Snorkeling

Snorkeling is a form of recreational diving that allows swimmers to explore the surface of oceans or lakes and dive to shallow depths. Basic equipment used in snorkeling are; the dive mask, fins and a snorkel. The dive mask that allows clear vision of the underwater environment without damage to the eyes. Fins allow a swimmer propel themselves through the water efficiently and with minimal disturbance to the environment. The snorkel is designed to allow you to submerge your face and head at the surface of the water and still breath. Additional snorkeling equipment includes snorkel vests for floatation and protective wet suits for cold water diving conditions.

Basic snorkeling can be enjoyed almost anywhere in the world and by almost anyone. Some advanced techniques of snorkeling involve pike diving and blast clearing through the snorkel, so is advisable to take an introductory course which includes how to perform specific techniques correctly, how to communicate with other divers with hand signals and other basic dive safety rules. Http://.www.NAUI.orghttp://www.PADI.com Many vacation destinations feature snorkeling classes, charters and tours.http://www.snorkeling.info/snorkeling-locations/index.html

The mask is the window to the underwater world. In order to prevent leaks, which is the number one complaint, the mask must to fit properly. Masks must be tried on and fitted instead of purchased off the rack to avoid uncomfortable experiences. The mask is made of the lens, a strap, a frame, and the skirt or combination skirt frame. When you fit the mask, it should fit snug. Place the strap out of the way and then place the mask on your face and inhale. It should stick, making a suction. This suction keeps the water out. If the mask is too small or large it will fill with water.http://www.snorkeling.info/snorkeling-equipment/snorkeling-masks/index.html

Snorkeling fins are designed either with full heals or adjustable backs. If a diver is considering purchasing them, investing in a good pair of fins is an important investment. Look for ones with a solid foot pocket and adjustable open heel to allow adjustment of the fin and make them snug. Adjustable styles also allow for easier removal when getting in and out of the water. A proper fin foot area should be the same as your shoe size and fit slightly snug when wearing a sock of any type or a beach shoe. The blade typically for best control and power should be your shin length.http://www.snorkeling.info/snorkeling-equipment/snorkel-fins/index.html

Snorkels are come in tall or short lengths. The longest is 18 inches to allow for deeper submerision. There are three basic types, open, semidry and total dry or submersible. The total dry styles are fast becoming the favorite, since no water seeps in at all, so there is no need for blast clearing. A new type that is also on the market was designed by a doctor for people with breathing problems and it prevents residual carbon monoxide inhalation. Which can lead to developing Nitrogen Narcosis or DCS also known as decompression sickness.http://www.snorkeling.info/snorkeling-equipment/snorkels/index.html

Snorkeling can be enjoyed with basic equipment. Some divers opt to purchase additional equipment. Extra equipment ranges from dive computers, dive watches, compasses, dive vests, weight belts, wet suits, and cold water gear.

For snorkeling there are a few pieces of specialized equipment that can extend time in the water. First there is the wet suit, dive skin or spring suit. These are very important and can protect divers from the environment, as well as protecting the environment from the diver. Full cover wetsuits with gloves, boots can protect you from fire coral, lion fish stings, jelly fish stings, jagged rocks, sea lice, insects and fish that may bite. Wetsuits also have the benfit of protecting skin from sunburn and can help keep a swimmer afloat. Consider other coverage if a wetsuit is undesirable, as a sunburn can be both damaging to your skin and keep you from enjoying the water. Sunscreen damages the environment and washes off too easily.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2291012/

A BC (or Buoyancy Device) for snorkelers is called a Snorkel Vest. It is another important piece of safety equipment that avid snorkelers invest in. The vest usually has a CO2 detonation cylinder in case of a problem. A pull string inflates the vest automatically and helps to keep you afloat when in trouble. Alternatively, breath filling or power inflater mechanism can fill the vest when divers get tired so you can float along

By international and Coast Guard laws every recreational diver (which is both SCUBA and Snorkeler) has to have a dive flag. The two flags are different. The traditional Dive Flag is a solid red rectabgle with an angled white stripe going from corner down to the opposite corner. The International Dive flag is Light Blue with white and is notched in the in middle. Both have to be flown together, one on top of the other when you are in water where there are boats and the Coast guard or water officers patrol.

For additional safety a dive watch that features a compass and depth gauge is optimal. If you plan on continued or frequent pike diving, long term submersion for breath hold work a watch is a very important investment. The watches feature an alarm that sounds if too much nitrogen is in the blood stream and a timer that sounds when it is time to surface.

Basic and specialized techniques that can be learned as divers wish to advance in skill include; blast clearing, defogging, pike diving, no touch, hand signals, compass and kick navigation, dive tables (those who snorkel can develop Nitrogen Narcosis or DCS).http://www.tosnorkel.com/snorkel-guide/advanced-snorkeling-techniques.html

Since snorkeling is fast becoming as popular as SCUBA, snorkelers need to familiarize themselves with the same basic information as a SCUBA diver and special techniques that pertain only to snorkelers.http://www.tosnorkel.com/snorkel-guide/advanced-snorkeling-techniques.html

The Blast Clear is an important part of snorkeling. This is the forceful blow of air through the mouthpiece to clear water from the tube. Many come up too soon while there is still water in the tube and inhale the water, potentially choking. To properly blast clear, a diver must take a last breath before diving under and hold it until surfacing surface then blow out hard through the mouthpiece. Many times a diver may never need it if they just skim the surface. But even then semi dry and open tubes do get water in them. Once a diver feels a trickle of water into their mouth, it's time to blast it clear.

Masks that leak or don’t seal properly can be a nagging problem. If out on a dive boat, divers can see if they can swap masks for a better fit. Another problem is fog. Condensation can build up and become disorienting and ruin a good dive. There are some methods that can help to eliminate fog. Spitting in the mask is one. Spit into the mask and rub the spittle around the lens then rinse the excess out. Baby Shampoo is another rinse that works well, is best for eye safety and it is non toxic to the environment. Dribble some onto the lens and skirt. Work it around then rinse. This method can keep your mask clear for a few hours.http://scuba.about.com/od/equipment/p/FoggyMaskPrevention.htm Drops or stick products that are available now work well too. Apply as directed by the package and your good to go.

The following tips will help any diver enjoy snorkeling in safety:http://www.snorkeling.info/snorkeling-safety/index.html

1. Learn to swim
2. Get a mask, fins and snorkel that fit your head comfortably
3. Don't touch plants, animals, or coral
4. Be aware of how far you are from shore
5. Don't snorkel alone
6. If you get a bit of water in the snorkel tube, blow out hard through your mouth to expel it through the top of the tube
7. Wear protective clothing and sunscreen to avoid sunburn, even on cloudy days
8. Wetsuits should be worn to protect yourself in cold water and from cuts or stings
9. Learn about the ecosystem of the region you will be snorkeling in before you go so you can identify to the fish, animals and plants
10. Snorkeling is best to do in clear waters