Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Facts Concerning The Best Snorkeling Gear

By Andrea Davidson


Snorkeling is an activity in which people swim through or on the water. The swimmers are given a snorkel and diving mask to wear, and may put on a wetsuit and fins as well. This is not like traditional swimming in that it designed to allow the person to stay underwater for extended periods and does not require much effort. Those involved in this, or with future plans to do it, will be looking for the best snorkeling gear.

This is a popular recreational activity. It is commonly done in places where scuba diving is common or in tropical regions and resorts. It is appealing to a lot of people because it allows them to see underwater life. And, in contrast to scuba diving, it does not require a person receive a lot of training or use a lot of equipment. The activity is done by many people at varying ages.

Scuba divers might also participate in snorkeling when they need to be on the surface of the water. Search and rescue teams have been known to employ this method while doing water searches. This is also common among athletes who play underwater versions of hockey or rugby, or participate in spearfishing. Greek philosopher Aristotle mentioned a similar activity in a written work and so it is believed that this is not a new practice.

Not a lot of gear is needed to do this activity. However, one of the most important parts is a snorkel. These are tubes that are generally 30 centimeters long and feature an inner diameter that is less than 3 centimeters. Typically they have a shape like the letters L or J, and feature a mouthpiece at the bottom end that may be made from rubber or plastic material.

The snorkel is necessary to allow the swimmer to breathe even when his or her mouth and nose are under the water. Usually these feature a rubber attachment that allows for connection to the diving mask. The ideal length for the pieces is around 40 centimeters. Long tubes do not permit breathing in deeper water, as human lungs will still struggle to operate against the high pressure.

Dive masks are other pieces of essential gear. These are like the ones used by scuba divers. They are designed to allow users to clearly see while the eyes are under the water. Pieces are known to vary in size, shape and style. The majority of the masks are made from rubber or silicone. Wetsuits and fins are largely considered optional, but many opt to wear them for convenience and comfort.

People who do this often or plan on participating might be looking for gear. Many places sell the products that are needed and have trained staff that can offer assistance in fitting and other issues. Most facilities that provide sessions or classes have their own gear available for rent. Individuals will be given information related to safety and equipment use. Generally, the activity is not recommended for those who do not feel comfortable in the water or swimming, unless this is done with supervision and in shallow water.

The best snorkeling gear fits and is used properly. Not much equipment or training is needed to do this activity. A snorkel and diving mask are essential pieces of gear, and wetsuits and fins are considered optional.




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