Snorkeling History

Modern snorkeling can trace its roots back over 5,000 years of history. As technologies
advanced through the ages, so too did efforts to explore the oceans [Link] from
3000 B.C. point to some of the earliest known free divers; sponge farmers in Crete. In a
forerunner to the modern snorkel, ancient divers used hollow reeds to allow them to breathe
while submerged in water.
Later efforts to pierce the oceans surface used more complicated equipment. An ancient basrelief dating back to 900 B.C. shows Assyrian divers using animal skins filled with air, which they
carried with them to increase the length of their dives. In 333 B.C. Alexander the Great
encouraged the development of the first diving bell, a massive contraption designed to trap a
pocket of air when it was lowered into the water. The bell allowed divers to take breaths without
returning all the way to the surface of the water. By 1538, diving bell technology had advanced
enough that two Greeks in Toledo, Spain, performed a demonstration in the Tagus river, using a
large kettle to descend to the bottom of the river bed, and then surprising their audience by
returning to the surface with dry clothes and a candle still burning.
Although the diving bell was useful for allowing people to remain below the surface for extended
periods, it was rather limited in terms of mobility. Instead, attempts were made to allow the diver
to breathe from the surface air. Aristotle mentions divers taking air from a tube connected to the
surface, which he likened to the trunk of an elephant. Leonardo da Vinci included among his
inventions several designs for diving apparatuses, from simple tubes leading to floats at the
surface of the water to an almost completely self-contained diving suit. He even had a sketch for
webbed swimming gloves, a forerunner of the modern fins.
Unfortunately, as people soon found out, tubes connecting a diver with the surface were of
limited use. Water pressure below one or two feet quickly became too high for even the
strongest pair of lungs to take a breath. In 1771, however, the invention of the air pump by
British engineer John Smeaton opened up a whole new world of diving. By moving air through
pressurized tubes, divers were soon able to descend to depths far greater than those previously
possible. Soon, designs for pressurized suits and chambers were again feasible. This eventually
led to the invention of the SCUBA system was invented, the Self-Contained Underwater
Breathing Apparatus.
Modern technology has not only allowed for more complex and technical snorkeling equipment,
it has also led to improvements in the most basic diving tools. Rubbers and plastics made
possible snug fitting masks and goggles, while treated glass improved the divers safety.

Materials were developed which could better withstand the corrosive ocean atmosphere and
which allowed divers to better view the underwater arena. More efficient and easy to
use snorkeling fins were developed to allow divers of all types to navigate the waters. Ultimately,
these improvements in technology and equipment have made it that much easier to explore the
ocean through snorkeling and free diving.

Snorkeling Basics

Safety is the #1 rule of snorkeling. Never snorkel alone, don't snorkel if you can't swim and use
common sense. Read more on Snorkeling Safety.

The First Time Snorkeling

The most important thing for a first time snorkeler is to get comfortable wearing the mask and
breathing through the snorkel. Some people get anxious and have difficulty breathing through a
snorkel while wearing a mask, so it is important to test things out in shallow water first. Many
first timers have jumped into the water on a snorkeling charter only to realize they aren't
comfortable wearing a mask and breathing through a tube - this often takes a few minutes to get
used to. While standing in shallow water, practice putting your face below the surface and
looking through the mask. You can breathe through the snorkel while looking around at the
aquatic life. In shallow waters this can be a fantastic way to see many things without expending
the energy of swimming.
Snorkeling in shallow water is also a good time to learn to use the equipment effectively.
Although relatively simple, beginning snorkelers should know their way around their mask and
snorkel, including how to clear both of water. This is an essential skill, as open waves or
splashes can send water into the open end of a snorkel, and masks can develop tiny leaks
during a dive. Having a mask or snorkel fill with water can be a scary experience the first time,
so snorkelers should be comfortable with the process of clearing their equipment.

