SNORKELING

One of the best but simpler ways to see, discover and appreciate the intriguing underwater life is
through snorkeling. It allows one not only to grasp the amazing beauty of marine life, but swim with
them as well.

SNORKELING

Is peeking through life underneath water by swimming with the aid of a snorkel and mask. Through
snorkelling, one can observe the underwater attractions for a long period of time, without the need to
constantly resurface to gasp or air, and with relatively lesser effort. Snorkeling is not only for
recreational purposes. It has also been used in water-based search by rescue teams and in water sports
such as underwater hockey, underwater rugby, and spear fishing.

HOW DOES SNORKELING BENEFITS YOU?

Snorkeling helps the overall fitness of a person. Aside from having fun under the water swimming, doing
the flutter kick and diving tones and trims the body. It works out the quadriceps, harmstrings, calves,
ankles, hip flexors, core muscles, and shoulders while swimming.

WHAT ARE THE BASIC EQUIPMENT IN SNORKELING?

Snorkeling equipment went through different innovations in time. It became more refined and more
features were added and various designs have been introduced in the market.

MASK

The mask serves as the viewing device in appreciating the world beneath the water. Without the mask,
everything viewed underwater will be blurred or distorted. The airspace created in the mask is what
helps in seeing clearly underwater. There are two most important things to remember in choosing a
mask. These are FIT and COMFORT.

SNORKEL

The snorkel is a piece of equipment that makes it possible to breathe at the surface while the face is
submerge in water. The snorkel is basically composed of a tube, also called the barrel, and a
mouthpiece.

There are different kinds of snorkel one can choose from. Their important differences lie in the feature
or part that a particular snorkel has or does not have.
Classical Snorkel- has the most basic part, the solid tube and the mouthpiece. Sometimes, this can be
bent to a specific shape.

Snorkel with a Flexible Tube- below the strap attachment point is more comfortable than the classical
snorkel. The flexible tube allows the top and mouthpiece to rotate to different angles to better fit the
face.

SNORKELING FINS

Water resists or “ pushes back” anything moving through it. Speed and efficiency in swimming are what
one gains in wearing fins. They provide the necessary locomotion to propel effortlessly in the water.

There are 2 basic kinds of fins:

Full-FOOT FINS – cover the heel and are put on like slip-on shoes. They are easy to use and more
flexible, and more efficient while swimming on the surface.

ADJUSTABLE FINS- are open at the heel and have adjustable straps to secure the feet. The adjustable fin
generally has a more rigid blade than the full-foot fin and it can provide a more forward thrust but
requires more effort to use.

SNORKEL VESTS

are small and inflatable, which provide more buoyancy while floating on water.

SKIN PROTECTION – snorkelling may require one to be under the sun for sometime. In order to protect
the skin from the heat of the sun, one may use a good biodegradable sunscreen or a better choice will
be wearing a long sleeve rash guard.

F. SWIMMING CAP – the swimming cap is a big help in keeping hair out of the snorkel and the face as
well.

G. MASK DEFOGGER- helps prevent the mask from fogging up.

HOW IS SNORKELING DONE?

1. Test and Practice

2. Floating Position

3. Kicking to Move

4. Diving Deeper – If one wants to go a little deeper to have a better view of the marine life, one can
either use the “feet-first” dive or the “head-first” dive.

a. “Feet-First Dive” – as describe by the name, the feet go down first during this dive.

b. “Head-First Dive – While at a horizontal position, kick forward, bend at the hips, and pull knees and
arms towards the chest.

WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER WHILE SNORKELING?

S- stay close to the shore if you are a beginner.

N- Never do it alone. Always have a buddy so that whatever happens, someone is there to help you.

O- one up, one down. While diving with your buddy, one should stay on the surface while one is
underwater. In case the diver has problems, one can help or seek help.

R- rain check! Always check the weather forecast and the state of the sea.

K- know your surroundings .Know the area where you will be snorkelling. Know the tides.

E- energy retention .Do not overestimate your limits.

L – leave them alone! Do not touch marine life. Maintain distance as well.

CANOEING AND KAYAKING

The great way to explore the rivers, lakes, canals, and other bodies of water is through the use of a boat.

Kayaking and canoeing both require a paddle for propulsion and steering. The most noticeable
difference is the structure of the boats.
The word “canoe” originated from the Carib word “kenu” which mean dugout. Canoes were originally
made from large tree trunks. The trunks were dried for months, and then the middle part was burned.
After which, the burned part was scraped away with shells. The whole process took “one moon” or 28
days.

