Snorkeling Gear

Snorkeling gear is used to aid in breathing when swimming underwater. There are 3 different kinds of snorkels, scuba, military and the regular type. Each are designed for specific purposes.

A scuba snorkel is very similar to the one you see on a soldier underwater without their face mask on. This scuba equipment allows divers breathe easily underwater. This is an essential part of the scuba gear because they would otherwise drown if they were unable to breath without it.

A military snorkel is more simplistic in nature than the previous type, but is still designed for breathing underwater, but specifically with combat situations in mind. The tube will usually be made of plastic or rubber. This type of snorkel is a one time use item because it only has the ability to hold air for a limited amount of time, usually 20 minutes. It also prevents water from entering the snorkel by being equipped with an inverted “S” filter to block water from coming in. The tube that holds the air will usually have a ‘T’ valve for easy exhalation.

A regular snorkel is typically what people think of when they hear the word “snorkel”. It is a tube that is used to breathe air from above the water line, which makes it easier to breath compared to breathing through your mouth. This type of snorkel can have many different features, it can have a soft or hard mouthpiece, be adjustable for different sized faces, have the ability to shut the amount of air that enters when submerged under water.

The most common types are dry snorkels which prevent any water from entering the tube while submerged. There is also a semi-dry type which comes with a splash guard that prevents water from entering the tube when submerged up to your nose, but water can still enter if you submerge your head completely. There is also a full-dry type which has a special valve with a one way flapper inside of it to prevent water from entering the tube while submerged.

The right snorkel gear is essential for having fun while snorkeling

Remember, when purchasing a snorkel there are 2 factors you have to consider – the type of water your snorkel will be submerged in and the activity you will be using it for. Each kind of snorkels are designed with specific purposes in mind so if you are not using it for that specific purpose you can risk water entering your tube and ruining your experience.

Remember, there are many different snorkels out there, each have their own unique qualities that are designed to improve your next snorkeling adventure!

What gear do you need for snorkeling?

Snorkeling equipment is really just the snorkel, mask and fins. While there are many other pieces of gear that can be used for snorkeling they’re not really necessary to get started with your first dive. If you want to wear a wetsuit or weight belt then go ahead but it’s not necessary.

Where to buy snorkeling gear and how much is it?

You can purchase most snorkeling equipment at the location you plan on starting your adventure. For example, if you’re going to Hawaii then they’ll most likely have all the gear they provide for free right where you want to go snorkeling. You can also buy snorkeling equipment at sporting goods stores, department stores or scuba diving shops.

Snorkeling equipment can cost anywhere between $15 for a mask to $200+ for the more expensive pieces like wetsuits and weight belts.

What should I look for when buying a snorkel gear?

There are several factors to consider when buying a snorkel gear. The first thing you want to look at is the size and fit of the equipment. Make sure your mask covers your face without leaks, your fins have comfortable straps that won’t chafe your feet and that your snorkel fits comfortably in between your lips.

The next factor you want to look at is the materials your snorkel gear is made of. The durability of your equipment will depend on how much life you can get out of it so choose carefully. You don’t want something that will break after only a few uses, which means good quality materials are really important.

The last factor to consider with snorkel gear is the price. While it’s true that you typically get what you pay for when buying snorkeling equipment, don’t buy an expensive piece of equipment if you know you will only use it a few times and won’t see any more use out of it for quite some time.

To help ensure the safety of your mask and snorkel, look for a mask that is certified by PADI.

Before you make your purchase, ask if the store will accept the return of used items within a certain time frame. The length can vary from store to store but if they do not accept returns at all it may be best to go elsewhere for your needs as there is always a chance that the equipment will get damaged.

Can I buy cheap snorkel gear?

You can always try buying cheap gear to see if you enjoy snorkeling or not. If it turns out to be a fun activity for you then buy better quality equipment after your first few experiences.

If the cheap piece of equipment is damaged in some way, don’t use it. It can have an effect on how safe your gear is and that’s important when diving into open water.

How do I clear my snorkel tube?

