The following are techniques to make snorkelling enjoyable, safe and fun.
Clearing the Snorkel
Clearing the water in the snorkel after swimming below the surface is the main issue a snorkeller must deal with.
The principle is to blow the water out of the snorkel on surfacing, while keeping the face looking down into the water.
The best way to do this is by tilting the head at an angle as the head breaks the surface. This is best done by looking at the surface as the snorkeller surfaces. Then as the snorkel breaks free into the air, a quick blow from the lungs will clear the snorkel.
Doing this at an angle doesn’t require as much effort as when the snorkel is pointing straight up as the water in the snorkel is not as heavy.
Surface Diving With a Snorkel
There are two main ways to get underwater when snorkelling.
- The pike, or duck dive. The snorkeller on the surface, bends in the middle so the head faces down; then the arms pull the body down. The fins don’t start kicking until under the water to prevent the wild thrashing of the fins on the surface.
- The feet-first dive. First the snorkeller fins straight up so the body is high out of the water, then sinks straight down. Once under water, the snorkeller rolls into a ball, tucking the feet up until the head is facing into the depths. Again the hands pull the body down and the fins don’t start kicking until clear of the surface.
Ear Pain While Snorkelling
Ear pain while snorkelling is caused when a snorkeller descends creating a pressure difference across the eardrum between the outer and middle ear. This forces the eardrum to bulge inwards causing increasing ear pain until eventually the eardrum will burst.
Equalisation of the pressure difference is achieved via the eustachian tube that connects the middle ear and the throat. The tube must open to allow the higher pressure (in the throat) to flow into the middle ear.
The eustachian tube is kept closed by small muscles in the throat. To open these muscles, the snorkeller must yawn, swallow or move the jaw.
Sometimes opening the eustachian tube is not enough and a snorkeller may need to force air up the tube. The snorkeller pinches the nose and blows against the closed nose and mouth. This equalises pressure across the eardrum and is usually referred to as the ear “popping”.
Called the “Valsalva” technique, it is named after a scientist in the 18th century.
It must not be forceful as the eardrum can rupture.
Snorkelling in Tight Places
For some snorkellers there is temptation to swim through caves, under ledges or into wrecks. This can be fun and challenging, but there are risks involved.
- a piece of clothing could get caught;
- a serious knock on the head on a narrow space;
- or maybe an encounter with fire coral.
These risks can be minimised, but not eliminated, by having a snorkelling buddy watch over these activities.
Snorkelling Hyperventilation
A common practice for snorkellers is taking long, deep breaths (hyperventilate) just prior to ducking under the water. This can prolong the time on the one breath.
Hyperventilation increases oxygen and decreases carbon dioxide in the body. This is acceptable for a few breaths, however prolonged hyperventilation can reduce the carbon dioxide in the body to levels where the acid-base balance of the blood is disrupted. This is called hypocapnia and can lead to unconsciousness.
Snorkelling hyperventilation should be limited to just three or four breaths.
The above snorkelling techniques should lead to safe and enjoyable snorkelling.
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