Basic Types of Snorkels

There are basically four different types of snorkels that are popular among divers. The following are the types most commonly used:

1. Those with straight tubes. They are the most inexpensive of all of the types.
2. Snorkels that are tubes with purge valves on the bottom
3. The kind that contain a flexible sections close to the mouthpiece. If the tube is not in use, it will drop away and that is a great feature for scuba divers.
4. The best types are the kind that have a tuba and mouthpiece that are simple to replace.

Choosing A Good Snorkel For Scuba Diving

When choosing a scuba snorkel just make sure it has only the features that you need for a successful diving venture. It should be comfortable and it should drop to the side of your face when not in use. In fact, you should not even be aware of it until you need it. You cannot go wrong with a scuba snorkel that is simple and lightweight with few "extras" included.

Ensure the Snorkel Will Fit

You will want to make sure that your snorkel gear is an appropriate fit before your dive, and your snorkel mask is certainly no exception to the rule. The tube should fit under the strap of your mask and should extend above the surface of water. It is designed so that you will breathe in air through your mouth comfortably and without any restrictions.

Before you even try to see if the mask fits, practice breathing through your mouth while holding your nose. This will help you focus on what it will feel like once you are underwater. After you have tried this method a few times, test the snorkel in your bathtub. Make sure the tip of the snorkel does not fall under the water when you are breathing in air.

How To Clear Your Snorkel

It is inevitable that water will enter your snorkel at some point either through splashing or being immersed under water. It is important to practice this scenario in a safe environment before you dive. Clearing out your snorkel while diving is not complicated but you need to hone your skills to the point that they become second nature to you.

First, fill your snorkel by taking a deep breath through it then submerge your head so deep that your snorkel becomes filled with water. While holding your breath, bring your head up to the surface and blow out the water. Do not inhale deeply until you are sure that all of the water is out. Start with a gradual, shallow inhalation. It may be necessary to expel more water out of the snorkel with a forceful blow.

Repeat this cycle until you become used to it. Once it becomes easy, you know you are ready for your dive

How To Test Your Snorkel

You will want to practice snorkeling in an area that you feel comfortable in, whether that be in your home or at a pool. This will help you feel more at ease once you are out on the boat and preparing to make that dive. Try snorkeling where you can walk with your head under water, stop, stand, and lean back to drain the water. You may get the water out one of two ways: remove tube from mouth then drain or wrap your lips over the snorkel mouthpiece and blow. In the beginning, it will be much easier to stand up to discharge the water. However, as you become more and more familiar with your snorkeling equipment, simply blowing the water out of the tube will become more comfortable for you.

Oceanic Snorkels

Oceanic snorkels are used by scuba divers. The following are reasons why these types of snorkels work:

1. They are very compact, light, and easily stored in your BC pocket when you are not using it.
2. The flapper valve will automatically seal upon descent underwater.
3. They contain drop away flexible mouthpieces that are comfortable even when not in use.
4. Most Oceanic snorkels have a 100% silicone mouthpiece that is easily replaceable.

Tips For Improving Snorkeling Skills

Fit- Hold your mask against your face without the strap and inhale through the mouth. It will not leak water if it stays firmly on your face while breathing.

Set Up- Angle the snorkel mouthpiece until the tip points backwards. This way it will be out of the water when you are face down.

Clean Lenses- You do not want your mask to fog up, so before going into the water, spit on the lenses and rinse before putting them on. This may sound gross but it is one of the best methods for clearing your mask of foggy build-up.

Breathe Using Only Your Mouth- Inhale and exhale very slowly using your mouth and not your nose. This will help you get used to being underwater.

Be Relaxed- You body functions much better when you are not nervous and stiff. It will also improve your ability to blend in with the sea life around you if you can remain calm at all times!

What Makes A Good Snorkel?

One of the most popular snorkels on the market is a dry snorkel. What this means is that water will not enter your snorkel if you are submerged in water or if a wave crashes over you. Because water cannot enter the snorkel, you never have to worry about expelling it in order to breathe.

With all the advantages of dry snorkels there are a few important things to remember when choosing one:

1. Do not get one that is heavy. A bulky dry snorkel will cause you to drag in the water therefore the likelihood of water entering your mask increases. That would negate the entire purpose of the dry snorkel!
2. The snorkel should attach firmly to the mask strap. It should be able to slide in all directions with ease so that your snorkel can be positioned comfortably in your mouth without tugging the strap.
3. Be careful of snorkels that have a lot of added features such as dry tops, purge valves, and flexible tube mouthpieces. While these do offer some advantages, they tend to add bulk to your snorkel causing more hassles than they are worth.