Snorkeling

• Snorkeling


  is peeking through life underneath water by swimming with the aid of a snorkel and mask.
• The mask


  serves as the viewing device in appreciating the world beneath the water.
• "mask squeeze",


  squeeze", a condition where the soft tissues

  beneath the mask, especially around the eyes, swell and discolor.
• Strap

  holds the

  mask to the face

  underwater
• Mask Skirt

  is the soft flexible

  material that seals the mask

  around the face.
• Nose Pocket

  cushions and protects the nose. Some masks

  have the purge valve, a little flap valve located at the bottom of nose pocket that helps in removing the water that has entered the masks.
• snorkel

  is a piece of equipment that makes it possible to breathe at the surface while the face is submerged in water.
• barrel, and a mouthpiece.

  The snorkel is basically composed of a tube, also called the
• The classic snorkel


  has the most basic part, the solid tube and the mouthpiece. Sometimes, this can be bent to a

  specific shape.
• The snorkel with a flexible tube

  below the strap attachment point is more comfortable than the classic snorkel.
• purge valve.


  This is a small valve just lower than the mouth that empties the collected water that comes down the tube when one blows it out.
• A splash guard


  prevents splashed water and spray from easily

  entering the tube. however, this will not stop water from entering the tube when a big wave covers the snorkel or when one goes underwater.
• dry valve


  is a special valve on top of the tube that

  completely stops water (and air) from entering the tube when a wave comes or when diving underwater.
• Snorkeling Fins


  Water resists or "pushes back" anything moving through it.
• Speed and efficiency


  in swimming are what one gains in wearing fins.
• the full-foot fin or close fin and the adjustable fin or open fin.


  There are two basic kinds of fins
• The full-foot fins


  cover the heel and are put on like slip-on shoes. shoes. They are easy to use, more flexible, and more efficient while swimming on the surface. These are more popular among warm-water dives.
• The adjustable fins,


  on one hand, are open at the heel and have adjustable straps to secure the feet. Such fins are often used with dive boots. They are good choices when diving in cold water, as the boots will help the feet from getting cold.
• namely, the conventional or paddle-bladed fins and the split fins.


  In recent years, a new sub-classification has also developed in both full-foot and open-heel fins,
• The paddle-bladed fins


  have a single, full blade while the split fin is "semi-parted" in the web, separating the blade into two long, stiff blades.
• On the other hand, it is easier to kick with split fins on. The theory behind splitting the fin is that this design directs the water force more directly behind the fin than the paddle fin.
• Snorkel Vests

  are small and inflatable, which provide more buoyancy while floating on water.
• Skin Protection


  Snorkeling may require one to be under the sun for some time. In order to protect the skin from the heat of the sun, one may use a good biodegradable sunscreen, or a better choice will be wearing a long sleeve rash guard.
• A wetsuit will be a better


  However, if insulation is needed from the cold waters,
• Swimming Cap


  big help in keeping hair out of the snorkel and the face as well. It will also help in preventing the

  scalp from burning on a sunny day.
• Mask Defogger


  helps prevent the mask from fogging up. Be sure to choose
• Gear Set Up


  Step 1: Clean and Defog the Mask

  Step 2: Attach the snorkel to the mask by clipping the mask strap clip to the strap of the mask.

  Step 3: Put on the mask.

  Step 4: Put the snorkel on the mouth.

  Step 5: Try on the fins.
• Test and Practice


  It is best for beginners to try the gears on shallow water. This way, one can get used to wearing the mask and breathing through the tube.
• Floating Position


  When one feels quite comfortable using the mask and breathing through a snorkel, it is time to start floating.
• Kicking to Move


  The next step is learning to be comfortable with the snorkeling fins. Practice in the deeper part of the water. Float, then do the basic flutter stroke, the most common underwater kick.
• Diving Deeper


  If one wants to go a little deeper to have a better view of the marine life, one can either use the "feet-first" dive or the "head-first" dive.
• "Feet-First" Dive


  As described by the name, the feet go down first. during this dive. Tread vertically in the water then kick upward. As the body sinks down, raise arms above the head. Pull the knees to the chest then lower the head. This will rotate the body

  to a horizontal position and swim underwater.
• "Head-First" Dive

  While at a horizontal position, kick forward, bend at the hips, and pull knees and arms toward the chest. Thrust legs straight up and maintain a streamlined position to glide into the water. Kick with feet to move deeper down, and then

  arch back for a horizontal position.
• Displacement clear.


  This is used with snorkels that have a purge valve. Begin by looking straight up while surfacing then exhale a small amount of

  air into the snorkel. While ascending, the air will expand and displace the water so that by the time one reaches the surface, almost all water will be out of the tube.
• "pinch-blow nose"


  The pressure outside the ear's space is greater than the pressure inside, thus giving an

  uncomfortable sensation in the ears and even pain as one continues to dive deeper. To equalize this pressure, do the
• Safety tips for enjoyable snorkeling adventure

  • Stay close to the shore if you are a beginner
  • Never do it alone, always have a buddy
  • One up, one down - one stays on surface while other is underwater
  • Check weather forecast and state of the sea
  • Know your surroundings, tides, and conservation rules
  • Use flotation device to conserve energy
  • Do not touch or make sudden moves around marine life
• A dive guide or snorkeling guide

  a certified professional who is capable of leading a group of aquatic enthusiasts to various dive sites in the area.