What Are Snorkels?

Imagine swimming under water and watching a sea turtle pass you by in clear view. This scenario is possible with the use of snorkeling gear. A snorkel allows you to swim more freely and see sights like corals and colorful sea creatures. Inexpensive and easy to learn, snorkeling should be a must-do activity for all swimmers and beachgoers.

  1. Snorkels

    • Snorkels are equipment used for snorkeling or swimming underwater to view aquatic species and structures. A snorkel is a flexible tube typically constructed of stiff rubber or plastic. It allows the snorkeler to breath through the tube which connects from the mouth to the surface air. It also allows the diver more time to explore underwater while their face is submerged. The parts of a snorkel include the tip, mouthpiece and tube.

    Gear

    • Aside from the snorkel piece, a complete snorkeling gear also includes mask and fins. The mask is a piece of snorkeling gear that's necessary for providing clear vision underwater. Without it, your vision will be much reduced and distorted. An ideal mask is clear, well-fitted and provides an unobstructed view.

      Snorkeling fins give divers propulsion, speed and better maneuverability. The fins also lessen strain from the swimmer's arms which allows for more freedom of movement. The two basic types of fins are open-heel and full-foot fins.

    Fit

    • Fit is the most important factor when choosing a snorkel. A well-fitted snorkel is comfortable yet allows you to breathe with ease for extended periods of time. Snorkels vary in diameter and length and even come in gender-specific styles. Choose one depending on your size and what feels comfortable to you. Typically, the larger you are the bigger the diameter of the snorkel should be. Visit your local snorkel shop and try on various models for fit before purchasing one.

    Features

    • At times, water from splashing waves can cause snorkels to fill with water. This may require a swimmer to blow the water out or re-surface and drain the equipment. Some snorkels feature a drain valve that allows a snorkeler to get rid of excess water easily. Drain valves are one-way and provide an extra outlet that enables divers to expel water from the tube while still continuing to breathe.

      Another feature is a snorkel tip with a diagonal plate to prevent water from coming in. The diagonal plates allow air to enter and exit while letting water to flow out through the sides of the tube.