First proper session with Finis Freestyle snorkel - kindly on loan from Mr Coull.

This definitely takes a bit of getting used to - currently using a nose clip to stop me hoovering up half the pool when I'm breathing - tho' I hope this will change with practice.

So is it a cure for all swimming ills?  Well not exactly.  I think you still really need to know what you are looking for and be able to feel what is not as it should be - however that said removing the breathing cycle does definitely make things much easier in this respect.

What it shows you really quickly is how unbalanced my stroke is.  This isn't news to me but the aching muscles in my right arm as it tryed to keep up with my left was very noticable.  I figure this alone would make doing some stuff with a snorkel once a week would be worthwhile.  Focusing on other aspects such as catch are also much easier.  For future sessions though need to stick to a particular focus to get full benefit I think.

All in all a very worthwhile training tool.  Need to try and practice some tumble turns next time and see how easy that is!!!  :o)