Snorkeling Equipment for Kids

Snorkeling is one of the best ways to experience the water and the amazing animals and scenery beneath it. It does not require a lot of equipment and can be done at almost any beach or lake. Children's equipment is similar to adult equipment, but there are important differences that should be considered when buying snorkeling pieces for kids.

  1. Identification

    • Snorkeling does not require much swimming because your body is naturally buoyant. That makes it an ideal and safe activity for children who are comfortable in the water.

    Mask

    • The mask is an important piece of equipment. It can make or break a snorkeling experience. The mask should fit the child's face tightly and maintain a good seal. To test a mask, press it against your child's face and make sure it stays on unaided. The comfort of the mask should be the determining factor in buying one.

    Snorkel

    • A snorkel has two parts: the barrel and the mouthpiece. A child's snorkel is made differently than an adult's, because a child doesn't need the same volume of air. A child's snorkel has a smaller bored barrel. The best models have a purge valve to clear water from the barrel, a curved barrel to reduce wobble and a flexible mouthpiece. A comfortable snorkel with all these features is the best choice.

    Fins

    • Fins can be full-foot or strapped on and are designed to accommodate booties and barefoot snorkelers. Fins come with long blades, short blades, wide blades, narrow blades, blades with vents, solid blades, straight blades, blades that are ergonomically pre-bent, blades that are split, stiff blades and flexible blades. There are blades with deep side rails, medium side rails, short side rails and even no side rails. The fin the child is most comfortable with is the best for him.

    Considerations

    • Children's equipment doesn't need to be the most advanced; it needs to be what is most comfortable for the child. There is no quicker way to ruin a child's experience in the water than to use equipment that isn't comfortable or doesn't fit correctly. Taking the time to choose the right equipment saves a lot of problems later on.