[Snooze]

Not your run of the mill issue.<br><br>
I have been working on my technique swimming lately, mainly my rotation and keeping my head down. Well, this past evening I noticed that my goatee is rubbing up against my shoulder. Is there something specifically Im doing wrong or is this one of the follies of swimming with a goatee?

 

[Tithers]

Did you bodyglide your goatee before hand?

 

[Tithers]

Ron might have insight with his full irish-looking beard!

 

[Stitcher]

Hmmmm....<br>
When I was in Greece, I wore a rash guard one day and I got some chaffing on my jaw line from the shoulder of the shirt. I think it's the same sort of thing.<br><br>
Your head might FEEL like it's down, but it should be neutral. If you're head is too high, it'll feel low, though. So, you don't want your chin <i>touching</i> your chest, you want it in a neutral position, only horizontal instead of standing up. Make sense?<br><br>
When I had my chaffing, I put vaseline on my jaw while in the water....body glide would likely work better for you, though. I'd put it on your shoulder, not in the beard. Also, make sure that you don't have stubble where there's not supposed to be stubble.

 

[Snooze]

It's happening when I go to take a breath , but only on the right side (which pretty much means I am not balanced, but tha'ts not the issue)

 

[namhela]

If I understand this completely.... I had the same issue. But this winter I got a few lessons from a swim instructor... He basically told me my arms (when reaching forward) are being crossed. They should be going straight ahead.

 

[pcsronbo]

The body glide is certainly a good short term fix but the fact is you're not supposed to be rubbing when you breathe so a form change is in order

 

[3chilipeppers]

If your chin is touching your shoulder when you breathe, then you are either turning your head too much or your body isn't rolling enough. Your head and body (shoulders) should move together when you breathe. So, your head should be pretty much in the same place in relation to your shoulder while breathing as it is when you are swimming.<br><br>
So, as you are swimming, your body is rolling side to side. When you get ready to breathe, instead of your head staying straight looking at the bottom of the pool, as my coach says, it "hitches a ride" with your shoulders (and hips for that matter) and turns with your shoulders for the breath. So, you shouldn't be actually "turning" your head toward your shoulder. Your head and shoulder go together. Does that make any sense? Also, your mouth should just barely come above the surface of the water (only one ear leaves the water) to breathe, then it's back down.<br><br>
Body Glide will work for now, but you need to work on your technique.