Underwater activities are exciting, whether you take them as a watersport or a hobby. You can engage in several activities, like deep-sea diving or snorkeling. Snorkeling is ideal if you are on vacation and looking for any beach sport. All you need is proper beachwear and watersport apparel.
Beach wear and watersports apparels are not difficult to find. Several online platforms sell beachwear, one of them being Cotswold Outdoor. Before selecting your gear, make a list of your needs to understand which gears suit you best. Here are some pointers to help you select your snorkeling gear.
Table of Contents
1. Choose a full-face mask from a trusted brand
The full face mask is a revolution because while using it, you can breathe normally, unlike using a snorkel. You can also avoid jaw pain if you use a full face mask and avoid the fog that comes with a snorkel.
If you are a beginner, it is easy to go for a cheap brand in the name of saving money. However, some of these cheap brands are not fully tested, and they could affect you in the long run. Price usually equals quality, and a good silicone mask will last longer.
2. Buy a mask that fits
Before leaving a store, make sure you test your snorkeling mask. Try it on, and if there is space around your nose, mouth, or eyes, it is not for you. A mask should not be too tight or loose. Test the straps, too, and they should not put pressure on your ears because this will hurt over time.
3. Dry Snorkel
A dry snorkel may not be ideal if you’re going diving, but it’s the best for snorkeling. It prevents water from getting to your mouth through the snorkel. Another thing to consider when buying a snorkel is the mouthpiece. A small one will cause jaw pain since you’ll have to bite hard on it, and a big one is very uncomfortable.
4. A comfortable snorkel mask strap cover
A snorkel mask strap cover is a gear that holds your hair in place while you snorkel. It can simplify your experience by making it easier to snorkel. When picking one, go for one that has bright colors. This way, your snorkel partner can spot you from far away in case of emergencies.
5. Appropriate Snorkeling fins
Snorkeling fins are recommended in many regions for safety purposes. When swimming and a strong current comes up, you will need power and a way to conserve your energy. This is where fins come in handy. Comfort is key when picking out fins. Lousy fins can cause blisters, but there are several types to choose from, i.e., long/short, paddle/split, etc.
Of all these options, the open foot fins are highly recommended because they can be adjusted to fit better, and you can walk on a beach comfortably since you can wear boots. On the other hand, closed fins are lighter and more efficient since you’ll use less effort to kick while snorkeling.
6. A sizeable bag
Snorkel bags usually come with the gear set. However, if you purchase your gear separately, you have to buy a bag. The first thing to consider is the size of the bag, especially if you are carrying fins. The bag should also be able to drain water quickly. If you select a cheap bag, chances are it will tear quickly due to the weight of the snorkel gear. In case you usually carry extra items, select a bag that has side pockets to prevent mixing up your items.
7. Appropriate snorkeling swimwear
You lose a lot more heat in water than in the air. Therefore, it is not advisable to snorkel in your swimwear to preserve body heat and protect your skin from sunlight or stingers. This way, you can snorkel longer.
Snorkeling as a beach sport opens your imagination to a wonderful underwater world. It requires the right equipment to fully enjoy the experience, especially if it is your first time. Now that equipment is easy to find, you can be comfortable as you snorkel.