The Snorkel - The Second Most Important Item of Your Snorkel Gear


If you want to really enjoy the great snorkeling experience, you need to be able to breathe while floating on the water and not have to lift your face to take a breath of air. That's where the snorkel comes into play. If we had our noses and mouths on the back of our heads we would not need snorkels, but since we do not we need snorkels; unless you want to swim around on your back.
When we submerge to get a closer look at the marine life, the majority of the snorkels will fill up with water and we need to keep some air in our lungs to blow out the water or clear the snorkel when we surface so we can continue snorkeling.
A snorkel is basically a "J" shaped plastic tube with preferably a silicone mouth piece, with a hard non-flexible barrel and a snorkel keeper. That is the definition of a basic snorkel. But there is a wide variation of the basic snorkel out there.
If you add a purge valve at or around the area of the mouth piece will help us to clear the snorkel of water. Some snorkels will bring an extra purge valve half way up the tube; this should make it even easier to clear. There are some that will bring a splash guard at the top, to protect the snorkel from a wave, or from splashing around. These are known as Semi-Dry snorkels. But what if we had a snorkel that would not fill with water when we submerge? Guess what, there are a variety of snorkels that do just that.
They are known Dry Snorkels. These have a valve at the upper tip that while letting you breath, when submerged the valve will close and stop the water from filling the tube. That means that with the same amount of air that you intake when you submerge, you can spent a little more time under water, since you don't need to save that extra air to clear the Snorkel.
A snorkel must fit comfortably in your mouth, allow you to blow or purge water out of the mouthpiece and tube quickly and help you to swim efficiently. But, the most important characteristics to remember when choosing a snorkel are its length and the diameter of its barrel. They should not be too long or too short. Also the diameter be approximately three-quarters of an inch so you can breathe comfortably.
In conclusion, all snorkels will basically do the job. Depending on how serious you are about snorkeling, how much you like to submerge and your budget will affect your choice of what snorkel you will add to your snorkel gear.
Copyright (c) 2010 BestSnorkelingSet.com. All rights reserved.
Juan A. Soto is a professional diver for http://bestsnorkelingset.com/ your snorkel gear store. To find the best snorkeling set for your next snorkeling trip, go to http://bestsnorkelingset.com/

Night Snorkeling - Discover the Wonders of Snorkeling at Night


Snorkeling at night can be extremely exciting. This snorkeling activity is in fact my favorite type of snorkeling. The only other activity that may surpass it, in my opinion, is night scuba diving due to the fact that you have more chances to dive deeper, otherwise night snorkeling still gives you the same adrenalin buzz.
So why would anyone try and snorkel at night? It might seem strange and intimidating. Anybody who has tried it will tell you that there is a different world yet to be discovered.
The mystery of snorkeling at night will provide you with a new outlook on your favorite snorkeling site which may have lost its day time charm. At first you will feel slightly anxious... everybody does, its only natural, but then once you get used to it, you will automatically replace your anxiety with excitement, curiosity and a sense of adventure.
At dusk, you will encounter aquatic life that you seldom see during the day, making sight seeing different from what you would usually see during day time. At night the reefs become alive with the different fauna.
There are a number of aquatic creatures that just don't come out in the day time. Nocturnal animals such as lobsters and shrimps become active, coral polyps open up at night to feed giving the reef a fuzzy and colorful sort of look.
You will also experience encountering luminescence microscopic plankton which generate light flashes if disturbed. Should you experience such an encounter, turn off your flashlight and wave your hands through the water. This will provide you with an unforgettable experience as you will see "sparks" igniting around you.. Its a great sensation... Try it, you will be in for a surprise.
Before entering the water - what equipment do I need?
Safe snorkeling is a must, especially when you are snorkeling at night. Therefore be sure that before conducting your night snorkel you are well equipped for the job. The difference to snorkeling during the day is that snorkeling at night requires additional equipment and more planning and preparation.
The most important piece of equipment is an underwater flashlight. The flash light will not only serve to bring out the colors and show you way during your night snorkel but will also make your position known to your snorkeling buddy.
When snorkeling at night, besides carrying a flashlight, I advise you to also consider using chemical lights. These are basically light sticks which use a chemical reaction. These type of lights serve as orientation lights for marking your own and your buddies location. It is wise to strap these lights onto your buoy flag staff. I also find these lights useful for finding my exit points. A snorkeling tip is to place them strategically at the entry points so that you will know where to exit the water. Example if you entered the water from either from land or boat, then strategically place them on the land or boat to guide you for an easy exit.
Another equipment you will find useful during you night snorkeling is a whistle. Attach this to your snorkeling vest and it will act as a signaling device to grab your buddies attentions should you be in an emergency situation. Again, it is important if all your buddies have this piece of equipment at hand.
Gear protection should also be taken into consideration. Protect yourself with an exposure suit, booties and gloves, since you are more likely to get colder due to the cool night air. Another advantage for you using protective gear is that you are also more susceptible to bump into things at night which would cause scrapes and cuts. However remember to take special care as not to damage fragile coral or other aquatic life.
This is an excerpt from an article appearing on Scuba-Snorkeling-Adventures.com. If you want to learn more on night snorkeling including planning and preparation and communication and emergency signals be sure to read the rest of our guide under the Tips and Techniques section of the site at http://Scuba-Snorkeling-Adventures.com/snorkeling-at-night.html.
Copyright (c) 2010 Scuba-Snorkeling-Adventures.com. All rights reserved.
Kris Mifsud- A keen enthusiast, with a life long passion for all types of water sports.
Editor and publisher of http://Scuba-Snorkeling-Adventures.com - a comprehensive Scuba and Snorkeling guide to techniques, equipment and reviews.

