Are you among those folks who get crazy over snorkeling? Here are the things that you need to understand about the best snorkel gear. Oftentimes, we think that snorkeling is a material-light type of activity, and sometimes just borrow or rent gear when you go on snorkeling. Yet, there are still countless benefits of having the best snorkel gears that you call your own. Here is a quick guide about snorkeling for you which covers the snorkeling basics and some reviews. Let’s get started!
What is Snorkelling?
Snorkelling offers a fascinating and calming opportunity to explore and observe the wonders beneath the water’s surface. It allows you to immerse yourself in the underwater landscape without surfacing for air or undergoing extensive scuba diving training. Float, gently paddle and delight in the mesmerizing aquatic scenery surrounding you.
The concept of snorkelling might seem intimidating, particularly for those who have yet to give it a try. However, the reassuring truth is that learning how to snorkel is far from challenging. Let me reiterate: it’s not difficult at all. Below, we’ve outlined some straightforward steps to snorkel, along with some handy snorkelling tips to enhance your experience!
Here’s how to snorkel:
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Choose a Properly Fitting Mask and Snorkel:
Ensure your mask fits well by checking the straps and adjusting them if necessary. Avoid over-tightening. Test for leaks by immersing your head underwater. Consider using a prescription-adjusted mask if you have poor eyesight or wear corrective lenses. Hold the mask onto your face without using the straps to test the fit and breathe in through your nose. If the mask stays in place, it fits properly.
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Seal the Snorkel Mouthpiece:
Before entering the water, place your lips around the snorkel’s mouthpiece to create a seal, preventing water from leaking into the snorkel.
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Begin Floating:
Slowly submerge yourself in the water, allowing your body to float. Keep your stomach flat on the surface and your head tilted at a 45-degree angle. Ensure the snorkel tube remains above the waterline. Consider using a dry snorkel with a purge valve to prevent water from entering. If water does enter, the purge valve allows for easy clearing without lifting your head.
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Breathe and Relax:
Use your mouth to breathe in and out through the snorkel tube. Relax and focus on your breathing. Let your feet guide your direction as you float. Relax and enjoy the peace underwater.
While snorkelling is delightful, newcomers may encounter challenges such as fogged-up masks or water entering the snorkel tube. These situations can lead to panic and other issues. To prevent and address such issues, consider the following tips for first-time snorkelers:
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Prevent Mask Fogging:
Reduce mask fogging by applying saliva to the lens and rubbing it before rinsing it with ocean water. Alternatively, use an anti-fog solution. Pre-treat a new mask to remove manufacturing residue.
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Choose the Right Gear:
Invest in high-quality snorkelling equipment, including a well-fitting mask, snorkel, and fins. Test the gear before use to ensure comfort and functionality.
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Practice Proper Breathing Techniques:
Practice breathing through the snorkel before entering deep water. Use slow, steady breaths to avoid hyperventilation and conserve energy.
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Stay Calm in Emergencies:
Remain calm if water enters the snorkel or if you encounter unexpected challenges. Practice removing water from the snorkel without panicking.
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Stay Hydrated and Sun Protected:
Drink plenty of water before and after snorkelling to stay hydrated. Apply sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn while in the water.
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Stay Aware of Surroundings:
Stay mindful of your surroundings and avoid touching or disturbing marine life. Practice responsible snorkelling to protect the underwater environment.
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Know Your Limits:
Snorkel within your limits and avoid venturing too far from shore or into strong currents. Stay aware of your energy levels and return to shore if feeling fatigued.
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Buddy System:
For safety, snorkel with a friend or in a group. Keep visual contact with your companions and communicate any concerns or signals underwater.
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Stay Relaxed and Enjoy:
Relax and enjoy the experience of snorkelling. Take in the beauty of the underwater world and appreciate the opportunity to explore it firsthand.
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Continue Learning:
Seek further instruction or guidance from experienced snorkelers or instructors to enhance your skills and knowledge of snorkelling techniques and safety precautions.
Following these tips and practising proper snorkelling techniques can enhance your enjoyment and safety while exploring underwater wonders.
Best Snorkel Gear Equipment
Snorkeling doesn’t need several gears, unlike if you go on scuba diving. Yet, the low gearing amount doesn’t make picking the said gear less useful and important. The snorkeling basics are fins, masks, and, most importantly, a snorkel.
What to Consider When Selecting Best Snorkel Gear:
The masks permit you to have a clear vision of underwater, and because the purpose of snorkeling is to experience the world underwater, this is then very critical.
