Snorkeling is a wonderful way to explore the underwater world. Do you live inland? This is not a problem. A nearby lake will more than suffice. Before you start, you will need to understand the basics of snorkeling: equipment, water conditions, and general safety.
Basic equipment for snorkeling is a mask, a snorkel, and a pair of fins. To find a mask that fits, place the mask over your face and breathe in through your nose. The mask should seal tightly to your skin; no air should be able to enter or exit. Next, place the strap over your head, adjust for comfort, and then double check the air seal. If it’s comfortable and the seal doesn’t allow for any air flow, it’s a possible buy. Additional mask considerations are how much the mask allows you to see above you, below you, and peripherally, and if the mask has a purge valve that will allow you to easily blow any unwanted water out.
Next on the list is a snorkel, your means of breathing when you are floating face down in water. A snorkel is a large diameter tube. One end is in your mouth; the other end sticks up above the surface of the water. How does that snorkel feel in your mouth? Bite is very important. You do not want to have jaw discomfort for hours or even days after your snorkeling experience. Better snorkels have mouthpieces that were designed by orthodontists or dentists. Some snorkels are also equipped with purge valves, like masks, to help to dispose of any overflow-into-the-snorkel water easily.
Now, you have to consider fins. There are two varieties of fins, full foot, where the fins completely surround your foot like a shoe, or fins that have adjustable heels. This brings us to the next topic, optional equipment.
If you decide to purchase fins with adjustable heels, it would be a good idea to consider buying booties. Booties give your feet protection against the straps on the adjustable fins and have the added benefit of allowing you to walk on rocks without hurting yourself until you are ready to put on your fins.
Are you concerned about buoyancy? You can buy a snorkeling vest that will help you float easily. You can control the buoyancy of these vests by blowing air into them or letting air out of them as conditions require. Another option is purchasing a wet suit, either custom or standard. A wet suit will give you not only added “float-ability,” but warmth. You should also consider buying gloves for your hands. Gloves will not only keep your hands warmer, they will protect them from cuts.
It is very important to make sure that all of your equipment works together. For example, if you buy a wet suit with a hood for your head, make sure that your snorkel and mask will both be comfortable and work as they should with the hood. Double checking this before you get into the water will prevent you from getting yourself into trouble later.
Where is the best place to snorkel? The best place to snorkel is where you can see and where there is something to look at. Visibility is the key to a great snorkeling experience. Generally speaking, snorkeling’s “prime time” is late morning when sunlight is gleaming into the water. Visibility goes down after storms and will be bad around crashing surf. You can always check local conditions online or with a dive shop if you are concerned about making a day trip to a specific area.
As with any sport, being safe pays off. Practice snorkeling first in a pool before you attempt the ocean or a lake. Know your limits physically. Do not plan your first trip to include a long swim to a reef if you are out of shape or not a really good swimmer. Remember, all the equipment in the world cannot help you if you are just too tired to swim back to shore. If you get caught in a rip tide, do not panic. Swim parallel to the shore until you work your way out of the current. Never, never, never snorkel alone. A snorkeling buddy is not only safer, it makes the experience more fun because you can point out discoveries to each other and discuss what you saw when you get back to shore.
Have fun snorkeling. Having the right equipment will add to your self-confidence, keep you safer, and allow you to have a better all around experience. Know your limits and snorkel with a buddy. There is a completely different world out there underwater just waiting for you.