Clearing a snorkel is an easy process. If you find your snorkel tube clogged with water simply
exhale with a strong force through your mouth, which should send the water up and out the end
of the snorkel. Some snorkels come with built-in drainage valves, allowing the water to be
pushed out a one-way valve. This makes it easier to push the water out if a small amount of
water makes it way into the tube.
Clearing a mask is similar to clearing a snorkel, but can seem more difficult because of the
reduced visibility. To clear out a mask, simply lift your head out of the water and pull forward on
the front of the mask. This will open up a gap in the bottom of the mask, allowing the water to
drain out. Some masks come with built-in purge valve, which serves the same role as the drain
valve on a snorkel. By including a one-way valve which lets water out but does not let water in,
snorkelers can clear a mask of water by simply blowing air out their nose while the mask is on.
The water will be pushed out the valve, clearing the mask. Even masks without a built-in purge
valve can be cleared while underwater. Simply press the top of the mask to the forehead and
blow out the nose. Air will bubble into the mask, pushing the water out the bottom.
The next step in learning the basics of snorkeling is to practice while in open water, when you
cannot touch the bottom. To do this you will need to be comfortable with using your snorkeling
finsto stay afloat upright as well as to move around while floating face down in the water. As you
swim along the surface, practice breathing evenly through your snorkel. The most common
underwater kick is the basic flutter stroke. When used properly, this kick can be a very fast and
efficient method of transportation in the water. As you kick, use a slow, comfortable pace and
remember to keep your fins submerged in the water. You should find that a pace of about twenty
kicks per minute will give you a good cruising speed through the water without too much fatigue.
Breaking the water surface with your fins uses more energy and decreases the efficiency of
your kicks. Keep your arms at your sides while swimming to reduce drag. Another common kick
is the dolphin kick, in which both legs sweep up and down together. This kick can be more
difficult to master but is a very efficient means of underwater propulsion when learned properly.
If you fee a bit more adventurous, you can practice going deeper underwater by diving below
the surface. The two basic types of dives are the feet-first dive and the head-first dive. The feetfirst dive is the simplest. While vertical in the water, raise your chest and arms above the surface
of the water by kicking with your legs. As the weight of your body begins to pull you back down
into the water, raise your arms above your head, sweeping them upward to push yourself lower.
Because it is harder to sink underwater when your lungs are full of air, exhale a small amount of

breath as you begin to descend. Next, pull your knees to your chest and lower your head, which
will rotate your body to a horizontal position and allow you to swim underwater.
The other type of dive is the head-first dive, which can be started directly from a horizontal
position while snorkeling. To be most effective, this type of dive should begin with a good
amount of forward momentum. As you kick forward, bend at the hips and pull your knees and
arms in towards your chest. Thrust your legs straight up and maintain a streamlined position to
glide down into the water. Continue to kick with your feet to move down deeper, and simply arch
your back to level off and or continue up to the surface.

Taking Care of Your Equipment

You can prolong the life of your snorkeling equipment and keep it in top shape by regularly
soaking them in fresh water. Salt crystals can condense on equipment that has not been
properly rinsed or soaked. These can dry and harden, causing scratches or holes in equipment
and weakening straps. Check your equipment after each use for bits of sand or salt and rinsing
all equipment [Link] avoid breathing in water while you are using your snorkel, get into
the practice of breathing in slowly and evenly, so that residual water in the snorkel does not
enter your mouth. Exhale sharply and with force to rid the snorkel tube of water.
If Your Mask Fogs
Sometimes the inside surface of a snorkeling mask will begin to fog. This happens when
moisture in your breath condenses on the cold glass surface of the mask. To avoid this,
regularly clean both the inside and outside of your mask with soap and water to remove all dirt
and grease. If your mask begins to fog during a dive you can clear it by allowing a little water to
flow into the mask. Then look downward to wash the condensation from the lens and clear the
water out of the mask.
If You Get Tired
If your legs become tired or if you develop a cramp while snorkeling try flipping over onto your
back. This will let you tread water easily while remaining afloat on the surface of the water. The

inverted leg motions will be much easier than the basic kick and will let your muscles rest and
recuperate energy. Your body position should be semi-sitting, with the head above water.