Getting the Best Snorkeling Equipment For a Perfect Snorkeling Experience


Snorkeling is a lot of fun, but before you go into the water, there is a couple of things you need to know. You need to choose your snorkeling equipment carefully and properly learn how to use it. Let's consider some of these equipment.
Snorkeling Mask:
How do you know if a mask fits well? Take your snorkeling mask and put on your face as if you are going to wear it, then you try to breathe in through your nose and see if the mask sucks up against your face without leaking air. If the mask will stay on your face when you let go of your hands then you probably have gotten a good fit.
Snorkel:
Another nice piece of equipment to have is the snorkel. Well you do not have to have a snorkel, its just that it is really tiring to constantly lift you head up out of the water to breathe, so a snorkel solves that problem. There are several type of snorkels, amongst a variety is a special kind of that has a little float at the upper end. What it does is that when you go under the water the float closes off so the snorkel doesn't fill up with water. It is particularly a nice type to have as you can enjoy an extended stay under the water.
Snorkeling Fins:
Another nice piece of snorkeling equipment to have is a pair of snorkeling fin. Now if you are in really shallow water say two to four feet deep, you might not need the fins. But if you are in water that is a little bit deep or if you want to cover a wider area then its nice to have fins because they help you glide effortlessly through the water and when you are snorkeling you want to be very relaxed and just try not to work too hard so you can enjoy it.
Generally, just about any sandy beach for instance in Florida is going to be a good snorkeling when the water is clear, there are also few places where there are natural geographical features that makes snorkeling even more fun. Moving further north to the Tampa bay area there is the Egmont Key, another great place will be the St Andrews state park in Northwest Florida near Panama city. Otherwise, you may want to go book a snorkeling holiday abroad with interesting experiences like with the Punta Cana snorkeling or you may want to try snorkeling in Cabo for a change of scene and refreshing experience.
Now we have learned how to choose our snorkeling equipment and how to use them and how to go out on the water and thrive in one of our going to be best snorkeling experience.
It is good practice to get and understand the best fit equipment to use during a snorkeling trip.You can get free information on Snorkeling online. If you are not sure what snorkeling gear to buy then you can get free updates on snorkeling equipments

