Snorkels
We assembled a crack team of swimmers to test a range of swimming training aids to bring you our choice of the best kit to use in your training sessions
KIT TESTERS
Dan Abel
Swimmer and swim coach at Fit&Abel
Lisa Lloyd
English Channel swimmer
Jonathan Cowie OS editor
Alice Gartland OS contributing editor
ZOGGS CENTRE LINE SNORKEL
£24, zoggs.com
They say: Encourages focus on stroke technique. Nose clip included.
Alice: I’ve used this snorkel for a long time – nice upper range airflow and easy to set up. Slightly bigger than some snorkels but really comfortable, including the mouth piece. I don’t use the nose clip, but that’s just personal choice.
LOMO SNORKEL
£9, lomo.co.uk
They say: A comfortable mouthpiece and efficient purge valve for easy clearing. The high visibility colour makes this snorkel easy to see in the water.
Alice: Very good value. The airflow is upper range, so it’s comfortable to breathe.
Dan: Would be good for a beginner working on their stroke.
“Centre-line snorkels are excellent for working on body position, kick, arm recovery actions (including catch and pull) and rotation” Dan Abel
FINIS SWIMMER”S SNORKEL
€26.99, finisswim.com
They say: Allows swimmers to focus on stroke technique without the interruption of turning the head to breathe. A silicone purge seat allows water to flow out of the snorkel without entering the mouthpiece.
Dan: This snorkel is very comfortable and easy to set up.
AQUA SPHERE MP FOCUS SNORKEL
£33.55, aquasphereswim.com
They say: Features a unique, low-profile design, allowing the swimmer to focus solely on technique and proper body position. Offered in regular fit and small fit.
Dan: I like the triangular shape. The headpiece is very comfortable, although remember like goggles, snorkels are quite individual. This has a smaller airflow. I like it, but I wouldn’t swim at a strong pace with it.
AQUA SPHERE FOCUS RESTRICTOR CAP
£5.99, aquasphereswim.com
They say: Focus Restrictor cap is placed inside the barrel of the Focus Snorkel, restricting breathing by 40% to increase cardiovascular strength and build lung capacity.
Jonathan: Hard work! For advanced swimmers.
AMEO POWERBREATHER
From £70
They say: Core benefits for swimmers: strength and endurance training thanks to constant fresh air; freedom to focus on swim technique training; specific respiratory muscle training to increase respiratory volume.
Dan: This encourages a real workout, but that’s best approached once you’ve got comfortable with breathing technique. Best suited to a more advanced swimmer. Also great for a holiday!
Lisa: With other swim snorkels you have to push the air out; but with the Powerbreather you don’t have to at all.
Varies
Varies
Outdoor Swimmer
Outdoor Swimmer is the magazine for outdoor swimmers by outdoor swimmers. We write about fabulous wild swimming locations, amazing swim challenges, swim training advice and swimming gear reviews.
