How to Use Snorkelling Equipment
Getting the Most From the Equipment Used for Snorkelling
Aug 9, 2009
The magic of a coral reef, such as snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, opens up as a snorkeller drifts on the surface.
Five items are needed for safe and enjoyable snorkelling:
- Face mask
- Snorkel
- Fins, or flippers
- Adequate clothing
- Snorkelling buddy
Follow the links to information on the first three items of snorkelling gear.
Adequate clothing reduces the impact of the sun; and prevents coral cuts or stings from marine life.
A snorkelling buddy is for safety; and also shares the snorkelling experience.
Preventing Snorkeller’s Face Mask From Fogging
A common problem with the snorkeller’s face mask is fogging. This occurs when the warmth of the face heats the air behind the mask. This is warmer than the outside water, causing condensation on the faceplate.
Follow these steps to de-fog a snorkeller’s face mask:
1) Rinse the mask in the water, and empty out;
2) Spit onto the inside of the faceplate;
3) rub it around;
4) rinse out the mask, then put it on.
If this doesn’t help, leave a small amount of water in the bottom of the mask. During the snorkel, without taking off the mask, roll the water around the inside of the faceplate to wash away the fog.
Sealing The Snorkeller’s Face Mask With A Beard
For a snorkeller with a beard or moustache, the mask may not seal properly against the face due to the hair breaking the seal.
This can be overcome by applying a smear of petroleum jelly on the beard or moustache where the face mask sits.
Another problem that causes water in the mask, is long hair caught when the mask is put on. This is addressed by simply pulling out the hair.
Using A Wetsuit When Snorkelling
In certain situations a snorkeller may need a wetsuit. This is usually worn for warmth, but can protect against the sun.
A wetsuit also provides protection against the many dangers to bare skin that are in the water. Just a few that snorkellers may come up against are:
- Fire corals
- Coral scrapes
- Oyster beds
- Rocky entry and exit
A wetsuit is buoyant, so snorkellers who don’t dive below the surface could use a wetsuit to assist their buoyancy. This can make the snorkelling experience that much better as the snorkeller is not having to fight to stay on the surface.
Using A Wetsuit And Weightbelt When Snorkelling
If a snorkeller needs to wear a wetsuit and wants to dive below the surface, the affect of the buoyant wetsuit needs to be reduced. This is addressed by using a scuba diver’s weightbelt.
To check how much weight is needed, float the wetsuit in the water where the snorkel will take place and keep putting weights on it. When the wetsuit, and the weights, are floating just below the surface, the wetsuit is neutrally buoyant and shouldn’t impact the snorkeller’s ability to dive below the surface.
For a snorkeller using a scuba diver’s weightbelt, it should be positioned such that the buckle can be opened with the right hand moving across the body. This is the international standard and establishes a good habit should the snorkeller move on to scuba diving.
Proper use of the correct snorkelling equipment is needed for safe and enjoyable snorkelling.
 |
