Swimming Snorkels Explained: Benefits, Technique Training & The FINIS Stability Snorkel
Swimming snorkels have become one of the most valuable training tools in competitive swimming.
Walk onto poolside at almost any club session and you'll see swimmers using snorkels for technique work, kicking drills and stroke development. Once considered specialist equipment, snorkels are now a standard part of many swimmers' kit bags.
This guide explains the benefits of snorkel training, how snorkels are used in swimming and some of the most popular models available today.
Why Do Swimmers Use Snorkels?
Unlike a traditional snorkel used for recreational swimming, a front-mounted swim snorkel allows swimmers to breathe without turning their head.
This provides several benefits.
Improved Body Position
When swimmers breathe during front crawl, their head position changes.
A snorkel removes this movement, helping swimmers focus on:
✅ Body alignment
✅ Streamline
✅ Head position
✅ Balance in the water
This often leads to a more efficient swimming position.
Better Technique Development
A snorkel allows swimmers to focus entirely on their stroke mechanics.
Coaches can work on:
- Hand entry
- Catch position
- Stroke timing
- Rotation
- Body alignment
without breathing disrupting the movement pattern.
Improved Technical Awareness
Because swimmers aren't worrying about breathing, they can concentrate fully on how the stroke feels.
This helps swimmers become more aware of:
- Stroke symmetry
- Balance
- Rotation
- Water feel
Many coaches use snorkels extensively during technical sessions for this reason.
Perfect for Kick Work
Snorkels work brilliantly alongside:
- FINIS Alignment Kickboards
- Streamline kicking
- Dolphin kick drills
- Body position work
The swimmer can maintain a neutral head position throughout the drill rather than lifting the head to breathe.
The FINIS Stability Snorkel
If there is one snorkel that has become the benchmark in competitive swimming, it is the FINIS Stability Snorkel.
Designed specifically for competitive swimmers, it has become one of the most popular snorkels on poolside.
Why Swimmers Like It
✅ Stable during swimming
✅ Comfortable fit
✅ Reduced movement
✅ Excellent for technical work
✅ Suitable for all stroke drills
The Stability Snorkel was developed to minimise side-to-side movement and provide a secure fit during training.
Whether swimmers are completing drills, kick work or whole-stroke swimming, it offers a reliable and comfortable experience.
For many swimmers and coaches, it has become the go-to training snorkel.
Arena Swim Snorkels
Arena also offers several popular snorkel options.
Arena snorkels are regularly seen in:
- Club sessions
- Performance squads
- Technical training programmes
Popular features include:
✅ Comfortable head straps
✅ Durable construction
✅ Stable breathing tube design
✅ Effective technique training support
Arena snorkels are often chosen by swimmers who already use Arena equipment and want a quality snorkel for regular technical work.
Maru Swim Snorkels
Maru offers a great-value snorkel option for club swimmers.
They provide many of the same training benefits as premium snorkels while remaining affordable and accessible.
They are particularly popular among:
✅ Younger swimmers
✅ Club swimmers
✅ Swimmers buying their first snorkel
A Maru snorkel can be an excellent entry point into snorkel-based training.
Amanzi Swim Snorkels
Amanzi snorkels continue to grow in popularity among competitive swimmers.
Known for their bright designs and reliable performance, they provide swimmers with another quality option for technical training.
Popular for:
✅ Comfortable fit
✅ Good stability
✅ Easy adjustment
✅ Club-level and performance training
Many swimmers appreciate the combination of performance and value offered by the Amanzi range.
Snorkel Training and the FINIS Alignment Kickboard
One of the most effective combinations in technical swimming is:
FINIS Stability Snorkel + FINIS Alignment Kickboard
Together they help swimmers develop:
✅ Better body position
✅ Higher hips
✅ Improved balance
✅ Stronger core engagement
✅ More efficient kicking
Because the swimmer does not need to turn their head to breathe, they can focus entirely on maintaining a long, streamlined body position.
Many coaches use this combination extensively during technique and kicking sessions.
Who Should Use a Swim Snorkel?
Swim snorkels are useful for:
✅ Club swimmers
✅ Performance swimmers
✅ Junior competitive swimmers
✅ Masters swimmers
✅ Technical development work
✅ Kick and drill sessions
Whether a swimmer is aiming for Counties or National Championships, snorkel training can play an important role in improving efficiency and technique.
Final Thoughts
A front-mounted swim snorkel is one of the most effective training tools available to competitive swimmers. By removing the need to turn the head for breathing, swimmers can focus on technique, alignment and body position more effectively.
The FINIS Stability Snorkel remains the market leader and a favourite among swimmers and coaches, while Arena, Maru and Amanzi all offer excellent alternatives.
When combined with tools such as the FINIS Alignment Kickboard, snorkel training can help swimmers develop the technical foundations that lead to faster, more efficient swimming.