Choosing Snorkeling Gear

Snorkeling is swimming with the aid of mask, fins and snorkel.

Here in South Florida we have the luxury of snorkeling year round. The Florida Keys and the Bahamas offer great places to snorkel and view fish, sea turtles, manatees and other sea creatures. As a former school teacher, we would take 70 7th graders at at time to the Marine Research Station in Key Largo for a day of snorkeling and ocean education.

To provide you with a great snorkeling experience, AquaGear carries Snorkeling Gear from AquaSphere, Tusa, Finis, U.S. Divers, Speedo, and Water Gear.

Choosing Snorkels

Though Snorkels are commonly thought of for snorkeling along reefs or other water ways, snorkels can also be used for swim training and for water rehabilitation, so getting the right snorkel is important.

Swimmers Snorkels are designed for swim training, not traditional snorkeling and don't have features such as dry tops and purge valves that you want for ocean or lake snorkeling. For example dry and semi-dry tops will limit water intrusion into the snorkel when swimming in rough water or diving down for a closer look.

Flexible, comfortable mouthpieces will prevent the sore jaw you can get when snorkeling for long periods of time.

A swiveling mouthpiece and flexible shaft reduce fatigue.

A snorkel that is too long can allow a build up of carbon dioxide in the barrel which means you won't be getting as much oxygen each breath. Better quality snorkels are constucted of silicone materials.

As an example the Tusa Hyperdry Snorkel features

• Hyperdry system with three current rectifying plates
• High flow and angled purge valve to eliminate gurgling of water and allowing air bubbles to pass by the face when purged
• Ortho-consciously designed mouthpiece for ultimate comfort
• Crystal silicone flexible neck
• Detachable two-section swivel adapter for free movement
• Three-dimensional pipe curve for the ideal angle for snorkeling

Choosing Snorkeling Fins

Fins also come in a variety of types such as Swim Training Fins and Snorkeling Fins. Though you could use training fins for snorkeling in a pinch, the typically have shorter blades and are geared for swimming laps. Snorkeling Fins usually have long blades that give a great deal of propulsion with minimal leg movement. Hybrids such as the Tusa Reef Tourer fins are a smaller Snorkeling Fin that easily packs for trips.

Fins come with straps or foot pockets; straps are probably a little easier to get on but foot pockets provide a more secure feel.

Choosing Snorkeling Masks

Snorkeling Masks come in many designs and brands, but a good watertight fit is most important. Ranging from under $20 to close to $100, the snorkeler should consider how often they are going to use the mask. More expensive masks are constructed of better quality materials and should be more durable over extended use. Inexpensive dicount store snorkle masks are prone to leaking.

The two window design is very common.

Masks such as the Speedo Recreational Mask are inexpensive and great for the occasional snorkeler, while a mask such as the Tusa Geminus Mask is a high end mask with features like:

• Lightweight composite frame for enhanced grip and shock protection
• Low profile, low volume 2-window design
• NEW skirt mounted Quick-Adjust Buckle System
• Patented round edge skirt for increased comfort and better seal
• 3-D strap for ideal anatomical fit