This is an outline from Coach Michelle’s Facebook Live “Nose Clips & Swimming” view the Full Vidoe here.

Olympians:  Missy Franklin, Tyler Clary

• Backstrokers are starting to wear them.  Underwater phase is by far the fastest. Swimmers are limited by the rule of max 15m/yd underwater distance.  It’s not that swimmers can’t hold their breath for 15m/yd. But rather that they may not be able go that distance while blowing out enough air to keep water from going up their nose.  Enter the nose clip!

Benefits:

• Keeps water from getting into nose
  • Painful, can contribute to sinus infections
• Increases relaxation in water 
  • Less anxiety about getting water in nose
• Helps w/ focusing on more important technical aspects of swimming

Negatives:

• None!!!
• Stigma that you’re not a “real” swimmer…see notes about Olympians!

Fitting:

• Different nose clips for different nose bridges & sizes.
• Lotion doesn’t help!
• Wear it in whatever way is most comfortable

Tips:

• Blow small, consistent bubbles out of your mouth
• Wear it w/ pride!