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Snorkeling 101

Written by Nevin
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Published on November 28, 2010

Snorkeling is a great activity that can be enjoyed by almost anyone and doesn’t require as much instruction, training or expensive equipment like Scuba Diving. Snorkeling can be enjoyed in any water body,  lakes, ponds, the ocean or quarries, and makes a thoroughly enjoyable activity. Especially while on vacation where dive charters allow snorkelers to accompany groups on some of the best scuba diving sites both reefs and ship wrecks. Most beach destinations will also have large charters dedicated to snorkeling. There is nothing more fascinating than being able to look through a window to the underwater world, and observe marine life, coral reefs and underwater features.

If you plan on taking up snorkeling for the first time, then here are a few of our top snorkeling skills that we at Scuba.com feel should be practiced to fully enjoy this activity.

Basic Equipment for Snorkeling:
A mask and snorkel, a pair of fins, a snorkeling vest, a wetsuit or rash guard (optional)

Get Comfortable wearing the Mask and breathing through the snorkel
First timers will find that one of the most difficult things to get used to when taking up snorkeling is mastering breathing through the snorkel. Many people find breathing through their mouths unnatural and get anxious and panicky the first time they try snorkeling. This is why it is important that one practices breathing through a snorkel and getting comfortable wearing a mask in a controlled environment at first like in a swimming pool or a shallow lagoon without waves. Don’t directly join a snorkeling charter in open water without getting comfortable with your equipment first.

Safety Tip:  Never Snorkel Alone, always have at least one buddy along.

Clearing a snorkel
After you have mastered wearing a mask and breathing through a tube, the next most important skill to learn for a beginner is how to clear a snorkel when it gets flooded with water. Clearing a snorkel is an easy process but takes some practice and time to getting used to. The most important skill to learn is how not to panic when you get a mouthful of water in your snorkel. Simply exhale sharply forcing the water in the snorkel out either through the purge valve or through the top of the tube. We would recommend purchasing a snorkel with a purge valve or drainage valve that allows water out with the least amount of effort.

Clearing a mask
Learning to clear a mask that is filling with water is also another important skill, as in deeper waters, you cannot stop, stand-up and take off your mask. To clear out a mask, simply lift your head out of the water and  slightly pull open the bottom portion of your mask just a bit to drain the water or allow water out of your mask drainage valve (if you have one). Also practice how to clear your mask underwater, i.e by blowing out air through your nose into the mask while pressing the top of the mask to force the water out.

Safety Tip: Don’t snorkel in deeper waters if you can’t swim. Even though you are wearing a lifejacket  or a snorkeling vest. Knowing how to swim makes you more comfortable in the water and prepared for any eventuality.

Finning
The final basic technique to master for first-timers before being able to set out on your first snorkeling expedition is to get comfortable with and learn to fin properly.  This is especially required as you plan to snorkel in deeper waters. We recommend practicing first in a swimming pool getting used to different kick strokes and finding the right balance without over exerting yourself. Fins can really make a difference allowing snorkelers to get past currents or waves without much effort.

featured above is the Cressi Pluma Snorkeling Package available at Scuba.com

Once you have mastered the above basics, you’ll find that snorkeling is well worth the effort you put in and a highly rewarding one, and perhaps try some of the more advanced snorkeling techniques like duck-diving or underwater photography.