Snorkeling, called snorkeling in our country, is a type of diving with a special mask and tube that allows you to breathe underwater and lets you freely admire the beauty of the underwater world. It’s actually swimming on the surface of the water, but with your face submerged in the water.
Snorkeling is a lot of fun and a good introduction to start your diving adventure. However, it is important to prepare well for it.
What do you need to keep in mind when snorkeling to make snorkeling safe?
When snorkeling, it’s a good idea to keep in mind a few safety rules:
- Practicing snorkeling on the surface of the water in the sun carries the risk of sunburn. So it’s a good idea to wear a short wetsuit or a UV-filtered T-shirt to protect you from this,
- When snorkeling, the correct way to breathe is very important. This should be done freely and naturally, while it is not allowed to not gasp for air, hold air on the inhale or breathe too fast. This would lead to the buildup of excess carbon dioxide in the blood and lower oxygen levels, resulting in unconsciousness,
- Snorkeling is an activity that is best done in pairs – the safest way to dive is with an instructor or experienced partner,
- Before the start of the season, it is a good idea to perform medical tests: ECG, blood count, blood pressure, chest X-ray. Swimming with a submerged face carries risks associated with physical exertion and, after all, an alien environment such as water. Good health is important to be able to cope with more difficult conditions and not lose consciousness due to hyperventilation or cramping.
Snorkeling equipment (ABC diving kit) – mask, snorkel, fins
For snorkeling you need an ABC kit, which includes fins, a mask and a snorkel, also called a snorkel. The term ABC indicates completely basic equipment, without which it would be impossible to practice any form of diving.
The snorkeling mask should be made of polycarbonate. When put on, the mask should cover the eyes and nose and fit snugly on the face, should suck in so that it does not fall off the face while snorkeling, and should keep the water out.
The tube, or snorkel, is an essential element for snorkeling, as it allows you to breathe freely underwater with your mouth. The tube you have in your mouth while snorkeling should extend above the water for about 5-8 centimeters.
Another piece of snorkeling kit are fins. They should be well matched to the size and shape of the feet. This can be easily tested by putting the fin on a bare foot and trying to drop it with a forward leg kick.
Flippers that are too loose will slip, and may also rub the foot, creating painful sores. On the other hand, fins that are too tight are difficult to put on the feet. For beginners, shorter fins would be a better choice, as they put less strain on leg muscles and provide more maneuverability when swimming.
How important is the right snorkel tube?
The right snorkel tube is one that can be easily drained if water gets into it. Snorkeling tubes are often equipped with valves to help remove water from the tube.
In the absence of these valves, after flooding the pipe with water, the face must be raised and the water poured out of the pipe, taking it out of the mouth or blow hard into it and thus get rid of the water.
There are also models of tubing equipped with valves at the top to prevent it from flooding when the upper end is submerged. For those with little experience or a child, such equipment will be safer.
Systems in which the snorkel is integrated into a mask that also covers the mouth are also optimal. This will allow people who have some fear of water to dive freely.
How to choose the right mask for snorkeling?
The mask allows you to see well underwater and enjoy the sport. The layer of air between the eyes and the glass of the mask makes visibility better. Despite being submerged in the water, you can see fish, rock formations, reefs or other snorkelers sharply and clearly.
Above all, the mask should be tight. When buying, it is worth noting whether the glass of the mask is safe in case of breakage, and if it is made of plastic, it is protected from evaporation by a durable coating.
There are two types of masks to choose from:
- Full-face with a top-mounted tube that allows you to breathe freely through your nose and mouth,
- for the eyes and nose without a tube attached, which must be purchased separately.
Why go snorkeling?
Snorkeling, or scuba diving, is one of the most accessible and safe types of underwater diving, which can also be enjoyed by children. This can be a good introduction to further development and learning to dive with a cylinder at greater depths.
It is also not an expensive sport, as you will spend up to 200 – 300 zlotys to buy ABC equipment and this is a one-time cost. Snorkeling also offers many fitness benefits, as it requires whole-body coordination and, despite diving in shallow water, helps strengthen muscles and joints.
This is an ideal sport for people who feel apprehensive about diving several tens of meters, but want to admire the underwater world from the surface of the water.
Snorkeling for beginners – where to start snorkeling?
It’s a good idea to start your snorkeling adventure by acquiring basic diving equipment, namely a mask, snorkel and fins, especially if you intend to snorkel more than once.
Snorkeling can be tried in both open and enclosed bodies of water. If you’re going on vacation, you might want to try an instructor-led snorkeling class at the Deepsot pool?
If you rarely have to deal with water sports and swimming gear, it’s a good idea to practice putting on your mask and fins or submerging in the water beforehand so you’ll feel more confident later.
In snorkeling gear, you can go to the neighborhood pool and swim in it to get used to it and improve your fitness.
What advantages does Scuba Diving have over snorkeling?
Scuba Diving, or scuba diving with a cylinder, is for people who want to practice scuba diving and obtain permits and certifications that allow them to dive independently at certain depths.
Scuba Diving courses at Deepspot are taught by professional instructors and end with a certificate confirming completion of the course and entitling the student to dive independently and even teach courses.
At Deepspot you can try your hand at Scuba Diving, diving into the deepest pool in Europe! It’s an amazing experience!
You might also be interested in Freediving diving?
Freediving, or breath-hold diving, is a form of diving in which the diver does not use an aqualung while submerged, but has only ABC equipment, a mask or goggles, special fins, a foam or swim skin and ballast.
It is a sport suitable for those who wish to find deep relaxation and tranquility. Although the very moment of immersion on held breath lasts up to a few tens of seconds, during this time a number of processes good for health take place in the body.
Freediving diving courses at Deepspot are offered both to people who are new to the sport and would like to see if it’s something for them, as well as to those who already have freediving qualifications and want to improve them further.
The classes are held under the supervision of an experienced instructor, so they are completely safe. A scuba diving course at Deepspot is a great gift idea for yourself or a loved one and an opportunity to try something new.