Kayaks or “qajak” meaning “ man’s boat” or “ hunter’s boat” originated from the Inuit and Aleut tribes
of Arctic North America. Building the kayak was also a joint effort of the man and his wife. The man
builds the frame from wood and it was his wife job to stitch the seal skin used to cover the frame. Whale
fats used to waterproof the boat.

CHARACTERISTICS

LENGTH – the distance from the tip of the stern to the tip of the bow. Longer boats are faster and move
on a straingth line. These are not easy to manuever. Shorter boats are easier to maneuver and
comparatively lighter and easier to handle.

BEAM – the width of the boat and is measured at the widest part of the canoe or kayak. Generally, the
wider boat, the more stable it is. A narrower kayak or canoe is more suitable for those who want to
travel greater distance since it has speed. A wider boat is suitable for birdwatching, fishing, or
photography.

BOTTOM SHAPE

1. Flat- this design has good stability in calm waters.

2. Round- this is design for speed and efficiency. One may feel a little shaky when one steps in it.

3. Vee- this boat in between the flat and round bottom design boats, thus with practice it comes with a
good all-around performance.

HOW SHOULD ONE CHOOSE A PADDLE?

Paddles are the Equipment used to maneuver the boat. Single-bladed paddles are usually used for
canoes and double-bladed paddles are for kayak. If a person has a small build, then shorter, lighter
paddle is best so as no to overexert oneself.
A personal flotation such as a life vest or jacket, will help one to be afloat in case that boat capsizes.

A helmet that protects the head especially when paddling in rocky area.

Appropriate clothing depending on the air and water temperature.

Footwear should be a lightweight canvas shoes or river sandals.

A water bottle for rehydrating oneself.

Extra clothes and energy food placed in dry or waterproof bag.

Protective gears from the sun such as sunscreen or hats

Whistle for emergency

First aid kit and duct tape for emergency situations

Spray kits

Compass

Waterproof torch that floats

SCUBA DIVING

Scuba is an acronym for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus or SCUBA.

WHAT ARE THE BASIC SCUBA DIVING EQUIPMENT?

1. DIVE MASK

Creates the air pocket to have a clearer view of the underwater.

2. SNORKEL is a breathing tube allowing you to inhale and exhale through your mouth when

swimming face down on water surfaces.

3. REGULATOR

lets you breathe underwater. It connects to your tank and delivers air to your mouth when you exhale.

4. BCD or BOIYANCY CONTROL DEVICE

helps control the position in the water column. If air is added in an internal bladder, then one rises
toward the surface. By removing air from it, one sinks.
5. OCTOPUS

Is the backup regulator. It usually has a longer hose and a bright yellow body so it is easy to find and can
be used by others in an emergency.

6. WEIGHT BELT

is used to counteract buoyancy.

7. SPG or SUBMERSIBLE PRESSURE GAUGE

shows how much of the air is left

8. SCUBA TANK

contains the pressurized air which allows one to breathe and to stay longer underwater

9. FINS

provide the propulsion that makes it possible to swim with lesser effort.

10. SCUBA or WER SUIT

provides protection from the coldness of the water and from other elements.

OTHER ACCESSORIES:

monitors the diver’s depth, time of being underwater, and the remaining time for one to be safely down
in the water.

1. DIVE COMPUTER

2. DIVE LIGHT

provides the needed light as it can be dark underwater

3. DIVE KNIFE

is used for cutting ropes. Lines, ad monofilament.

4. DIVE CASE

is used for protecting the gears while travelling.

WHAT ARE THE SKILLS NEEDED IN SCUBA DIVING?

There are different skills and procedure employed from pre-diving, descending, swimming deep under,
and surfacing back.

PRE-DIVE

The pre-dive entails procedures that divers adhere to. There is the detailed safety check of equipment
and readiness on the diver as well. After all the equipment have been checked, the diver should also be
prepared before going underwater. This is done through the five-point descend. The procedure is as
follows:

1. Signal (thumbs down) to descend and wait for acknowledgement from buddy.

2. Orient to some surface object for reference. The most exact way for a diver to orient himself is by
using a compass

3. Remove the snorkel and replace it with the regulator mouthpiece

4. Time check: the timing device must set.

5. Deflate the BCD (Buoyancy Compensator Device) just enough so that one slowly begins to sink and
exhale to help self in descending.

6. Feet first in descent or at least the head is above the feet to remain oriented.

ASCENDING

When one is ready to end a dive, do the following:

1. Signal buddy and begin the ascent together

2. Begin ascent while there is still sufficient air remaining in the tank

3. Go slowly.

4. Breathe continuously when ascending ; do not hold your breath.