Maui Snorkeling Secrets


The white, soft-as-sugar sand and crystal clear teal waters of Maui make it one of the greatest places to snorkel in the world. The waters are rich with sea life, and many of the best reefs are easily accessible from shore. Or, if you are feeling adventurous, you can take a cruise to Molokini Crater, an underwater sanctuary only three miles off the Southern Maui shore, which routinely has visibility in excess of 100 feet.
Before strapping on those fins and gliding out into the warm, clear waters, here are a few things to help you get the most out of your Maui snorkeling experience
Maui Snorkeling Basics
If you have never snorkeled before, it is a fun and easy activity that anyone, regardless of age, can do. You can bring your own gear with you, or rent snorkeling equipment from one of the many dive shops found around Maui. If you are staying in a resort area, chances are you will find a Maui snorkeling supplies store only a few hundred feet from your room.
Snorkeling equipment can be rented for anywhere from $1.50 to $10 per day, depending upon the quality and type of gear you prefer. Upgraded fins, easy breathe snorkels, and optical masks will cost more. For the greatest comfort, rent a silicone mask rather than a rubber one. The material is softer and will form around your face more easily, giving you a better seal.
In addition to the basic equipment, most snorkel rentals include a waterproof fish identification card and a bottle of anti-fog liquid. Just spray or rub the liquid around on the inside of your mask before entering the water, and it will keep your mask from fogging up. If you do not have a commercially prepared liquid available, spitting into the mask will accomplish the same goals.
Try your Maui snorkeling gear on in the pool first to familiarize yourself with the dynamics. Get used to how the fins feel, and practice breathing through your snorkel. Remember to keep the tip pointed upwards, or you'll end up with a mouthful of water. If you do get water in your snorkel, or you dive down to take a better look at exciting fish life near the bottom, just give a hearty blow when you resurface. That should purge most of the water from your snorkel.
Entering the surf can be tricky with fins on, and many beginners find it almost impossible. If you strap your fins on while you are still on the beach, walk backwards into the surf until you are deep enough to turn and swim. This will keep the waves from knocking you over. Otherwise, just swim out a bit with your fins in hand, and strap them on in the water. Many fins are pull-on, making them very easy to get on and off while you are swimming.
If you are not a strong swimmer, wear a life vest to add buoyancy. The types designed for water skiing are lightweight and are not bulky. Another great way to stay afloat easily is to take along a swimming noodle. Just tuck it under your arms and go - it will provide gentle flotation without getting in your way.
Finally, for a really up-close and personal Maui snorkeling experience, take along something to feed the fish. Some people like to use frozen peas, but you can also purchase a commercially made fish food in a biodegradable pouch at the snorkel shop. Two sticks usually run about $4.
One word of caution, though. The fish will swarm around you, so be prepared for your sea life popularity. Once they have eaten all of the food, they may even follow you, looking for more. Feeding is not recommended in Honalua Bay, where the fish have become so accustomed to human feeding they have begun to get downright pushy about it. These little beggars may even give you a gentle nip trying to coax a snack from you.
The Beaches for Maui Snorkeling
The vast variety of beaches and coral create perfect Maui snorkeling places along the west and south sides of the island. Most of them are great for beginners, and many spots are shallow enough to allow your feet to touch. For the best conditions, snorkel when the sun is shining brightly - it lights up the colors of the fish and the coral. On the west side of Maui, snorkeling is best before the afternoon winds begin to pick up and impact your visibility. In addition, the water can be murky when there is a large swell or for a few days following a big storm, so try to embark on your Maui snorkeling adventure when the weather is good.
Ka'anapali
The expanse of white sand that makes up Ka'anapali is probably one of the best-known beaches in Maui. It is a prime snorkeling spot, especially along Black Rock. This lava jetty extends out into the ocean at the north end of the beach and is teeming with colorful fish. You may even spy a sea turtle from time to time, or an occasional octopus. The beach is lined with resorts and shopping, so there are plenty of facilities and ample parking. Ka'anapali gives you a memorable Maui snorkeling experience.
Honalua Bay
Situated on the northwest shore of Maui, Honalua Bay is just outside the beautiful village of Kapalua. It is normally fairly calm, but can be very rough if there is a large swell. Swim to the right side of the bay for the best viewing of undersea life. Honalua Bay has a rocky shore rather than a sandy beach, so water shoes are beneficial.
Access is not as easy here - you must park along the road and follow a trail down to the beach. However, the effort is well worth it because Honalua Bay has one of the highest concentrations of fish of any Maui snorkeling spot.
Kamaole
The beaches of Kamaole encompass three separate areas spread throughout the town of Kihei. All of the beaches have grassy parks with plenty of trees, and you can snorkel along the lava outcroppings, which is where the fish seem to prefer to gather. Parking is plentiful, and access to the beaches is easy. You'll find lots of locals at this Maui snorkeling location.
Coral Gardens
This Maui snorkeling spot is located just one-half mile north of the tunnel on the highway that leads from Kahului to Lahaina. The reef is a long ways from the beach, so it is only recommended for advanced swimmers unless you are snorkeling from a boat. This is a great place to see lots of Maui's famous green sea turtles.
La Perouse Bay
La Perouse Bay is located south of the village of Wailea, on the southwest tip of Maui. This is a very private area for swimming and snorkeling, and it is not at all unusual to find that you have the place all to yourself. The water tends to be cooler on Maui's southern shores, and summer can produce some large southern swells. You should be able to see plenty of fish, and you will have a great view of Molokini Crater. Just remember to use some caution and good water safety habits when enjoying this remote Maui snorkeling area.
Molokini Crater
The most famous spot for Maui snorkeling, you can only reach Molokini Crater by boat. Once you arrive, you can explore the waters within the old cone of a long-dormant volcano, and enjoy the pristine waters. The water can be deep under the boats, up to 100 feet in some places. It is so clear that some people experience a sensation of vertigo, similar to what you would feel when looking down from great heights, when they look towards the ocean floor.
In addition to fish and turtles, you may also see monk seals, whale sharks, white-tip sharks, rays, and eels. The abundance of sea life in this underwater sanctuary makes Molokini a must-experience destination for your Maui snorkeling adventures.
If you have never snorkeled before, Maui is the perfect place to try it for the first time. For those who are old pros, Maui snorkeling never gets old. It just gets better every time.
Maui Web Design and Creative Media Solutions.

