To hold or not to hold the nose when jumping into water

A debate has erupted in the newsroom of Dagbladet over whether it is necessary to hold one’s nose before jumping into water, with opinions sharply divided.

The discussion began when a 31-year-old male journalist from Rogaland, who is not a political reporter, declared during a lunchroom conversation that women should stop holding their noses when jumping into water, calling it “fussy.” Two female journalists in their late 30s defended the practice, with one responding, “I don’t know how your body is built, but I hold my nose to keep water out. There are two holes there!”

Others at the table laughed at the exchange, but the debate raised broader questions: Why do some people hold their noses while others do not? Are people born as nose-holders or not? Is there a gender difference? And is it really fussy?

Robin Dale Oen, a former professional swimmer and current national team coach, laughed for about 15 seconds when Dagbladet asked about the phenomenon. He cited his own wife as an example: “She went from holding her nose before jumping to competing in triathlons in just a few years.”

Dale Oen explained that everyone has a nasal closure muscle, and while some may find water entering the nose unpleasant, it is a trainable reflex. “You can get a choking sensation, which is uncomfortable,” he said. Some professional swimmers even use nose clips, particularly in backstroke, to prevent water from entering the nose.

May Grydeland, an associate professor at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences (NIH), said most people do not hold their noses, but some do. “For most, it’s simply a matter of practice. People who have spent a lot of time in water automatically close their nasal passage. It becomes automatic.”

Grydeland advised those who want to stop holding their noses to spend more time in water and gradually get used to it. “If water keeps getting in, use a nose clip. The most important thing is to do the water activity you want, regardless of how you do it.”

Dagbladet also reviewed its own and NTB’s extensive photo archives to find images of people holding their noses before jumping into water.