Mask Construction of the Best Snorkel Gear
Make sure that you select a mask, which is “real diving or a real snorkeling mask.” This means that mask is made depending on its purpose. Therefore it is very crucial to select a mask that is designed only for snorkeling or diving instead of an inexpensive mask that you could find in the supermarket. A well-designed mask for diving has shatterproof glass which is made in order to withstand pressure if you opt for breath-hold snorkeling or diving.
Necessary Design for the Best Snorkel Gear
In selecting a mask, choose one which has a pretty small volume, which means that the trapped air-spaced inside should never be larger than needed. This would help the diver to clear easily the water that comes in, as well as making it easier to regularize if you are about to plunge below ground.
Pick a mask which has a good sight-line. Some snorkelers like a mask, which is mono-glass, which means that the mask is made of a single piece mend class, instead of two pieces so that both eyes would have, yet this depends on your own personal taste.
Checking if Mask Fit
Mask fitting is crucial, yet it can be performed in some easy steps:
- Place our mask on without using the strap all over your head
- Inhale a little throughout your nose
- Let go of your mask
If ever the mask sticks into your face, it is simply due to the vacuum that is created by you when you are inhaling. It shows that the mask has a fair good fit. Put the strap on and slowly exhale from your nose. You must force the air, which is exhaled under the skirt of the mask, even with little effort.
If not, the task of emptying your mask when there is water will be hard. Try to put on the mask for a few minutes and be mindful anywhere as the mask gives you a little comfort on the pressure on the face. Usual parts are the nose tip, which is the underside, in between your forehead and eyes. If all these don’t give you any comfort, you have to find a way to get a nice mask.
The Best Snorkel Gears:
Below are some of the recommended masks for snorkeling:
ScubaPro Spectra 2 Window Scuba or Snorkel Mask Review
Pros
- This particular mask has a compact 2-window feature
- Has lenses which are tempered glass
- Has swivel buckle which promotes easy adjustment
- Has a doubled sealed for silicone skirt
- Classed among the most comfortable mask in the market
Cons
- A bit costly yet it’s worth the quality
- Oftentimes, depending on the face or shape the frame may push against your nose bridge
- Special finish of the mask can be damaged easily
Cressi 1, Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Frameless Mask Review
Almost all snorkelers like to have a frameless mask. Thus, this mask will not disappoint you. This mask comes in different colors but the most popularly-used mask in a clear mask.
Pros
- Made of silicone that is expected to last longer over snorkeling seasons
- The lens is wide-angled and made of tempered glass
- Buckles can be easily adjusted
- Anti-fog technology
- Affordable and best mask available out there
Cons
- Fogging up is quite easy
- Be mindful of the damages or issues when your item arrives
- Make sure that the mask perfectly fits your face before you buy it
Full Face Snorkeling Mask:
For surface water activities or snorkeling, a full face mask for snorkeling is the best option for you. It will give the needed comfort and breathing on your nose and your mouth naturally. Here are some recommendations for a Full-Face Mask for Snorkeling;
HEAD Sea Vu Dry Full Face Snorkeling Mask
- Has the anti-fogging technology which permits you to properly breath on both of your mouth and nose, and not impairing your vision
- The mask has dry to feature which prevents the water from coming in into your mask once a big wave hits you
- Silicone made skirt which provides comfortable seal all over your face
Pros
- This mask can lessen jaw fatigue
- The water that enters the mask can be prevented because of the dry snorkel
- Made of shatterproof polycarbonate
- It can give you a crystal-clear underwater view compared to other masks
Cons
- The price is a bit high. Yet again, it’s worth the quality
Seac Sub Unica Full Face Best Snorkel Gear
This is one of the best snorkel gears in the market, which provides excellent viewing. It permits you to breathe both on your mouth and nose. It has a large V-shaped seal that is capable of creating a good watertight seal all over your face. It has a removable snorkel, therefore, can be easily stored.
Pros
- The best snorkel gear which contains purge valve on its base, so it means that the water that comes in can be easily flushed out
- Contains a large bore snorkel which permits plenty of air to get into the mask
- Has an anti-fog feature
Cons
- Since the mask is a bit large, the hair might possibly get stuck
- Not designed for underwater diving
Conclusion:
Few experiences rival the awe-inspiring beauty of nature that surrounds us. Whether it’s the majestic peaks of towering mountains, the verdant expanses of lush greenery, or the mesmerizing golden hues of sunset painting the horizon, each scene leaves us spellbound. However, nature’s elegance and splendour extend far beyond land. Beneath the vast expanse of the deep blue ocean lies a wealth of breathtaking beauty. Driven by our innate curiosity and thirst for adventure, our wanderlust beckons us to explore the majestic realm of the aquatic kingdom.
