How to Judge A Snorkel
Snorkels are wonderful pieces of equipment that can be used before, after or instead of a dive as appropriate. Often if you want to go exploring right after an airplane trip (or before one), snorkeling is often recommended.
As a scuba diver you already have the mask and fins, so going snorkeling just requires a great snorkel. But, what makes a great snorkel?
Here are the features you want to have:
- Can be used to breathe underwater (ie: NOT a toy) – I didn’t want to put this one in, but I’ve heard of people being surprised. So, to cover all essential features, I added it.
- Mouthpiece Fits Your Mouth – you want it to be comfortable. An angled mouthpiece helps it be more comfortable. An exchangeable mouthpiece can be a nice feature — but can be much more expensive.
- Right Size Tube – A larger diameter tube will allow for very easy breathing, but they are more difficult to clear of water. A bigger blast of air is needed to fill the tube with enough volume and pressure to expel any accumulated water. Purge valves help clearing – so this feature is not as important if your purge valves work.
- Right Length Tube – longer snorkels allow you to go deeper. However, they are also harder to keep upright. Doesn’t matter much if getting a dry snorkel (see next point).
- Dry Snorkel – These snorkels have valves (or flaps) that prevent water from entering if you dive underwater. This allows you to dive below the level of your snorkel for a few moments until you need your next breath without water entering.
- Purge valve – having a purge valve really helps clearing the snorkel if water enters. Water will automatically drain when you get near to the surface.
- Snorkel Keeper – using snorkel keeper helps you not lose your snorkel as it is attached to your mask. This can be purchased separately
Though you can buy a cheap snorkel, generally, it won’t be a dry snorkel and it won’t have a purge valve. Often cheaper sets are of lesser quality – so read reviews carefully. This can make for a very on comfortable snorkeling trip. We recommend a quality a dry snorkel with purge valves and an angled mouthpiece.
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