SNORKELING

SNORKELING
One of the best but simple way 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
Snorkeling is peeking through life underneath
water by swimming with the aid of a snorkel and mask.
Through snorkeling, one can observe the underwater
attractions for a longer period of time, without the need to
constantly resurface to gasp for air, and with relatively lesser
effort.
 SNORKELING
Snorkeling is not only used 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.
 SNORKELING
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, hamstrings, calves, ankles, hip
flexors, core muscles, and shoulders while
swimming.
 SNORKELING
Above all, snorkeling
builds greater lung capacity as
one is forced to hold breath
underwater for sustained
periods of time.
 SNORKELING
It increases the oxygen uptake, which is
a positive indicator of aerobic fitness. It is
also a good cardiovascular workout as it
increases heart rate and strengthens the
heart muscle.
 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.
 BASIC EQUIPMENT IN SNORKELING?

The basic gears needed in snorkeling are

the snorkel, goggles, and fins. Other
essential equipment, although optional
for some, are the floating vest and rash
guard.
 BASIC EQUIPMENT IN SNORKELING?

A. 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.
 BASIC EQUIPMENT IN SNORKELING?

A. Mask
The airspace created in the mask is what
helps in seeing clearly underwater. The nose being
enclosed in the mask will have its special function in
equalizing pressure during dives.
 BASIC EQUIPMENT IN SNORKELING?

A. Mask

What do we mean by this? Diving underwater

brings pressure on the air space in the mask. In order to
equalize this pressure, one needs to exhale a little air
through the nose, inside the mask.
 BASIC EQUIPMENT IN SNORKELING?

A. Mask
Otherwise, one might suffer from "mask squeeze", a
condition where the soft tissues beneath the mask, especially
around the eyes, swell and discolor. There are two most
important things to remember in choosing a mask.
 BASIC EQUIPMENT IN SNORKELING?

A. Mask
There are two most important things to
remember in choosing a mask. These are fit and
comfort. Please refer to "Tips in Choosing a Mask" for
more information on how to pick out the correct
mask.
 PARTS OF THE MASK
Strap holds the mask to the
face underwater. Mask Skirt is the soft flexible material
that seals the mask around the face.

Nose Pocket cushions and protects the nose. Some masks have the purge valve, a little flap
valve located at the bottom of nose pocket that helps in removing the water that has
entered the masks.
 TIPS IN CHOOSING THE MASK
Step 1: Choosing the Mask

Observe feature of face

(narrow face, high nose, etc.) and pick a mask
that looks like the features of your face.
 TIPS IN CHOOSING THE MASK

Step 2: Testing the Mask

Put the mask on your face without
putting the strap. Look in a mirror and check where
the mask skirt lies, Is it too narrow around the sides of
your eyes? Does your nose have plenty of room
because remember when snorkeling, water pressure
will press the mask into your face a bit.
 TIPS IN CHOOSING THE MASK

Step 3: Do the Suction Test

Put the mask to your face without
putting the strap around the head. Let the strap rest on
top of the mask. Press the mask slightly to your face.
Inhale a small amount through your nose to suction it to
your face, then release your hand. The mask should stay
on your face. Walk a bit, the mask should still stay on your
face and not fall off.
 TIPS IN CHOOSING THE MASK
Step 4: Put the Mask on Fully
Try the mask on with its strap around your head.
The strap should sit high on the back of the head, not resting on
your ears as this might cause discomfort and pain. Having the strap
lose and too tight will both cause leak. If the mask left red line
around your face when you removed the mask, then the seal is too
tight and the mask is not for you. Also, make sure that you can still
easily pinch your nose so that you can clear your ears when diving
underwater.
 TIPS IN CHOOSING THE MASK

Step 5. Snorkel-Mask Fitting

With the mask on and strapped just right, put the
snorkel in your mouth and see what happens to the seal. Some do not
do this for fitting but it can change the shape of your face and break
the seal of some masks. If it does, try another mask.
 SNORKEL

The snorkel is a piece of equipment that makes

it possible to breathe at the surface while the face is

submerged in water. The snorkel is basically composed

of a tube, also called the barrel, and a mouthpiece.

 SNORKEL

The tube-end sticks out of the water

while the mouthpiece goes in the mouth. The
snorkel also has a clip so it can be attached to the
mask. 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
 SNORKEL

The classic snorkel has the most basic part, the

solid tube and the mouthpiece. Sometimes, this can be
bent to a specific shape.
 SNORKEL
The snorkel with a flexible tube below
the strap attachment point is more comfortable
than the classic snorkel. The flexible tube allows
the top and mouthpiece to rotate to different
angles to better fit the face. It can also drop away
from the face when not in use.
 SNORKEL

A common feature of many

snorkels is the purge valve. This is a small
valve just lower than the mouth that empties
the collected water that comes down the
tube when one blows it out.
 SNORKEL

A splash guard prevents splashed

water and spray from easily entering the tube.
However, this will not stop water from
entering the tube when a big wave covers the
snorkel or when one goes underwater.
 SNORKEL

The dry valve is a special valve on

top of the tube that completely stops water (and
air) from entering the tube when a wave comes
or when diving underwater. This way, one does
not need to clear the water out when coming
back to the surface.
 SNORKEL PARTS GUIDE
Dry Valve or
Splash Guard

Mask Strap Clip

Mouth Piece

Purge Valve

Flex Tube