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Snorkeling
Fun for the Whole Family
Snorkeling is the practice of swimming on or through a body of water while equipped with a diving mask, a shaped tube called a snorkel, and usually swim fins. In cooler waters, a wetsuit may also be worn. Use of this equipment allows the snorkeler to observe underwater attractions for extended periods of time with relatively little effort.
Snorkeling is a popular family recreational activity, particularly at tropical resorts and scuba diving locations. The primary appeal is the opportunity to observe underwater life in a natural setting without the complicated equipment and training required for scuba diving, and without the exhaled bubbles of scuba-diving equipment.
Snorkeling is rather inexpensive, and can eventually lead to other under water activies such as snubling, freediving, helmet diving and of course scuba diving.
Safety precautions
The greatest danger to snorkelers are small inshore and leisure crafts such as jet skis, speed boats and the like. A snorkeler is often submerged in the water with only the tube visible above. Since these crafts can ply the same areas snorkelers visit, the chance for accidental collision exists. Sailboats and windsurfers are especially worrisome as their quiet propulsion systems means the snorkeler may be unaware of their presence, unlike any motor-driven craft, as sound travels further and four times faster underwater. A snorkeler may surface under one and/or be struck by such vessels. Few places demarcate small craft areas from snorkelers, unlike for regular bathers who may have areas marked by buoys. Snorkelers may therefore choose to wear bright or highly reflective colors/outfits and/or to employ dive flags to ease being spotted by boaters and others.
Snorkelers' backs can be exposed to the sun for extended periods and can burn badly (even if slightly submerged), without being noticed. Wearing appropriate covering such as a "rash guard" (in warmer waters), a t-shirt, a wetsuit and/or sunblock will mitigate the risk of sunburn.
Dehydration is another concern. Hydrating well before going in is recommended, especially if one intends to snorkel for several hours. Proper hydration also prevents cramps.
Snorkelers can experience Hyperventilation, which can lead in turn to "shallow water blackout"; snorkeling with a buddy (and being aware of the buddy's condition at all times) can help avoid this situation.
When snorkeling on or near coral reefs, care must be exercised to avoid contact with the sharp coral and its poisonous inhabitants, usually via protective gloves and by being careful of one's environment. Booties and surf shoes are especially useful as they allow trekking over reefs exposed by low tide, to drop offs or deeper waters of the outer reef.
Purchasing your mask and especially a snorkel is a very health wise decision. Who wants to use a snorkel that someone else has used? A leaky mask can ruin ones experience when snorkeling. Would you use someone eles's toothbrush????
kirkscubagear is happy to put together a package deal with any fins, mask and snorkels I sell to suit your needs. Buy for the whole family and receive a discount and a FREE GIFT!!! e-mail Kathy @ diverdown@kirkscubagear.com for a quote.
Don't have a pay pal account???? No worries, when you check-out, Pay Pal offers you an option for payment with a credit card!!!
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