I have been analyzing why water enters our nose. I had to take a video and slow it down to figure it out so I could give you an easy solution and I finally got it!
But first, we need to understand why water enters your nose and why it is so painful.
Water doesn’t enter your nose when you are facing down, that is, if you don’t inhale. This is because there is air that won’t let it pass.
But when you move your head to breathe, in that little space of time when your head is sideways but not out of the water yet, those bubbles escape your nose and they go to the surface, and water goes into your nose.
The same thing can happen when you come back from taking a breath. It is painful because inside your nose there are a lot of nerve endings, it is warm (around 34 degrees Celsius), and it is a salty environment.
The water in the pool is cold and not salty. That is why it hurts, but how come more experienced swimmers don’t get water up their noses while swimming?
Sometimes, we do, but the main reason is that we are so used to our nose being around water that we have an immediate reflex of blowing bubbles out.
So, how can you, a beginner, start developing that reflex without pain? It is simple! Start practicing with a nose clip.
Water will not enter your nose, you will start learning how to breathe through your mouth, and since your mouth is more accustomed to being around water, you will intake less water or maybe nothing at all.
Before you start thinking, “But hey! I already look ridiculous enough with the swim cap and goggles, I don’t need a nose clip!” You are right. But remember that even the best Olympic swimmers use it too! So you are in great company! They usually use it for backstroke for another reason that we will go over in another blog.
Once you get used to breathing through your mouth, you can start doing drills without the nose clip.
You can find these things everywhere. I like the next up here—it’s cheap, simple, and durable. But find the one that is best for you. Don’t spend a lot of money, though, they all do the same.
I hope you find this info helpful! Tell me if works for you.
Thank you!