You should always try to clear your snorkel properly after each and every use. It’s a very easy thing to do and can prevent you from inhaling saltwater which will lead to irritation and pain inside the mouth. Simply exhale out of your nose as much as possible then pinch your nose shut with one hand and cover the top of your snorkel tube with the other. Blow into the tube to force out any water in there, breathing in through your nose while you do so.

How Much Does it Cost to Buy Snorkel Gear?

The price to buy snorkel gear can vary depending on where you purchase it. A basic equipment set costs around $30-$35, which gives you a mask, fins and snorkel.

If you are ready for something more advanced, there are full kits available that can cost up to $100 or more if they include scuba gear.

Typically the more advanced your set of snorkel gear is, the more you should expect to pay for it because it’s only natural that the more bells and whistles a product has, the higher price tag it comes with.

Why should I buy my own snorkeling equipment instead of renting?

You should opt to purchase your own snorkeling equipment instead of renting it because it can be expensive to rent gear for several hours or a full day.

Another good reason to buy your own equipment is that you will not have to worry about special care instructions. Rentals may require a specific way to clean and store the gear, which could either damage your set or cause it to be inoperable when you need it.

What is the best snorkeling mask?

There isn’t just one good mask that, when worn, makes all other masks obsolete. That doesn’t mean there aren’t many great features on any given mask, though. It’s just important to look at each option individually to see if it has the features you need to make your snorkeling experience as safe and enjoyable as possible.

Can I use my regular swim goggles for snorkeling?

You can, but that doesn’t mean that swimming goggles are reliable enough to stand up to all of the elements associated with snorkeling. It’s wise to invest in a good set of snorkel goggles with all the features you need so that they can function properly.

It’s unlikely that swim goggles will have corrective lenses, which are important because there are times when you might not be able to wear your glasses or contacts while snorkeling. You could even get water inside your goggles if you don’t have the proper protection.

What is a good snorkeling mask for wide faces?

When people think of a wide face, they might picture someone with a round or square face shape. This isn’t necessarily true because faces come in all shapes and sizes.  There are many different types of masks that can accommodate different face shapes, and it’s important to find one that fits you the best.

When choosing a mask for wide faces, look for something with a wide skirt and limited-seal gaskets. These features will make the mask fit better and be less likely to leak when in use.

Should I buy used snorkel gear?

When buying snorkel gear, you might want to consider purchasing a used item only if it has been inspected and deemed in good condition by a professional. You can buy older equipment from a trusted snorkeling enthusiast who knows the history of the piece and is honest about its condition.

Do I need to take care of my snorkeling equipment?

Yes, you do need to take care of your snorkeling gear. Even if it’s not a rental set that has special instructions for cleaning and storage, it should be washed after each use.

There are some parts of the mask and fins that might be able to get lost or misplaced so you must have backups. If anything happens to one of your pieces, you can replace it with another used set or buy new gear.

What is the difference between scuba dive masks and snorkeling masks?

Scuba diving masks are designed for extended periods underwater so they have greater visibility than most snorkel masks.  The lenses on these types of masks are typically made of tempered glass or polycarbonate material.

Snorkel masks, on the other hand, aren’t equipped with the same level of visibility because they’re meant for shallow water use only . Being able to see clearly is not essential for this type of mask.

What should I look for in snorkeling fins?

The best snorkeling fins are strong enough to push you through the water when in use. You can also look for features like ease of entry and exit, comfort, non-slip rubber foot pocket liners, adjustable straps with quick release clips, and hydrodynamic blades.

When you’re trying on different styles of fins, remember that different materials may fit your leg and foot more comfortably than others. It’s also good to think about if you need a more flexible style of fins or something with more rigidity for kicking through the water.

What size snorkel do I need?

Snorkel size is contingent on the type of snorkeling gear you have. For instance, if you’re using a standard mask, it’s likely that you will need a large snorkel because standard models are only compatible with that size.

If you have some other style of snorkel or are trying to retrofit your equipment to accommodate a different snorkel size, it’s important that you measure your current piece or check with the manufacturer about compatibility.

Can I bring my snorkeling gear on an airplane?

Yes, you can definitely bring your snorkeling equipment onto an airplane because it will be properly stowed in baggage compartments. Items are typically not inspected unless they’re larger than 7 inches long, which most snorkels are not.