comes down to two key questions: Is it allowed, and does it help you achieve your goals? While most events don’t allow snorkels, these breathing devices can still be a powerful training tool when used sparingly. By focusing on breathing drills and refining your technique, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any swim challenge—even without a snorkel.

Ready to take the next step and begin training for your goal event? Download the MOTTIV app for a free, personalized training plan built around your fitness, your schedule, and your goals, and gain the confidence to dive into your triathlon journey today!