Tips To Buy A Snorkel For Scuba Diving And Snorkeling

Snorkeling and scuba diving, two activities that are part of most bucket lists; these are both amazing ways to explore the undersea world. Most people gravitate towards these exercises due to the high that they experience from exploring something dangerous and completely foreign. But some do not understand the difference between these two activities. Both these activities may seem similar but are a lot different.

So, before we dive into (pun not intended) the tips and dos and don’ts of buying snorkeling equipment, let us first see the difference between snorkeling and scuba diving.

What is snorkeling?

Snorkeling is swimming close to the water’s surface using a mask and a breathing tube known as a snorkel. Snorkelers don’t dive too deep into the ocean; they take a panoramic view of the underwater from above.

What is scuba diving?

“Scuba” is an acronym for “Self-contained underwater breathing apparatus.” Scuba diving means diving into the ocean to explore the underwater with the use of scuba gear. The major difference between scuba diving and snorkeling is the equipment and the depth of the ocean explored. Scuba divers dive deep into the ocean, close to the ocean floor. On the other hand, snorkelers stay close to the water surface. In addition, snorkelers use a breathing tube and a mask, whereas scuba divers have complete scuba equipment.

• Everything fits

  When you buy your gear, you do not have to worry about poor fitting. Instead, you buy exactly the right size, so the chances of headache from an incorrectly sized mask, jaw pain from a mouthpiece too big or small, and feeling cold from baggy wetsuits are reduced to zero.

• Cleanliness

  Even though most reputable institutes take proper hygienic measures to clean their rented equipment, one can never be too sure. With your gear, you will not have to worry about the person sucking on the mouthpiece before you or who has been in your wetsuit.

• Better performance

  Shops that facilitate renting do not use high-performing gears. Instead, they use the most basic gear for renting purposes. With your gear, you can choose gear for better performance and invest in accessories that enhance your dive.

• Everything works

  Rental shops do not always replace broken equipment, so you may find a few flaws when you try the gear on. However, with your gear, you are in charge of maintenance and do not have to worry about any such problems.

• It suits you

  With rental gear, you don’t have any say in style or color. What matters is size, so even if the wetsuit isn’t your style, you will have to make do. With your gear, you can choose whatever you want according to your preference.

What to Buy First?

So, let us say that you are convinced and want to buy your gear what should be your first step. You should start with buying your snorkeling gear and start first with your Mask within this category; this is a tip for those who believe they have a not-so-common face shape/structure or would require corrective lenses.

Rental masks are stocked according to the average face and do not cater otherwise. The next step would be to buy your Snorkel and Fins. Once you have these three pieces of equipment, you are all set to go snorkeling wherever you want.

But before we head onto the second object, let us see some tips that will help you select the right Mask, snorkel, and fins.

• Before you decide on a mask, make sure the one you choose has a silicone seal. The silicone seal will help keep the Mask in place on your face and prevent water from entering the Mask. Also, try on several pairs of masks until you find the one that fits the best.
• The snorkel is a tube-like device. It has a mouthpiece and a curved tube that sticks out of the water and helps you breathe. When selecting a snorkel, you want to opt for one which has a lip guard. Lip guards prevent water from getting into the mouthpiece. If you plan to stay close to the water surface, a regular snorkel will suffice; if, however, you plan to dive deep, make sure you choose a longer snorkel.
• Fins come in different colors and designs, but these are not the deciding factors; opt for a pair of fins that fit your feet snugly and are yet comfortable to walk in. When you try a pair, walk in them around the store to see if they are comfortable. Your fins should be tight enough that they won’t fall off when you swim and, at the same time, lose enough not to cut your skin.

What to buy Second?

The next item to purchase is a Wetsuit. A wetsuit is very important for those planning to dive into cold waters; it provides you warmth against the cold temperature and protects you from the sun. Cleanliness is another factor that leads a diver to buy a personal wetsuit; believe me, you do not want to rent wetsuits.

• When buying a wetsuit, make sure it fits your skin well without leaving any gaps. Also, try to get a stronger wetsuit that offers protection from coral reefs. Coral reefs are somewhat like sharp stones and, at times, can tear your suit and damage your skin if you brush against it, so look for a stronger wetsuit.

Some other item to purchase

Snorkeling bags:

Snorkeling bags will keep all your gear in one place. You can either get a simple mesh bag dedicated to your gear or a mesh duffel bag with padded shoulder straps for easier carrying.

Lycra protection:

A Lycra rash Guard offers a layer of protection against stinging creatures such as jellyfish, fire coral, and against the sun to those divers who do not use a wetsuit. It is also a fast-drying coverup and makes it easier for the diver to get into the wetsuit.

With these, we have now completed the items needed for snorkeling. Snorkeling gears are quite durable. A high-quality snorkel set can last for a decade, if not longer. However, you, too, need to do your part in maintaining the snorkel gear.

Here are a few pointers on how to clean and maintain your snorkeling gear:

Snorkels

Maintain and regular cleaning of the snorkel is highly important. The snorkel helps your breath underwater, so make sure you get rid of any debris or dust inside the tube. Also, the mouthpiece has several nooks where the chances of bacteria growth are quite high, so a thorough cleaning is recommended. If you are a regular diver, simply rinsing your snorkel in freshwater should be enough.

However, do use a dish soap every few days to clean the snorkel fully. If you are an occasional diver and only use the gear once every 2-3 months, thoroughly clean the snorkel by soaking it in a tub of warm water and a tablespoon of bleach for 30 minutes.

Mask

With masks, you need to be a bit careful. You cannot scrub too hard, or else you will end up with scratches all over the surface. However, most masks come along with a set of instructions that you can follow to get them clean. In addition, you can get a professional opinion on how to clean the gear. For example, it would help if you avoided using harsh brushes and sponges; stick to fresh water and dishwater without using any brushes.

Fins

Fins are the easiest gear piece to clean and maintain. You can either rinse them off using freshwater or soak them in a tub of warm water and dish soap. Once you get rid of all the dirt and debris, rinse off and let the fins air dry.

Now most divers recommend cleaning your gear soon after the dive this way; it will be a lot easier for you to clean, dry, and store until further use.