Goggles, ear plugs AND nose plugs!!

**happyguava** · 11-09-2011, 04:17 PM

I used to wear a noseclip all the time - it made things waaaay easier but I don't like using one when I'm performing as a mermaid, so now I try not to use it as much when practicing.

I'm really lucky that I've never had a problem opening my eyes underwater without goggles, and I very rarely have trouble with my ears either. Just lucky I s'pose, but I know a lot of people who need goggles and earplugs as well.

**Mermaid Saphira** · 11-10-2011, 12:13 PM

I have to be the worst mermaid ever! I hate my face under water and I don't know why! When I swim I have to wear goggles, a nose plug, AND ear plugs!!
Is there anyone out there who has to do this? Please show me I'm not alone

**malinghi** · 11-10-2011, 01:08 PM

I know there are other people who can't swim without gear. Don't beat yourself up. Can you tell us more?

Most people wear goggles while swimming, either due to chlorine or saltwater. Where are you swimming?
With respect to ear plugs, some people have more difficulty equalizing than others. Has anyone taught you the basics of equalizing, like pinching your nose and trying to exhale through it?
As for the nose plug, why do you need that? Everyone gets water in their nose if they go upside down. Do you swim in a way that you're nostrils are upside down a lot?

**AniaR** · 11-10-2011, 03:21 PM

I feel it too. I JUST tried goggles for the first time, I couldn't believe the difference!!! I practice with them now a lot. I always wear ear silicone puddy in my ears because I get horrible infections- I am hoping to have a surgery in the future that will correct that but so far it doesn't give me any problems mermaiding wearing the ear stuff so long as I dont go too deep. I dont use nose plugs, I only find it's a problem if I try to flip with my back facing down and my head facing up underwater, then my nose burns!

**melbel1023** · 11-10-2011, 06:48 PM

I need goggles simply because my apartment's pool is WAY too chlorinated - It gave a neighbor friend of mine a chemical burn on her eyes, she couldn't see for a whole day (She complained to the office about it).
I do use a nose plug though when I am using my fins or tail, its just easier to keep swimming without water shooting up your nose lol.

**Mermaid Saphira** · 11-10-2011, 06:58 PM

Malinghi- swim in both chlorine and salt.
I know about equalizing, but I just can't stand popping my ears almost more than getting water in them!
Same thing with my ears, I don't swim upside down but I somehow I manage to get water up there

**Mermaid Saphira** · 11-10-2011, 07:00 PM

"I do use a nose plug though when I am using my fins or tail, its just easier to keep swimming without water shooting up your nose lol"

Exactly! Wearing a nose plug seems to help matain my breath longer

**Mermaid Saphira** · 11-12-2011, 09:14 AM

This is a little off topic, but I wanted to know why some comments are going above the start to the thread?
Maybe it's just my computer...

**AniaR** · 11-12-2011, 09:31 AM

no I noticed that happening in a few threads now/..

**Mermaid Saphira** · 11-12-2011, 11:24 AM

I know it's quite weird...

**Spindrift** · 11-12-2011, 11:24 AM

It might be from combining threads and someone commenting on the original without refreshing the page. That seems unlikely though.

**Spindrift** · 11-12-2011, 11:26 AM

@MermaidAqua: When you're swimming in the ocean and you're away from the sand that gets stirred up, do you still feel uncomfortable without goggles?

**Mermaid Saphira** · 11-12-2011, 12:32 PM

I can't even open my eyes in chlorine water

**Spindrift** · 11-12-2011, 08:24 PM

Originally Posted by Mermaid Aqua

I can't even open my eyes in chlorine water

Well yeah, most people's do because it's chlorine. What about in the ocean water (with no sand getting in the way)? Ocean water is supposed to have the same salinity levels that our eyes naturally have.

**Mermaid Photine** · 11-12-2011, 09:03 PM

I read that it isn't as bad in the ocean because it's like your salty tears, but it still stings at first. If I ever go to the ocean, I will try to report back to you on this.

Does anyone know a good technique for keeping water out of one's nose when going upside down? I tried the "just get used to it" method, but I didn't like it, and the "it's like breathing, but not quite breathing" thing doesn't make sense to me. Is it just something learned eventually though enough swimming?