The First Time Snorkeling
The
most important thing for a first time snorkeler is to get comfortable
wearing the mask and breathing through the snorkel. Some people get
anxious and have difficulty breathing through a snorkel while wearing a
mask, so it is important to test things out in shallow water first. Many
first timers have jumped into the water on a snorkeling charter only to
realize they aren't comfortable wearing a mask and breathing through a
tube - this often takes a few minutes to get used to. While
standing in shallow water, practice putting your face below the surface
and looking through the mask. You can breathe through the snorkel while
looking around at the aquatic life. In shallow waters this can be a
fantastic way to see many things without expending the energy of
swimming.
Snorkeling in shallow water is also a good time to learn to use the
equipment effectively. Although relatively simple, beginning snorkelers
should know their way around their mask and snorkel, including how to
clear both of water. This is an essential skill, as open waves or
splashes can send water into the open end of a snorkel, and masks can
develop tiny leaks during a dive. Having a mask or snorkel fill with
water can be a scary experience the first time, so snorkelers should be
comfortable with the process of clearing their equipment.
Clearing a snorkel is an easy process. If you find your snorkel
tube clogged with water simply exhale with a strong force through your
mouth, which should send the water up and out the end of the snorkel.
Some snorkels come with built-in drainage valves, allowing the water to
be pushed out a one-way valve. This makes it easier to push the water
out if a small amount of water makes it way into the tube.
Clearing a mask is similar to clearing a snorkel, but can seem more
difficult because of the reduced visibility. To clear out a mask,
simply lift your head out of the water and pull forward on the front of
the mask. This will open up a gap in the bottom of the mask, allowing
the water to drain out. Some masks come with built-in purge valve,
which serves the same role as the drain valve on a snorkel. By
including a one-way valve which lets water out but does not let water
in, snorkelers can clear a mask of water by simply blowing air out their
nose while the mask is on. The water will be pushed out the valve,
clearing the mask. Even masks without a built-in purge valve can be
cleared while underwater. Simply press the top of the mask to the
forehead and blow out the nose. Air will bubble into the mask, pushing
the water out the bottom.
The next step in
learning the basics of snorkeling is to practice while in open water,
when you cannot touch the bottom. To do this you will need to be
comfortable with using your
snorkeling fins to stay afloat upright as well as to
move around while floating face down in the water. As you swim along the
surface, practice breathing evenly through your snorkel. The most
common underwater kick is the basic flutter stroke. When used properly,
this kick can be a very fast and efficient method of transportation in
the water. As you kick, use a slow, comfortable pace and remember to
keep your fins submerged in the water. You should find that a pace of
about twenty kicks per minute will give you a good cruising speed
through the water without too much fatigue. Breaking the water surface
with your fins uses more energy and decreases the efficiency of your
kicks. Keep your arms at your sides while swimming to reduce drag.
Another common kick is the dolphin kick, in which both legs sweep up and
down together. This kick can be more difficult to master but is a very
efficient means of underwater propulsion when learned properly.
If
you fee a bit more adventurous, you can practice going deeper underwater
by diving below the surface. The two basic types of dives are the
feet-first dive and the head-first dive. The feet-first dive is the
simplest. While vertical in the water, raise your chest and arms above
the surface of the water by kicking with your legs. As the weight of
your body begins to pull you back down into the water, raise your arms
above your head, sweeping them upward to push yourself lower. Because
it is harder to sink underwater when your lungs are full of air, exhale
a small amount of breath as you begin to descend. Next, pull your knees
to your chest and lower your head, which will rotate your body to a
horizontal position and allow you to swim underwater.
The
other type of dive is the head-first dive, which can be started directly
from a horizontal position while snorkeling. To be most effective, this
type of dive should begin with a good amount of forward momentum. As
you kick forward, bend at the hips and pull your knees and arms in
towards your chest. Thrust your legs straight up and maintain a
streamlined position to glide down into the water. Continue to kick
with your feet to move down deeper, and simply arch your back to level
off and or continue up to the surface.
To
increase amount of time you can spend underwater, try taking several
long, deep breaths before diving, to clear the carbon dioxide from your
lungs. Exhale about halfway before submerging and hold the breath as
you dive. When you begin to ascend, slowly let the air our of your
lungs as you rise toward the surface, keeping enough breath to clear out
the snorkel with a final blast of air as your head breaks the surface.
Taking Care of Your Equipment
You
can prolong the life of your
snorkeling equipment and keep it in top shape by
regularly soaking them in fresh water. Salt crystals can condense on
equipment that has not been properly rinsed or soaked. These can dry
and harden, causing scratches or holes in equipment and weakening
straps. Check your equipment after each use for bits of sand or salt
and rinsing all equipment thoroughly.To avoid breathing in water while
you are using your snorkel, get into the practice of breathing in slowly
and evenly, so that residual water in the snorkel does not enter your
mouth. Exhale sharply and with force to rid the snorkel tube of water.
If Your Mask Fogs
Sometimes the inside surface of a
snorkeling mask will begin to fog. This happens when moisture in your breath
condenses on the cold glass surface of the mask. To avoid this,
regularly clean both the inside and outside of your mask with soap and
water to remove all dirt and grease. If your mask begins to fog during
a dive you can clear it by allowing a little water to flow into the
mask. Then look downward to wash the condensation from the lens and
clear the water out of the mask.
If You Get Tired
If your legs become tired or if you
develop a cramp while snorkeling try flipping over onto your back. This
will let you tread water easily while remaining afloat on the surface of
the water. The inverted leg motions will be much easier than the basic
kick and will let your muscles rest and recuperate energy. Your body
position should be semi-sitting, with the head above water.
