A swim snorkel does one simple thing: it takes breathing out of the equation. With your face down and your head still, you can put all your attention on body position, catch and rhythm instead of timing the next breath.
FINIS invented the centre-mount swim snorkel in 1995 and now makes five of them, each built for a different swimmer or training goal. As the FINIS distributor in Malaysia, SWIMSHOP2U stocks the full range. This guide compares all five so you can pick the right FINIS snorkel in Malaysia the first time.
Why train with a centre-mount swim snorkel?
A centre-mount snorkel sits in front of your face rather than at the side, so it stays stable at speed and through flip turns. Coaches use it because it removes the one movement that disrupts most swimmers' technique: turning the head to breathe.
- Head and body alignment. With no breath to take, your head stays neutral and your hips stay high.
- A balanced stroke. You pull evenly on both sides instead of favouring your breathing side.
- Sharper drill work. Kick sets, sculling and catch drills are easier to do properly when you are not lifting your head.
- Steady aerobic work. Long sets become about rhythm, not breath timing.
That is why a training snorkel for swimming is in almost every club swimmer's mesh bag, and why triathletes and open water swimmers use one for pool technique sessions.
|
Snorkel |
Best for |
What sets it apart |
|---|---|---|
|
First-time snorkel users |
Purge valve clears water easily |
|
|
Comfort over long sessions, any level |
Cushioned pad, bracketless, pivoting mouthpiece |
|
|
Swimmers aged 6 to 10 |
Shorter tube, kid-sized mouthpiece |
|
|
Simple, no-fuss technique work |
Adjustable fit, no purge valve |
|
|
Freestyle-specific training |
Curved tube follows the head |
FINIS Original Swimmer's Snorkel: the place to start
This is the snorkel that started the category, and it is still the easiest one to learn on. A purge valve at the base lets water flow out without entering the mouthpiece, so a little splash down the tube does not interrupt your set. The head bracket adjusts to fit, and it comes in Senior and Junior sizes.
Choose it if you are buying your first swim snorkel, or you want one snorkel that works across freestyle, butterfly and breaststroke drills.
Shop Original Swimmer's Snorkel
FINIS Stability Snorkel: the most comfortable fit
The Stability is FINIS's comfort-first snorkel. It replaces the hard head bracket with a cushioned resting pad and a silicone strap, so there is no pressure point on your forehead during a long session. The mouthpiece pivots to the side, which means you can talk to your coach between reps without taking the snorkel off.
Choose it if you train several times a week and find a traditional bracket uncomfortable, or you want a secure fit that takes seconds to put on.
FINIS Stability Snorkel JR: a kids' swim snorkel for ages 6 to 10
An adult snorkel is too much tube for a small swimmer to clear. The Stability JR is designed specifically for ages 6 to 10, with a shorter tube for smaller breaths, a kid-sized mouthpiece and the same simple bracket-free fit as the adult Stability. Young swimmers can concentrate on body position and build confidence with their face in the water.
Choose it if you are a swim parent whose child has just been asked to bring a snorkel to squad training.
FINIS Glide Snorkel: simple technique training
The Glide strips the training snorkel back to essentials: an adjustable fit and a simplified design with no purge valve. There is less to maintain and nothing to replace, which makes it a dependable pick for swimmers who already know how to clear a snorkel with a sharp exhale.
Choose it if you want an uncomplicated snorkel for technique and rhythm work at the lowest adult price in the range.
FINIS Freestyle Snorkel: built for one stroke
The Freestyle Snorkel's curved tube follows the shape of your head. That reduces drag and encourages the head position, body alignment and efficient stroke that freestyle demands. It is the specialist of the range.
Choose it if freestyle is your main event, or you are a triathlete or open water swimmer whose pool sessions are almost all freestyle. If your sets mix strokes, the Original or Stability is the more versatile choice.
Which FINIS snorkel is right for you?
- New to swim snorkels: Original Swimmer's Snorkel.
- Training most days and want comfort: Stability Snorkel.
- Swimmer aged 6 to 10: Stability Snorkel JR.
- Experienced and want something simple: Glide Snorkel.
- Freestyle specialist, triathlete or open water swimmer: Freestyle Snorkel.
- Coach buying for a squad: Stability for seniors and Stability JR for juniors keeps the fit simple across the group.
Tips for your first session with a swim snorkel
- Start with easy kick or pull sets of 25 to 50 metres before using it in a main set.
- Breathe in through your mouth and out through your mouth or nose in a steady rhythm.
- Clear the tube with one sharp exhale after every turn.
- If water goes up your nose, add a nose clip for the first few weeks.
- Rinse the snorkel in fresh water after every session and let it dry.
Once the basics feel natural, a Snorkel Cardio Cap adds breathing resistance to the Original for hypoxic training, and a Snorkel Dry Top keeps water out of the Original or Glide.
FINIS swim snorkel FAQ
- What is a centre-mount swim snorkel? It is a training snorkel that runs up the middle of your face instead of the side. The position keeps it stable during lap swimming and flip turns.
- Is a swim snorkel the same as a snorkelling snorkel? No. A snorkelling snorkel sits at the side and attaches to a mask. A swimmer's snorkel is made for training in a pool with goggles.
- Which FINIS snorkel is best for beginners? The Original Swimmer's Snorkel. Its purge valve makes clearing water easier while you learn.
- What age can children start using a swim snorkel? The FINIS Stability Snorkel JR is designed for ages 6 to 10. The Original also comes in a Junior size.
- Do I need a nose clip with a swim snorkel? Not always. Many swimmers use one at first and drop it once exhaling through the nose becomes a habit.
- Can I use a swim snorkel for every stroke? It works for freestyle, butterfly and breaststroke drills and for kick sets. It is not used for backstroke.
- Where can I buy FINIS snorkels in Malaysia? SWIMSHOP2U is the FINIS distributor in Malaysia and delivers nationwide, with international shipping available.
Shop FINIS snorkels in Malaysia
Every snorkel in The Snorkel Edit is available now at SWIMSHOP2U, with replacement straps, mouthpieces and purge valves in stock too. Shop all FINIS swim snorkels, or message us on WhatsApp if you would like help choosing.
