What Is a Semi-Dry Snorkel?

When you have access to an ocean, river or lake, you can go snorkeling to explore the world beneath the water. You need snorkeling equipment including a mask and snorkel. A snorkel is a flexible plastic or rubber curved tube that allows you to receive air from the surface. You can breathe while your face submerges in the water. There are several types of snorkels. However, if you want a snorkel that helps prevent water from entering at the end that sticks out of the water at the surface, you may opt for a semi-dry snorkel.

  1. Semi-Dry Snorkel

    • A semi-dry snorkel usually has a deflector unit that guards against water entering the snorkel from the top. The deflector redirects much of the water from the opening of the snorkel, making it difficult for water to come inside the tube. Semi-dry snorkels still have the ability to fill with water when they go below the waterline. However, the deflector unit serves as a splash guard protecting the snorkel from completely filling the device with water.

    Description

    • Snorkel designs vary based on length, diameter and the personal preferences of the diver. If you are a large person, your snorkel should be large to permit more air to travel through the device. Typically, snorkels are from 12 to 18 inches in length. Assure the mouthpiece fits comfortably in your mouth.

    Clear your Snorkel

    • Practice clearing your snorkel of water before your snorkeling excursion. For example, if a standard or purge snorkel fills with water you need to exhale through your mouth strongly and the water usually travels up and out the top end. It generally has a drainage system built into the snorkel that allows the water to flow out through a one-way valve. However, a semi-dry snorkel uses a combination of vents, slits and angles situated at the top of the snorkel that "deflects" splashing water. Semi-dry snorkels do not require you to exhale strongly to push the water out of the device because of the deflection of water.

    Care for Equipment

    • Maintain your snorkeling equipment by frequently dipping the equipment in fresh water. Rinse or soak your equipment every time you use it. The salt crystals have the ability to condense on your snorkeling equipment if you do not rinse or soak on a regular basis. The salt can scratch, dry on harden the equipment and weaken the straps.