4 Tips to Consider When Buying Snorkeling Equipment
Pat Green Sep 21, 2021
The beauty of being human is in our curiosity. After years of walking the earth, we have sent professionals on expeditions onto the moon and deep into the water. As humans, we have the option of choosing to follow our creativity and curiosity to the depths of where they lead us.
This is why snorkeling, a diving sport, is becoming such a popular sport. Alongside recreational diving, it brings around $11 billion to the annual GDP of the United States.
Diving into water is a fascinating experience. You get to come face to face with some of the world’s most bizarre and intricate species- corals- different fish and crustaceans. However, humans can’t function underwater as they do on land, and this makes it vital for you to choose the right snorkeling equipment for you or your loved ones.
This is what you need to keep in mind when purchasing snorkeling gear:
1. Getting Yourself the Best Snorkel Mask
The most crucial piece of your snorkeling gear is your snorkel mask, and you should take great care when buying it. Don’t opt for cheap gear or be too concerned with how the mask looks. If you plan to do both scuba diving and snorkeling, keep in mind that not all masks will work for scuba diving; only tempered glass masks can be used.
When purchasing snorkeling equipment, most beginners usually prefer using full-face snorkel masks. This is because they allow you to use your nose to breathe instead of forcing you to use your mouth. The snorkel is integrated into the mask, thus reducing the chances of getting jaw pain. They also don’t fog easily, hence won’t cloud your vision. Pun intended.
Full-face snorkel masks are quite bulky, thus aren’t recommendable to people who want to travel light.
When finding the best face mask for yourself, ensure to try the masks out at the store to make sure you buy a pair that fits right. You don’t want to buy a leaking mask, as these could be very frustrating.
The price of snorkeling equipment is often tied to its quality. The silicone of high-quality masks is flexible and durable, thus won’t age quickly. Ensure to keep your mask out of the sun and to rinse it with fresh water to make it lasts longer.
2. Buying the Best Snorkel
The snorkel is an integral part of your snorkeling equipment. Dry or semi-dry snorkels are advisable, even though they may be more expensive. These snorkels have valves at the top that prevent water from flowing in, for example, if a wave comes above your head.
When buying a snorkel, make sure to consider the mouthpiece. A mouthpiece that is too big will feel uncomfortable, while one that is too small will cause you jaw pain as you will have to bite hard on it to keep it in your mouth.
3. Choosing a Snorkel Mask Strap Cover
When buying snorkeling equipment, you should also buy a snorkel mask strap cover. This will prevent your hair from pulling and tangling. Slipping it onto the back of your head will immediately make your life easier.
4. Finding the Best Snorkeling Fins
Snorkeling fins are recommended in many areas for safety reasons. They give you more power, which will prove helpful when you’re swimming in a current or when you’re going to be swimming for a long time.
When choosing snorkeling equipment, comfort is vital. The same goes for fins. Lousy fins or those that aren’t your size can give you painful blisters just minutes into swimming, and this will make your snorkeling experience very unpleasant.
There are different types of fins: closed foot and open foot fins, split or paddle fins, and long or short fins. Closed foot fins are very efficient since they are lighter, thus requiring less effort to kick. Open foot fins, on the other hand, are adjustable, therefore, offer a better fit.
The quality and condition of your snorkeling equipment will dictate whether you enjoy your snorkeling experience or not. This is why you should make sure the gear you buy is the best you could find!
