Breathing & Swimming

Question
I am just learning to swim.  When I breath out I only breath out through my mouth, is this bad?  My friend says that I should only breath out through my nose.

Answer
Keri,
I actually had to think about this while swimming this morning to answer your question.  :-)

There is no right or wrong way to breath out while swimming.  If you are comfortable breathing out through your mouth, go for it.  It comes down to comfort.

At higher levels of competitive swimming, your breathing is something you should be concerned with.  Right now, I would say that you should concentrate on your technique vice your breathing.  Mastering advanced breathing techniques can be done later.

I hope that this helps.
Eric