To Purge Or Not to Purge - Know Your Snorkeling Options


Snorkeling is a popular recreational sport and the number of enthusiasts are not about to go down anytime soon. Now frequently pursued by regular beach bums and serious scuba divers alike, many snorkeling hobbyists have been enticed to the purchase of snorkels rather than settle for the sustained rental of this device that is also identified as a component of a scuba gear package. While the purchase of snorkels can be viewed appropriate for experienced, frequent snorkelers; it would also come about as good advice to persuade first time snorkelers to think about getting a snorkel - as one could easily get hooked to this recreation. For those not adept with pertinent snorkel features or as to which type to secure for a rendezvous at the beach, this article is for you to read and digest.
Non-Purge Snorkels. A non-purge snorkel is your average, everyday snorkel. The general design of this aquatic device comprises of a mouthpiece on one end of a tube and a blow hole on the opposite end. Water seeps into the tube occasionally and the only way to get rid of the water is by blowing air through the mouthpiece. Nonetheless, pertinent advances in technology has lead to the development of lightweight, flexible, sturdy and more stylish non-purge snorkels.
Non-purge snorkels come in all shapes and sizes - often priced cheaper than the purge models and easily available with most sporting goods retailers. Occasional snorkelers will find good use of non-purge snorkelers in view of its basic functionalities available at a low price range.
Purge Snorkels. With advanced technology and engineering come extensively functional snorkels. Purge snorkels are outfitted with purge valves that replace the blowing action required to clear water from non-purge snorkels. Purge snorkels are equipped with functionalities that allow as little water possible to penetrate the tube and be further classified as either semi-dry or dry purge snorkels.
Semi-dry snorkels are designed with caps that deflect water and prevent it from entering the snorkel. These snorkels need to be purged once in a while, though not as frequently as compared to a non-purge type; making the purge valve a welcome addition to the unit.
Dry snorkels, on the other hand, are equipped with caps that automatically close when submerged in water and open when exposed to air. With its purge valve, the dry snorkel is the most advanced piece of aquatic device a snorkeler could own. Purge snorkels are perfect for seasoned snorkelers and certified scuba divers on a break from the strenuous dives of the day.
Purge snorkels aren't a bad choice either for beginners who have some dough to spare. Though given the limited skills and experience of first-time snorkelers, beginners will find a good match in a non-purge snorkel such as the IST Flexible Non-Purge Snorkel. Imagine flexible, sturdy, stylish and affordable features all bundled in one snorkel. Why, you can even integrate your personality to this snorkel since it comes in 8 beautiful colors. Now if you desire a top of the line snorkel, the IST Dry Topped Purge Snorkel will suit your requirements to this end. With the IST Dry Topped Purge Snorkel [http://www.scubasuppliers.com/site/1408308/product/SN50], swallowing and choking on sea water while snorkeling is but a thing of the past.  
Felix Tero produces web content for Scuba Suppliers, Inc. Get the scuba equipment that's right for you at [http://www.scubasuppliers.com]