Snorkeling Safety

Snorkeling can be a dangerous activity. In fact, people die snorkeling every week. We
don't write this to scare you, but to make sure you take your safety seriously. From 19942006, 140 people died snorkeling in Australia. As a point of reference, there were over 2
million snorkeling dives on the great barrier reef in 2007 alone.
** Snorkeling has inherent risks and dangers. Much of the information on this website
including snorkeling locations and snorkeling conditions comes from third parties.
Efforts have been made to ensure this information is accurate, but this website may
contain errors or ommissions, or may be out of date as conditions, locations, and
regulations can change without notice. Use the information on this website at your own
risk. [Link] is not responsible in harm that comes as a result of the use of this
website and the information it contains. **

The most important safety tip while snorkeling is to never do it alone. An overwhelming
number of accidents happen to divers who go it alone, so having a buddy with you is a valuable
asset in case of mishap. Choose a buddy who you are comfortable with and stay close together
while you are out. And don't snorkel if you cannot swim. It sounds like common sense, but we
receive a surprising amount of email on this subject.
Stay close to shore. Beginning snorkelers often misjudge their own capabilities and endurance
and find themselves worn out or exhausted. Be sure to stay close to shore or reserve enough
energy to get yourself back safely. Move onto your back and tread water for a few minutes to
regain energy before coming back in if you are already tired or must return through rough surf or
strong currents.

Be aware of your surroundings. Know the area that you are diving in and if there are any
areas to avoid. Be very careful around rocky shores or pounding surf, which can pick up a
snorkeler and cause injury. (During a snorkeling excursion in Hawaii a few years back we were
watching fish near a rocky outcropping, and a large wave threw us about 8 feet into the rocks
where the water was about 18 inches deep - luckily we weren't hurt, but we easily could have
been) If you are snorkeling in open water, know the tides and be careful of getting sucked out or
trapped by an outgoing tide.
Retain your energy. To avoid exhaustion consider snorkeling with a flotation device of some
sort. A simple waist belt or snorkeling vest can make your excursion significantly more enjoyable
by allowing you to focus on what you are watching and not on any fatigue you may be
experiencing. (If you need to dive below the surface, you can leave your belt "up top" and find it
when you surface. If you frequently dive below the surface, consider making several short dives
instead of one long one, or make sure to use a floatation device to rest and regain energy
between dives. Youll enjoy yourself more and be more capable of avoiding injury if you are not
over tired. Cold water can also drain a divers heat and sap their strength. If you are snorkeling
in cold water, consider wearing a wetsuit or other protective equipment.
Do not touch marine life: Although most underwater animals will avoid contact with humans,
many creatures have some method of defense if they feel in danger. To protect yourself,
maintain a safe distance from all sea creatures and try not to make any sudden moves to startle
the ocean inhabitants

Snorkeling Equipment: A Guide to Snorkeling Masks

When it comes to snorkeling equipment, the mask is the
centerpiece of the collection. A proper mask serves as the
window between a snorkeler and the world beneath the
water. Without a mask in place to serve as a lens, divers
would have significantly reduced vision and distorted
perspective. For this reason, when choosing a mask, a
snorkeler should pick one that provides a clear, unobstructed
view and does not limit peripheral vision. Some masks
include side windows, to allow for wider vision, while others
simply widen the front lens. Tinted glass should be avoided.

The next step in finding a proper mask is to ensure that it fits

with your face, that it creates a reliable seal, and that it will
not leak during a long dive.
Testing a mask for leaks can start when you first pick up the
mask. First, note the materials and design of the mask.
Masks should have a stiff body to ensure a snug fit and a soft
flexible skirt where the mask presses against your face. Next,
test the fit of the mask against your face. Does it fit snugly or
does it pinch or feel loose?
A good test to see whether a mask is a good fit is to hold the mask up to your face with the strap hanging
loose. Once you push the mask gently onto your face you should be able to keep the mask on simply by
inhaling slowly. The air pressure within the mask should keep it firmly secure. If you have to breathe in
forcefully to keep a mask on it is a sign of a bad fit.
Next, tighten the straps somewhat and get a feel for the mask when it is fixed in place. Sometimes a
mask will seal tighter with a looser strap, sometimes with a tighter strap, but avoid the temptation to over
tighten a mask to try and eliminate leaks. A snorkeling mask strap is used mainly to keep the mask from
slipping off the face. The real seal is provided by water pressure. Also, because a divers mouth is a
different shape when they have a snorkel in it a diver should try on their mask while wearing the snorkel in
order to get a feel for the entire system. Because you will also expect to be making various small head
movements, try turning your heat and looking around through the mask to make sure you have the range
of motion.
It is impossible to know whether or not a mask will leak until you actually go for a dive, but using a mask
out in a swimming pool is a good way to see if it will leak. Sometimes even a small tub of water can give
you a sense of a masks seal or potential for leaks. Often, an improperly fitting mask will allow a certain
amount of water to trickle in. This inflow, though often very small, can eventually build up to a
considerable amount of water during a longer dive and must be removed. A purge valve, a built in feature
on some masks, allows a diver to do that by breathing out through the nose, but all snorkelers should
learn to clear out their masks with or without a purge valve.
Finally, masks exist for snorkelers of all shapes and sizes including masks specifically for women and
children. Divers who wear glasses can find masks with built-in prescription lenses, or can have special
lenses fit into a mask. Some divers prefer to wear contact lenses while diving, but these may get lost if a
diver loses their mask while underwater. Whatever your needs, chances are there is a mask out there that
is right for you.

