by Barry Lewis | Mar 23, 2022 | Snorkeling
Snorkeling is a popular aquatic sport, particularly on vacation. Every year, nearly 8 million individuals don a snorkel mask and dive into the water.
To try snorkeling, you don’t need much equipment or expertise, but you do need to know some fundamental knowledge before getting in the water.
For your next underwater vacation, we’ve compiled the most useful snorkeling recommendations.
So, let’s get started!
1. Make sure you have the right equipment (and that it isn’t cheap!)
The first step is to double-check that you have all of the necessary equipment. A snorkeling mask, a snorkel, and full-foot fins are required.
If you’re going on vacation and want to snorkel, you might be able to rent these goods when you arrive. If not, avoid buying the cheapest snorkeling equipment available. You’ll wind up with a mask and snorkel that are continually filling with water if you don’t.
It’s a good idea to try on several masks before making a purchase. Try taking a little breath in through your nose once you’ve placed on the mask. The mask isn’t the proper size if you can breathe through it.
2. Learn how to de-fog your mask
If your mask fogs up, you won’t be able to view the underwater life, which defeats the point.
Defogging gels for snorkels are available. If you can’t locate this gel or don’t want to spend the money, infant shampoo will suffice.
3. Learn out how to drain water from your mask
If you obtain the appropriate size, your mask should not fill up with water. If this occurs, remove your head from the water and elevate the bottom of your mask to drain the water.
You may also remove water from your mask while remaining submerged. Blow out your nose while lifting the bottom of your mask away from your face. Then rapidly adjust your mask to the proper position.
4. Before you go, get some practice in
It’s a good idea to order your snorkeling gear ahead of time so you can practice.
Put on your snorkeling equipment and practice in a swimming pool. Because pools have no currents or undertows, they’re a fantastic area for novices to practice and feel safe.
5. Don’t go too fast in the water
Swimming too rapidly will quickly exhaust you. Concentrate on staying afloat and letting your fins do the majority of the job. Your arms should not be used at all, and your breathing should be smooth and calm.
You will be able to stay in the water for extended periods of time as a result of this.
6. Select a Good Location
For first-time snorkelers, selecting a decent spot is very vital.
Choose a location without a strong current or large wave. You should also check if the water is clear enough to see through.
It’s preferable to begin snorkeling on a beach rather than on a boat out at sea. You don’t have to dive too deep straight immediately because the shore is close, and you can swim back to dry ground if necessary.
7. Be respectful of the Sealife
When snorkeling, never touch any coral, fish, or other marine life. Remember that these are living creatures who may be harmed if you touch them.
If a fish accidentally bumps into you, you have no control over it, but try your best to keep your hands to yourself.
You’ve always wanted to experience snorkeling and scuba diving in Maui Hawaii but aren’t sure where to go? Scubabarry offers a variety of snorkeling experiences that will allow you to observe magnificent aquatic life.
by Barry Lewis | Feb 23, 2022 | Snorkeling
Even if you don’t know how to swim, can you snorkel? In short, even if you can’t swim, you can still enjoy snorkeling. As long as you have the proper snorkeling equipment, you don’t need any specific skills to enjoy this aquatic sport.
It’s a fun activity that virtually everyone can participate in. Snorkeling has the advantage of allowing you to see the beauty of the undersea environment even if you are not a great swimmer or have no prior swimming experience.
Read : Snorkeling tips and techniques
Here are some snorkeling recommendations for non-swimmers if you are not a swimmer and want to try this aquatic sport. For scuba diving lessons in Maui, you can get in touch with Scubabarry.
Relax and don’t panic
Yes, being in the water might be frightening, especially if you can’t swim. However, try not to panic; the more you worry, the more likely you are to get into danger, especially because you are a non-swimmer with no prior snorkeling expertise.
The sheer thought of being in the water without knowing how to swim is one of the factors that cause individuals to panic. This is why, whether you’re a swimmer or not, a flotation device is essential for snorkeling. Wearing one can boost your confidence and reduce your fear of falling into the water.
You’ll save energy by being calm, and you’ll be able to breathe normally. You’ll be able to think more clearly and logically, allowing you to properly appraise a scenario and determine whether or not you’re in danger. You’re also there to have fun; if you’re worried, you won’t be able to enjoy your snorkeling excursion.
Get your snorkeling equipment ready
It’s best to get your snorkeling gear ready ahead of time. Make sure they’re all there and that they fit you well, particularly your mask. There’s a chance that water will go inside your mask if it’s a bit loose or wider than your face.
Water is more likely to get into your face if you have facial hair or a beard. The first thing you’ll usually do when this happens is panic, which you already know isn’t useful. Look for the best snorkeling equipment, particularly comfortable and functional flotation devices. This is for your protection.
Float horizontally
Non-swimmers frequently strive to keep as much of their bodies out of the water as possible. This is logical given their dread of being completely submerged in the water. However, doing so will likely increase your anxiety, induce uncontrolled breathing, and fatigue you quickly. Rather, try floating horizontally.
To do so, attempt to get into a horizontal position while you lower your body. With the aid of a life jacket, you may easily do this. Keep your chest a little lower and your neck and chin slightly above the water’s surface. When you do this, you will stay more buoyant than if you try to lift yourself higher.
Submerge a bit
Submerging in the water is one of the anxieties of many non-swimmers or first-time snorkelers. The nicest part about snorkeling is that you don’t have to dive or immerse your entire body in order to see the magnificent marine life.
Only the front area of your face, which is also covered by goggles or a mask, has to be submerged. So, there’s no cause to be concerned. This is also why you should learn to float horizontally; half of your body will be barely beneath the water’s surface. You’ll also be wearing a life jacket so you won’t completely sink when snorkeling.
Be aware of your surroundings
You will see a lot of marine life when snorkeling, and it may be tempting to touch them. You may even try catching a fish as it approaches you. There’s also a good risk you’ll tread on or accidentally touch corals.
However, try not to touch them as much as possible. It may appear to be a little and insignificant behavior, but when taken together, it may have a harmful impact on their natural environment.
You must be wary of other snorkelers, swimmers, and divers in addition to avoiding water monsters. While trying to remain afloat or tread water, you don’t want to accidentally bump into them or kick them. Snorkeling is enjoyable, and you may not realize it until you’ve drifted too far away from your boat and fellow snorkelers.
Practice
It’s advisable to practice with your snorkeling equipment before your scheduled snorkeling vacation. To get the best fit, try on your mask and snorkel. You don’t want to overtighten it to the point that it’s difficult to breathe. It’s also crucial to become used to breathing using the snorkel.
You’ll be breathing through your lips, which is something you’re not used to, so keep practicing until you master it. Snorkeling or scuba diving in Maui Hawaii does not require you to be in the deepest section of the ocean. It doesn’t even have to be right on the water. So, where else can you put your skills to use?
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