How to Snorkel
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Often before one begins scuba diving they start by snorkleing. As scuba diving requires equipment and training, snorkeling is a good way to start. It allows you to ease into the sport slowly. And occasionally, even skilled scuba divers simply want to swim and explore without the extra equipment, preparation and precautions that are required with scuba diving. Snorkeling is a great option.
Unless you have already practiced in a swimming pool, you need to know the basics of snorkeling. Then, you can fully enjoy snorkeling and stay safe.
Preparing Snorkel Gear
First, check your Snorkel. Look at both ends for any blockage or even just loose material stuck in the tube. Dry breathe in air through the snorkel to ensure it’s working properly. If you’ve used it before, you also want to make sure it’s been properly cleaned. Though not common, mold and other muck can grow on a snorkeling tube. When you breath that in you’re increasing your odds of infection.
You’ll probably have a Mask as well, so prepare it too. Make sure it’s clean and fits well. Then prepare the faceplate with a commercial spray that will keep it clear. Or, you can use some raw potatoes. Rub a little of the starch onto the glass and rub it around.
Eventually, you will want Fins so you can swim faster. Read our article on Choose Your Scuba Fins Wisely: How to Choose A Great Scuba Fin, if you are considering buying scuba fins for diving and snorkeling.
The Basics of Snorkeling
Stand in an area of the water where you can stand up and breathe air. Then slowly bend your knees and take a deep breath slowly through your snorkel just before your nose goes under. Lower your face into the water until your head is just submerged. Make sure you can breathe normally through the mouth and out the nose. Breathe in again, then exhale forcefully through the mouthpiece. This should ensure that your tube is clear.
Now become horizontal in the water and keep your head slightly back, eyes forward. Your snorkel tube is designed to prevent water from splashing into the top, but some small amount may make its way in. Blow it out with a good blast of air, then breathe in slowly, keeping the tube as vertical as possible.
Swim slowly, keeping your head near the surface until you get the hang of it. Then you can relax and look at the scenery around and below you. Try to direct your eyes down, but keep the tube upright as you move forward.
If you find yourself starting to panic, simply raise your head above water, remove the mouthpiece and breathe normally. Then try again. Sometimes, it will take a few practice swims before you completely comfortable snorkeling. Once you do, you’ll be free to enjoy feeding fish and seeing the sea life below the water with ease.
Explore and have fun!
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