When you backstroke, how much of a problem with water getting in your nose?

This shouldn't be an issue since your face should be above the water level.

Ahh, is that why they're shaped like that? I'll definitly try that.

This is a great swim tool and will help you get a good feel for swimming downhill rather than uphill which is what it sounds like you are doing. You shouldn't be kicking much at all with these between your legs. Take it slow and get a feel for how your body should roll in the water. I am nearly vertical and fully extended with each stroke.

I breathe (or try to breathe) every 3 strokes. the problem I have is that every time I breathe, I expend too much energy trying to get the breath. My head is too high for too long. After the breath, it feels like my body sunk 1 feet below the water so I have to swim my way back to the surface.

Are you breathing to the side or lifting your head straight up? The head should really just barely come out of the water. When your face is in the water you should be looking down not forward. Then when you breathe your head should just rotate to the side - not lift out. I begin to exhale as I am starting my head turn therefore I am ready to breathe when my mouth is out of the water. This took me a little getting used to but once I got a feel for it...it felt great.

Your legs are likely going down with each breath and that is what they call swimming uphill. You are creating drag and besides slowing you down it is tiring you out. The drills that I suggested and any others that you can find will greatly help you fix your form and ease your motion in the water. Your legs should be right at the water level even if they are just along for the ride.

I'll definitely try that.

This is really a good drill and has become one of my favorites. You'll get a great sense of how to roll in the water and how to breathe consistently. Once you get a good feel for the drill change it up a little...kick 4 times or 2 times. But do it for a few hundred yards at minimum and do it a little every time you go swim. Take this slowly and really concentrate on form and on breathing. Remember you should be flowing through the water not fighting through it

NOTE: part of getting better at swimming is doing different drills. If you just get in there are swim laps you'll get bored.

Another good program to utilize is the "Zero to 1650". I used this at the beginning of my training this year and it was a great help in getting me comfortable in the water and giving me a goal for each swim. The website is: http://ruthkazez.com/ZeroTo1mile.html

Later.