A Snorkel Is A Snorkel Right? Not Necessarily - Things To Consider When Purchasing A Snorkel


Will I be using the snorkel for snorkeling, scuba diving or both, that is the first thing you need to ask yourself. Believe it or not snorkels are designed with that question in mind. A snorkel designed for scuba diving may not be the best for snorkeling and snorkel designed for snorkeling may not be the best for scuba diving.
What makes a good snorkeling snorkel? For many folks a dry snorkel is very popular. That means that water doesn’t enter the snorkel. When diving under water or when a wave washes over you, water won’t enter the snorkel. No water in means I don’t have to get the water out to breathe. Be careful when selecting a dry snorkel that it is not overly big and bulky. An ideal snorkel should be low profile. Ok…what does that mean? Simply stated the snorkel should not be big and bulky. Bulky snorkels weigh enough and cause enough drag in the water that they can pull on the mask strap wear they are fastened and make your mask leak. Nobody likes a mask that leaks. All too often people get frustrated with their mask wondering why it is leaking when they know it fits correctly. Taking the snorkel off the mask solves mask leaking issues for many people. If this happens to you chances are your snorkel is big and bulky. The snorkel should have a good system for attaching it to the mask strap. The snorkel should be able to slide up and down and side to side on the mask strap. This will allow you to position the snorkel in your mouth comfortably without pulling on the mask strap.
Be careful when selecting a snorkel with all the bells and whistles. Having features such as a dry top, 2 purges, and a flex tube mouthpiece may provide certain benefits, however, typically make for heavy bulky snorkel. I don’t know of any snorkel that is designed with all these features and can still be considered low profile. You may still select a snorkel with all these features, just know what you are getting and the potential drawbacks.
What makes a good scuba diving snorkel and do I even need one for scuba diving? First off, the answer is yes, you should have one for scuba diving. I was on a trip two weeks ago in Cayman Brac and watched a diver struggle on the surface because he didn’t have a snorkel. The diver ran out of air and was still a long way from the dive boat. He had a back inflation style Buoyancy Compensator which floated him face down in the water. The waves were high and he was having trouble swimming to the boat. The dive boat crew saw that he was in trouble and had to go get him. If he would have had a snorkel he could have easily swam through the waves back to the boat. A snorkel will also help you preserve air in your tank while on the surface. This means more dive time under water…everyone likes that.
These sound like good reasons to scuba dive with a snorkel. So, why are so many people getting rid of their snorkels for scuba diving? The answer is that there snorkel may not be a good design for scuba diving. It is even more important that a snorkel be low profile for scuba diving. Because the snorkel is used much less while scuba diving it should be small and drop comfortably to the side of you face when not in use. I use a snorkel while scuba diving and for the most part don’t even realize it is there until I come to use it. My snorkel is not a dry snorkel nor does it have an accordion style mouth piece as these features add size and bulk. Simply stated, the snorkel I use for scuba diving is plain-jane with no bells or whistles.
Can I find a snorkel that works for both snorkeling and scuba diving? I think so. Even though I primarily scuba dive, I still love to go snorkeling. I use the same snorkel for both. Be sure to get the right scuba gear [http://www.scubasuppliers.com]. For Snorkels, determine what your needs are, analyze the features and benefits, how they apply to snorkeling and scuba diving, and make your choice.
Rick VanRaden has been diving for over 30 years. Rick is a life long, dive shop owner and certified instructor. Rick can help you select scuba gear [http://www.scubasuppliers.com] that is right for you! Learn at [http://www.scubasuppliers.com]