Good mask vs. cheap mask:

Materials are often a good indication of the quality of a snorkel mask. Most good masks are made out of
silicone, which resists deterioration better than basic rubber. Any metal parts of a mask should be made
from a non-corrosive metal, like stainless steel. Masks can be either transparent or opaque, but many
divers prefer plain black masks because they reduce glare in darker waters. The lens of a mask should be
made from tempered glass, which is more durable and resistant to pressure than normal glass. Masks
can either be made from a single piece of glass or two pieces separated at the nose. Others have side

windows that give a wider viewing angle. Whichever style, a mask should have a wide perspective and
should not cut off too much peripheral vision. Straps should be easily adjustable and not fixed to the skirt.
Many expensive masks will offer double seals along the bottom portion of the mask. These can help stop
small leaks from occurring. Other masks come with built-in purge valves to help expel water build-up from
the inside of the mask. These small one-way valves are generally located above the nose. To use them,
simply breathe out gently and steadily through the nose. The buildup of air will force excess water out the
valve. Purge valves are not a necessary mask feature, however, as snorkelers should know how to clear
their mask of water even without a valve.
Finally, there are several indications of a poor-quality or cheap mask that a snorkeler should avoid. Masks
which use a plastic lens should be avoided, as plastic has a tendency to fog during a dive and can scratch
easily, obstructing a divers vision. Similarly, goggles, which cover only the eyes, can distort vision unless
they are perfectly aligned. Also, because they do not cover the nose, goggles have no way to equalize
pressure between the two eyepieces, which can become a factor during deeper dives.
As with any piece of equipment, no matter how good the materials and manufacturing quality, unless it fits
comfortably it is not a good choice. Be sure to test and try out your mask and other snorkeling equipment
before you take it out, to ensure a good fit and a good time.

A guide to Snorkels
A snorkel is a flexible tube, generally made from plastic or stiff
rubber, which connects a snorkeler to the surface air. Snorkels
are a diver's lifeline, allowing them to breathe while their face is
in the water. The right snorkel should let you breathe easily and
comfortably for extended periods of time, without making you
short of breath or light-headed.
Snorkel designs vary based on bore diameter and length, and
should be chosen based on a snorkelers needs and body type.
Generally, the larger you are the larger the diameter of your
snorkel should be, as it will allow more air to pass through.
If the bore is too wide, however, it may make it more difficult to
clear water from the snorkel. Similarly, although longer
snorkels allow a swimmer to breath air at a deeper level, they
also make it more difficult to take in air and during long dives
may cause buildup of stale air in the tube. Most snorkels
measure between 12 and 18 inches, but choose one that feels
comfortable for you.
If the bore is too wide, however, it may make it more difficult to clear water from the snorkel.
Similarly, although longer snorkels allow a swimmer to breath air at a deeper level, they also
make it more difficult to take in air and during long dives may cause buildup of stale air in the
tube. Most snorkels measure between 12 and 18 inches, but choose one that feels comfortable for
you.

