Snorkeling is an adventurous, fun underwater activity that lets you explore the wonders of the ocean and become one with nature. It is something adventurers wish to undertake to peek into the underwater world. Unlike scuba diving, anyone can try snorkeling with minimal training and the right equipment.
Growth, the first-time snorkeling experience can either be a once-in-a-lifetime experience or miserable and dangerous depending upon your preparations. While snorkeling is an easy and enjoyable sport, without some basic skills, good snorkeling equipment, and knowledge about the conditions and dangers of the ocean, you will end up in a potentially dangerous and scary experience on first-time snorkeling.
Some common reasons why many first-time snorkelers don’t experience fun include:
- Anxiety
- Leaking or fogging masks
- Uncomfortable snorkeling fins
- Water flooding snorkel tubes
- Injury
- Blandness
Fortunately, you can avoid the common mistakes during first-time snorkeling with the essential snorkeling tips below.
Get the Right Snorkeling Equipment
Having snorkeling gear that doesn’t fit or is damaged can cause several issues while snorkeling. So, choosing the right snorkeling equipment that fits is significant. No matter if you are renting or buying snorkeling gearit’s wise to try it on and check its condition before taking the activity.
If you are a regular snorkeler or a beginner planning to do a lot of snorkeling during trips, consider investing in your own snorkeling gear. This way, you will have the liberty to choose the equipment that best fits you and always know the condition of the snorkeling gear.
Wear the Right Snorkeling Mask
Learn how to fit a mask to prevent fogging. Masks come in various shapes and sizes and are adjustable. A simple way to check if the mask fits you is to lift it against your face without the strap, suckle gently through the nose, and then let go of the mask. If it makes a good seal, it will stick to your face appropriately.
A befitting mask will get sealed with a gentle touch. Then you can wear the snorkeling mask with the strap behind your head and check if you feel comfortable.
Get Best Snorkeling Fins that Fit
Buy or rent snorkel fins that don’t hurt and are appropriate to wear. Not being able to use the fins when you most need them would be devastating. Snorkeling fins are essential for safety, and they help you swim efficiency and save energy. The fins, therefore, should fit snugly without hurting your feet.
Snorkeling fins that are too loose may cause painful blisters or even make you fall off in the water. Choose the fin size based on your shoe size and try them before buying or renting. Do the shake test to make sure your feet don’t hurt.
If the fins are too tight, they may hinder your movement, making your snorkeling experience miserable. So, make sure you pick the fins that best fit you.
Learn Basic Snorkel Skills
Breathing underwater through a snorkel can be challenging. So, it’s recommended you wear the snorkeling gear and practice in a pool or shallow beach to get used to the gear. Besides, practicing how to clear water out of the snorkel and mask will help you more.
Learning these essential skills and feeling comfortable with the gear will help you manage when your snorkel or mask gets flooded underwater. Make sure you get a dry snorkel or a snorkel with a splash guard to blow the water out of the tube.
Another important skill to learn is how to get water out of the mask. Indeed, you can always surface to get water out; However, when you don’t want to risk losing sight when you spot something amazing, you’ll need to learn how to clear and defog your mask underwater quickly. Avoid exhaling through your nose and continuously to avoid a fogged-up mask.
Choose a Good Snorkeling Spot
Always do your research before you take up snorkeling as a beginner in a specific location. Ideally, places with calm water, less-crowded, and lots of marine life are best for snorkeling.
Don’t attempt to snorkel in a location that has strong waves or ocean currents as they drain your energy while swimming and make your use of snorkeling gear difficult. Besides, strong waves reduce underwater visibility and make your snorkeling experience scary or miserable. So, carefully choose the spot and enjoy snorkeling in calm waters.
It would also be better to take snorkeling from the beach instead of jumping out of the boat. By doing so, you can gradually swim towards a deeper area when you are comfortable.
Finally, yet importantly, pick a place that has lots of fish and corals to see. The location without these will make your first-time snorkeling experience less enjoyable and boring.
Stay Relaxed & Calm
The key to successful and fun snorkeling is to stay calm and relaxed. Swim slowly, take deep breaths to stay relaxed and calm will avoid you getting exhausted quickly while snorkeling. It will take your snorkeling experience to the next level feeling refreshed and enjoyable.
Keep your swimming and activity level at a pace that doesn’t require heavy breathing. The snorkeling fins will make it much easier and swim rapidly only if necessary for safety.
Understanding the ocean conditions and swimming in the place of movement will keep you safe.
If you are a beginner and swimming makes you anxious, use a snorkeling vest that makes you comfortable and safe underwater.
Do No Harm to the Ecosystem
Ocean ecosystems are unique and beautiful in that they make our snorkeling experience wonderful. While the ecosystem is already stressed due to a number of factors like pollution, climate change, overfishing, and increased acidity, make sure you don’t disturb them further. As visitors to the ocean environment, respect it and ensure your presence should cause no damage to it.
A few simple rules to follow to be an eco-friendly snorkeler.
Do not touch the corals: They are sometimes mistaken for rocks due to their hard surfaces. But they are fragile living organisms, and touching or kicking a coral with fins may cause severe damage, disrupting the ecosystem.
Do not harass sea lives: Avoid touching, chasing, or disturbing sea organisms that may cause stress or anxiety to the animals. It’s also illegal in some places to interact with certain sea creatures.
Do not feed: Feeding turtles or fish can result in messing up the natural ecosystem and influence their behaviour.
Avoid using harmful sunscreen: Use a biodegradable, reef-safe sunscreen that doesn’t cause any reef damage and harm sea life.
Do not take anything from the ocean: Ocean ecosystems are sensitive, and even a small change can compound the environment. So, don’t pick up shells, sea urchins, starfish, or coral fragments with you even if they appear dead. Trash and debris should only be things you pick up from the ocean.
So, we hope that these snorkeling tips will help you become more confident if you’re snorkeling the first time.
Some of the important snorkeling equipment you’ll need besides the essential gear includes goggles, wet suits, boots, floatation devices, rash guards, and anti-fog sprays.
If you are looking to get the best snorkeling equipment, check out Divers Supply for high-quality snorkeling gear at the best prices.