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Evolution of the Center Mount Snorkel
Most swimmers use center mount snorkels these days. It’s a great tool that helps you work on your technique and body position while allowing you not to worry about breathing to the side.
The first time I saw a center mount snorkel used by swimmers was about ten years ago. I didn’t know if it had been used before this, so I decided to do a little research about the history of the center mount snorkel. Here is what I found out.
The first official record of a center mount snorkel that I was able to find was a US patent from 1863 that was called ” Apparatus for teaching the art of swimming”.
I had thought that a center mount snorkel was a recent invention so I was very surprised to discover that somebody actually invented it in 1863. It was 16 years before Edison invented his first incandescent lamp! In other words, swimmers had center mount snorkels before electricity!
The above snorkel was invented by S. Scholfield. It doesn’t really look all that different from the snorkels we use today. The concept is the same. Looking at this invention in 2011 you will notice three things that might strike you as odd:
First, the “snorkel to head” attachment mechanism looks bulky and uncomfortable.
Second, the mouth piece had special “pipes” that went inside the swimmer’s nostrils. ”This mouthpiece, when properly inserted, furnishes a communication with both the mouth and nostrils for the purpose of breathing, the air being received and expelled through the pipe.” This nose piece is invasive and looks uncomfortable.
Third, the snorkel was completely straight. It didn’t curve back like the modern snorkels. This is a very interesting point because what this straightness indicates is the swimming technique of that time. It appears that people swam looking forward not down as we do now.
FAQ about DragSox
source: AquaVolo.com
What is DragSox™ ?
DragSox is a power training device that is used in the water.What’s so cool about them?
The beauty of DragSox is in their simplicity and effectiveness. They add significant amount of resistance while being completely noninvasive. Its totally unique design allows the swimmer to maintain natural body position and balance with complete freedom of movement. Also, they look cool. When you are in the pool, everyone will want to talk to you.How can DragSox benefit me?
DragSox add a lot of resistance in the water. To overcome that resistance, your muscles have to work harder. The harder your muscles work, the stronger and more powerful they will become. If you want to get stronger, more powerful and faster, DragSox are for you.Who are DragSox for?
Anyone who wants to improve physically (get stronger, more powerful and faster) and doesn’t mind hard work.Who are DragSox NOT for?
If you don’t want to work hard or have the patience to see improvements over time then DragSox are not for you.Who uses DragSox?
A wide range of people use them: from elite swimmers to lap swimmers who only recently learned how to swim, from age group swimmers to people who could be their grand-parents, swimmers, runners, triathletes and other athletes who do cross-training in the water.What strokes can DragSox be used in?
DragSox can be used in all four strokes.Can I use DragSox with fins?
Yes. There is an opening at the bottom that was designed specifically for this purpose.What else are DragSox good for?
It is an excellent training device for water running. Check this video to see what it looks like:http://aquavolo.com/video/water-running-dragsox™.
You can use them for water aerobics (in the deep end).
Some people use them for rehabilitation after an injure (talk your physician first).
If you come up with some clever use for DragSox, let us know and we’ll add it here.Are DragSox similar to parachute?
They are similar only in the way that both create resistance. Swimming with parachute, however, is extremely annoying because you’re always kicking the strap. This is a common complaint. We, for once, have never met a swimmer who wouldn’t complain about parachute (and we know a lot of swimmers!). In fact, this dislike of swimming with a parachute was one of the reasons why we invented DragSox. (here is a related post: http://aquavolo.com/journal/article/2011/01/swimming-parachute-vs-dragsox)Are DragSox similar to fins?
No. They are the opposite of fins. Please read this post for more information:
http://aquavolo.com/journal/article/2011/01/dragsox-are-opposite-finsAre DragSox similar to Power tower?
Please read this post: http://aquavolo.com/journal/article/2011/03/dragsox™-vs-power-towerWhat do you really think about DragSox?
DragSox is the best power training device on the market for swimmers! Seriously, as swimmers, we have tried all kinds of power training gear and none of it is as effective and fun to use as DragSox. We have been training with DragSox for a while now but still, every time we do a workout with them, we get an unbelievable sense of satisfaction!Where can I buy DragSox?
You can buy them from our online store: http://aquavolo.bigcartel.com/
Kick Hard Swim Fast!
Water Running with DragSox™
Water running with DragSox™ is great as cross training as well as for those who are injured and cannot bike and/or run.
Here is a short post describing it and a video: Water Running with DragSox™
Water Running with DragSox | AquaVolo
DragSox™ demo session at Marin Pirates (via AquaVolo)
Re-post from AquaVolo.com: DragSox demo session at Marin Pirates
We were invited to give a demo of DragSox with Coach Cokie Lepinski and the Marin Pirates this morning. I gave a brief introduction to DragSox mentioning that it is a power training tool and that it is not easy, especially when you first try them out and then we gave the sample sets. You can read more about the workout at the Marine Pirates Master’s team site.
Thank you Cokie for your invitation and for you great review!
DragSox™ on GoSwim.tv!
Here is a quick review of DragSox by Glenn Mills from GoSwim.tv: Swimming Picture of the Week.
DragSox™ by AquaVolo
Swimming with Parachute vs. DragSox (repost from AquaVolo)
Parachute was one of the things I thought about when I was developing DragSox. I liked the drag that parachute created but there were two things that I really didn’t like about them. One was that my foot was constantly hitting the strap, making it hard to get into the rhythm of the stroke. This is a common complaint. Second is that because the parachute is attached to the waist, it slightly pulls you down, changing your body position. The change in body position is not huge but it is there. I wanted a device that would give benefits of the drag with out the drawbacks I listed. I wanted something that I could move freely in and keep my natural body position. DragSox gives all of these.
A few months ago, I tried modifying a parachute to attach to the ankles. Read more
Request a DragSox Demo Workout
Any swim team in the Bay Area can now request a DragSox Demo workout on site:
AquaVolo DragSox Demos are workouts designed by our team and pre-approved by your coach. DragSox will be provided for up to 25 team members for one session that will be led by our team and your coach. The Demo workout is the most effective method to learn the different ways to train with DragSox. More here…
Power Training with DragSox
Benefits of using DragSox in your swimming training
From aquavolo.com – DragSox benefits.
