| A snorkel is
a flexible tube, generally made from plastic or stiff rubber,
which connects a snorkeler to the surface air. Snorkels are a
diver's lifeline, allowing them to breathe while their face is
in the water. The right snorkel should let you breathe easily
and comfortably for extended periods of time, without making you
short of breath or light-headed.
Snorkel designs
vary based on bore diameter and length, and should be chosen
based on a snorkeler’s needs and body type. Generally, the
larger you are the larger the diameter of your snorkel should
be, as it will allow more air to pass through.
|
|
If the
bore is too wide, however, it may make it more difficult to clear water
from the snorkel. Similarly, although longer snorkels allow a swimmer
to breath air at a deeper level, they also make it more difficult to
take in air and during long dives may cause buildup of stale air in the
tube. Most snorkels measure between 12 and 18 inches, but choose one
that feels comfortable for you.
Next note the construction of the snorkel’s mouthpiece. Because every
diver has a differently shaped mouth, you should choose a snorkel that
fits comfortably on you. A snorkel mouthpiece is composed of two parts,
a large oval lip flange, which fits just inside the diver’s lips, and
the bitepiece, which is gripped between the diver’s teeth. The
bitepiece should be held securely between the teeth but does not need to
be bitten down hard upon. The real seal is provided by the lips
covering the flange.
As
with dive masks, snorkels can occasionally become filled with excess
water, often from splashing waves on the surface. Drain valves are a
feature offered on some snorkels designed to let a snorkeler expel the
water more easily. Drain valves are one-way valves that let a diver
expel water from their tube while continuing to breathe. Even without
a drain valve on your snorkel, clearing excess water from the tube is a
very easy process. Simply breathe out sharply to force the water out the
top of the tube. Nevertheless, some manufacturers claim that snorkel
drain valves can make the process easier and more efficient by providing
an extra outlet for the water.
| Some
snorkels come with special tips designed to prevent water from
entering in the top. The most common design is a simple
ping-pong ball held in a tiny cage. Another design utilizes
diagonal plates at the end of the tube, which allow air in and
out and water to flow out, but which direct incoming water out
through the sides of the tube. Most divers find that such
devices are unnecessary and ineffective, but some appreciate not
having to worry about inhaling water from an unexpected wave.
Snorkel tips may also reduce airflow into the snorkel, making it
harder to draw in breath and increasing the buildup of stale air
in the tube. |
 |
| Above: A
"dry snorkel" |
|
Finally, many snorkels are being designed with additional features.
Some snorkels and masks have a clip system in place to make it easier to
attach and detach the snorkel from the mask. Other snorkels are
designed to be collapsible or to fold in half for easier storage and
transportation. These additional features are often not necessary for a
simple snorkel dive, but may be useful for other reasons.
Pricing: Basic snorkels can be found for $10-$15, while
high end snorkels will sell for $40 and up. For the average person, a
$20-$25 snorkel will be more than adequate.
