What Equipment Do I Need To Go Snorkeling

Forget aquatic zoos, there’s no better way to be one with the underwater world and discover the amazing things down there than to dive in and swim among the fishes. That experience is something that cannot be replicated any other way no matter how many underwater TV specials you might have seen on Nat Geo.

While most people do not go beyond a swim in the ocean, the real exploration happens when you go under the surface. Activities like scuba diving and snorkeling allow you to explore what’s beneath. While scuba diving is the preferred choice for most people, considering how commercial it has become, snorkeling is a much better option for those who want the real deal.

While scuba diving does allow you longer access to the underwater wonders, it’s snorkeling that really allows you to be one with the world. Not to mention the fact that unlike scuba diving, you do not need to carry an oxygen cylinder on your back and need to rely only on your breathing abilities.

Snorkeling is nothing but jumping into the ocean while relying on a snorkel to breathe in and out. This allows you to keep your head under water for longer periods of time then you otherwise would and once you get better at it, you can move to better things like freediving.

What do I need to start snorkeling?

The first thing that you need to know, not just for snorkeling but for any watersports is knowing how to swim. If you don’t know how to swim or are not a good swimmer, then it’s a good idea to take some formal swimming lessons first. Once you are comfortable with your swimming abilities, you should be able to focus on snorkeling completely.

Besides the ability to swim, you need a little bit of equipment as well to make snorkeling easy. First of all, you need a snorkel to breathe through. A snorkel has outlets on both the ends, one of which you put in your mouth while the other one stays above the water. While you suck in the air underwater, it enters from the opening that is above the water allowing you to breathe even if you are facedown underwater.

Many people prefer getting a dry snorkel or a snorkel with a splash guard as it allows the snorkel to remain dry. The last thing you want when you are underwater is a torrent of water coming through the snorkel when you breathe in. That experience is far from comfortable. A dry snorkel comes equipped with valves that shut as soon as it comes in contact with water. It has a purge valve at the bottom as well that allows you to easily blow out the water.

The second thing you need is a mask. A mask allows you to see clearly underwater. After all what is the point of diving in among the beautiful sea creatures if you can see them in all their glory. Masks come in many different types and the one you choose depends on your style and how comfortably it fits your face. Comfort is of paramount importance and make sure you try out different masks before you choose one. The snorkel is attached to the side of the mask to make things easier.

Thirdly, you need a wetsuit, as you want to make sure that you are warm enough when you are underwater. Water temperatures differ greatly from air temperature and a wetsuit protects you from cold waters. A wetsuit also allows you to swim easily as it greatly reduces drag that you would have to deal with, were you swimming in a bathing suit.

Fourthly, to make swimming easier you can buy a pair of fins. Fins really make you swim like a fish, especially underwater and also save you a lot of energy while swimming. If you are a beginner then go for longer fins as they make swimming a whole lot easier. Ensure that the fins are not too loose and not too tight but fit just comfortably. Kick out your leg to see if they fit snugly without moving too much. If you intend to swim in colder climates then you can choose to buy booties or gloves, however they are not a necessity.

If you are completely new to snorkeling then you might want to go ahead and put on a snorkeling vest as well in order to get some extra protection. Once you have all this equipment and your swimming skills in order, all you need to do is pick a reef that has plenty of sea life for you to see and dive in.