How to Snorkel - A Guide on Snorkeling Tips and Techniques


One of the main reasons why people choose to snorkel, is that it can be so relaxing. Just floating and being immersed within the underwater scenery is enough to escape the hurdles we encountered in every day life.
So what is the secret in how to snorkel the right way? Well it is very simple. The most important thing is to just relax. There is no need to hurry up. Learning on how to snorkel about without feeling breathless, fatigue or cramps is the key to maximizing the enjoyment of your snorkeling adventure.
If you are a beginner, it may be slightly unnerving to breath underwater through a tube but do not worry it will quickly become second nature just after a few tries. If you are still learning on how to snorkel, then it is advisable to test out using the snorkel in still shallow waters preferably in a pool or on a sandy beach.
Begin by laying flat on your stomach, just floating and placing your face in the water at about a 45 degree angle. Bite gently on the mouthpiece, allowing your lips to seal around it and hold the snorkel in place. A rule of thumb is that whenever you put the snorkel in your mouth, be sure to exhale before inhaling though the snorkel tube, in case there is any water in it.
Test the snorkel by taking regular slow breaths through the tube. Breath slowly, deeply and cautiously through your snorkel. No need to panic you can always lift your head above water if you want. Just relax and become aware of your breaths. The sound of your breathing through the snorkel barrel should become quite noticeable.
On learning how to snorkel, you will soon experience that keeping you head above the water can get very tiring. So what is the next step? Well the great thing about the snorkel is that while breathing,the snorkel will enable you to lie face down in the water while you are completely motionless at the surface. Your next task is to develop this basic snorkeling skill. This is a great way to start. The importance of this resting position is that it will assist you to conserve energy during your long snorkeling outings.
Snorkel Clearing technique
Before venturing out into open water, it is necessary to test your skills in how to use the snorkel. Place your head below the water so that your snorkel is immersed below the surface. You should feel that water is entering the snorkel barrel. At this point, it is important that you hold your breath. I know that holding your breath with an open mouth may seems unnatural but it is easy. Just keep this in mind never inhale when you feel that water has entered the snorkel.
The next step is to clear the water from the snorkel. This can only be performed once you have raised the snorkel above the surface of the water. For now, until you develop the necessary skill in how to snorkel, never exhale when your snorkel is underwater as once you run out of air, your instinct is to inhale, and what you get is water. So surface your head without lifting it out of the water and quickly exhale forcefully and sharply into the snorkel. This will blast up the water out of the snorkel barrel. This blast method of snorkel clearing will remove nearly all the water from your snorkel. Any small amount of water left can be removed by a second forceful blast.
You should also keep in mind that water can also enter the snorkel even if you do not immerse your head underwater. Sometimes either due to surf conditions or excessive splashing, some water may enter. So one thing to keep in mind is to breath cautiously. By repeating the blast method you should clear any water that enters into the snorkel.
Sometimes, although you may have some water left in the snorkel, if you inhale slowly and use airway control, you can breath the air past the water until you have enough air for another blast. This skill ability to breath past the little amount of water left in your snorkel, shows that you have mastered airway control and proper snorkel clearing technique.
That is it, all you have to do is practice the above mentioned snorkeling techniques and snorkel clearing will become automatic with experience.
Here are some pointers to keep into consideration when learning on how to snorkel:
  • Swim at a steady comfortable pace to conserve your energy
  • Streamline yourself as much as possible. Keep your arms at your side
  • Breathing cautiously through your snorkel, to avoid choking on water that may enter
Keep in mind that when you are still learning on how to snorkel, the more you test and use your snorkeling gear, the more experience you will gain. So be patient, the right snorkeling technique for breathing through the snorkel and using your fins will become second nature. The aim is to relax and have fun so that you blend with the marine environment.
After your snorkeling adventure is over, remember to take care of the equipment. So check out our snorkeling gear guides on information for how to maintain your snorkeling equipment after each and every snorkeling outing.
This article is an excerpt from a series of informative guides appearing on Scuba-Snorkeling-Adventures.com under the Tips and Techniques section of the site at http://Scuba-Snorkeling-Adventures.com/how-to-snorkel.html.
Topics covered include how to streamline yourself to reduce underwater drag thus conserving your energy and how to efficiently use your fins to maximize propulsion underwater.
Copyright (c) 2010 Scuba-Snorkeling-Adventures.com. All rights reserved.
Kris Mifsud- A keen enthusiast, with a life long passion for all types of water sports.
Editor and publisher of http://Scuba-Snorkeling-Adventures.com - a comprehensive Scuba and Snorkeling guide to techniques, equipment and reviews.
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