Next note the construction of the snorkels mouthpiece. Because every diver has a differently
shaped mouth, you should choose a snorkel that fits comfortably on you. A snorkel mouthpiece is
composed of two parts, a large oval lip flange, which fits just inside the divers lips, and the
bitepiece, which is gripped between the divers teeth. The bitepiece should be held securely
between the teeth but does not need to be bitten down hard upon. The real seal is provided by the
lips covering the flange.
As with dive masks, snorkels can occasionally become filled with excess water, often from
splashing waves on the surface. Drain valves are a feature offered on some snorkels designed to
let a snorkeler expel the water more easily. Drain valves are one-way valves that let a diver expel
water from their tube while continuing to breathe. Even without a drain valve on your snorkel,
clearing excess water from the tube is a very easy process. Simply breathe out sharply to force
the water out the top of the tube. Nevertheless, some manufacturers claim that snorkel drain
valves can make the process easier and more efficient by providing an extra outlet for the water.
Some snorkels come with special tips designed to prevent
water from entering in the top. The most common design is a
simple ping-pong ball held in a tiny cage. Another design
utilizes diagonal plates at the end of the tube, which allow air
in and out and water to flow out, but which direct incoming
water out through the sides of the tube. Most divers find that
such devices are unnecessary and ineffective, but some
appreciate not having to worry about inhaling water from an
unexpected wave. Snorkel tips may also reduce airflow into
the snorkel, making it harder to draw in breath and
increasing the buildup of stale air in the tube.
Finally, many snorkels are being designed with additional
features. Some snorkels and masks have a clip system in
place to make it easier to attach and detach the snorkel from
the mask. Other snorkels are designed to be collapsible or to
fold in half for easier storage and transportation. These
additional features are often not necessary for a simple
snorkel dive, but may be useful for other reasons.

Snorkel Fins
Snorkel fins are a frequently overlooked piece of snorkeling equipment which make a huge difference in
snorkeling as they provide the propulsion system when in the water. Snorkeling without fins is certainly
possible, but fins add so much speed and manueverability to snorkeling, it really is a different experience
without them. Fins give swimmers more power to move through the water, increasing their swim speed by
approximately fifty percent. Fins also focus all propulsion power in the legs, taking the strain off a
swimmers arms and freeing them to handle equipment and explore.
There are two basic types of fins, open-heel fins and full foot fins. To be used effectively a divers fins
must fit comfortably and securely. Too tight and they can hurt and cause blisters, too loose and they may
chafe or fall off. Full foot fins, which fit over the entire foot, offer more protection to the bottom of a divers
heel, but because they are not adjustable they do not provide as secure a fit. Open-heel fins, which are
held in place by an adjustable strap, can be more secure and often easier to put on and take off.
However, because they provide no protection for the bottom of the foot, many divers choose to wear

Neoprene booties when using open-heel fins, to protect their feet against sharp objects and rough
underwater surfaces.

Full Foot Fins

Open Heel Fins

Whichever type of fins you decide to use, all divers should become comfortable with their fins both in and
out of the water before taking them out for a dive. Although fins are designed to make it easier to
maneuver through water, they take more effort to move than bare legs, so beginners may find their legs
tiring out more quickly than they expect. Fins with longer and more rigid blades take more effort to swim
in, so beginner divers are encouraged to use smaller, more flexible fins.
Initially, many divers find it cumbersome and awkward to walk around on land with their fins on. Be sure to
practice and get comfortable with your fins on dry land, practice lifting your feet high to prevent the blade
of the fins from tripping you. You may prefer to enter the water backwards to make it easier to walk into
the surf.

Snorkel Vests
Snorkel vests are small inflatable vests that can be
worn in the water to help improve buoyancy while
snorkeling. Snorkel vests are not designed to be life
vests or to allow those who can't swim to snorkel.
Rather, these vests provide buoyancy that allows the
wearer to relax a bit and focus on the sites below the
water. Snorkeling vests are usually inflated by
blowing through a small tube, and the air is released
by pressing on a small valve.
Vests are an excellent idea for those who may not be
the strongest of swimmers (especially children) or
for those who simply want to expend less energy
moving around in the water. (Editors note: I had
never used a vest until a recent trip to Hawaii - and
although I am a strong swimmer I was amazed at
how much more enjoyable the vest made my time on
top of the water.) If you plan to dive underwater to
see more then don't wear a vest - you won't make it
very far! Prices for snorkeling vests are usually $25-

$50, though vests are often provided for free on

snorkeling tours. Note: Standard vest life preservers
and foam waist preservers are decent alternatives
when a formal snorkeling vest isn't available.

[Link]