Snorkelling is an extremely enjoyable exercise that is bound to fascinate you once you try it out. But, before you go snorkelling there are a few things that you need to observe. And that is to make your experience pleasant as well as safe. For instance, you would need to know about the snorkelling equipment, techniques employed, and the safety precautions that you would need to take.
The snorkel is a flexible breathing tube that connects the snorkeler to the surface air. Thus, it enables him or her to breathe while the head is in water. The size of the snorkel is dependent on the person using it. Therefore, try it out and see whether it allows you to breathe easily.
The snorkel also has a mouthpiece and this should be a suitable fit. So that you do not have to clamp down too hard on the bite piece. The fins provide speed underwater and help one to save on energy while snorkelling. There are two types of fins. One is the full-foot fins that cover the whole foot protecting the bottom of the feet. While the other is the open-heel fins do not protect the bottom of the feet but are adjustable. That means they can give a precise fit.
You will also need to get flexible fins for a start because stronger fins drive you further per stroke. They also require stronger muscles which you will develop as you frequently go snorkelling underwater. The snorkelling jackets are ideal for beginners as they are designed to increase buoyancy. Therefore, it makes it easier for you to stay floating which makes your experience more enjoyable.
Snorkelling Technique
How you go about it will determine how much you experience snorkelling. It is therefore important that you do it the right way and that you are comfortable. So to allow you to enjoy the amazing underwater environment and the aquatic wildlife. For beginners, learn how to keep your body streamlined.
Relax your knees and ankles and then place your arms at your side which reduces the resistance. In this position use a slow flutter kick motion and you will realize that the fins will drive you in the water. And you do not need to use your hands for movement.
You will need to study how to approximate distances when you are underwater. Because, in the water, objects look closer than they really are. This can be learned by reaching out using your arm when you are in the water at a known distance which will guide you to know your arm’s effective length in water. This is extremely crucial as it evades you from getting hit with underwater objects or fellow snorkelers due to an inaccurate idea of the distance between you and them.
Safety Precautions for Snorkeling
Before you go out swimming, make sure that you know the snorkel’s equipment very well. Also have a check, as to see that they are in good condition. You also need to learn how to clear the mask or the snorkel if they happen to get water inside it. Precautionary steps are necessary as this may happen accidentally when you are in the water.
In the beginning, you should try it out first in a swimming pool or shallow waters. Then afterwards you have a perception of how it is. And thus you can ultimately try out deeper waters. It is also a very crucial thought that you never ever go snorkelling alone. And keep in mind to carry a life jacket with you as you might get muscle fatigue or encounter bad weather while out snorkelling.