How to Snorkel and use Snorkelling Equipment

Tips for Successful Swimming with a Mask, Breathing Tube and Fins

Mar 20, 2009

Learning how to snorkel properly with a breathing tube, mask and fins helps to ensure an enjoyable exploration of the underwater world and a safe snorkelling experience.

Although snorkelling is not difficult, it can be a daunting encounter for someone who has never snorkelled before. Swimming comfortably while wearing a snorkelling mask, breathing through a tube and wearing rubber flippers can take a little getting used to. Here are some tips for using snorkel equipment correctly and getting the most out of a snorkelling adventure.

How to Prepare the Snorkelling Equipment

Put some defogging solution inside the snorkel mask to keep the mask clear while it is in the water, and then rinse it out. If no mask defogging solution is available, saliva will suffice as a suitable alternative. If a snorkel mask is new, it will need to be washed out with a mild washing up liquid first to remove compounds used in the manufacturing process that can make the mask fog up.

Before putting on the snorkel fins, give them a quick dip in the water to help them slide easily onto the feet. Tighten any straps if necessary to secure the fins and ensure they fit comfortably.

Attach the snorkel tube to the mask strap’s snorkel tube holder and put the mask on; the mask strap should go over the crown of the head, while the mask itself comes down over the eyes and nose. Ensure the mask is tightened securely and sits firmly in place. Put the snorkel in the mouth, adjusting it as necessary so it feels comfortable.

Getting in the Water

If entering the water via a beach and it is necessary to walk into the water, walk in backwards, sliding the feet back and sideways, so as to avoid tripping on the blades of the fins.

When entering deep water from a boat, sit on the edge, and push off from the side. If the edge is quite a distance from the water’s surface, stand up on the edge and step into the water, first ensuring the water is deep enough. It will be necessary to hold the snorkel mask so that it does not slip up the face when making contact with the water.

How to Snorkel

Perhaps the most important thing to remember when learning to snorkel is to relax. It can be a little unnerving breathing through a snorkel tube for the first time; it is not a natural instinct to want to breathe underwater.

Begin by putting the face in the water at a 45 degree angle, lay flat and just float, take in what is around, and do not panic. Breathe rhythmically and slowly through the tube; the sound of breathing in and out will be quite noticeable.

To swim forwards, kick the legs from the hips, not from the knees. Kicking with the knees wastes energy, whereas kicking from the hips propels the body through the water more efficiently. Keep the kicking movements slow and relaxed, smooth and graceful; it is not necessary to kick the feet high enough for the fins to hit the water’s surface.

While swimming, try to keep the head in the water, as taking it out to breathe only wastes energy. Keep the arms by the side of the body or straight out in front to stay streamlined. If there is something interesting below the surface of the water, it may be necessary to dive down and get a closer look.

It can be useful to practice snorkelling in a swimming pool before venturing out to try snorkelling in the sea.

U.S. Divers. (2006). Enhancing Your Snorkeling Adventure. (DVD). USA: Aqualung.

The copyright of the article How to Snorkel and use Snorkelling Equipment in Swimming & Diving is owned by Sharon Kirby. Permission to republish How to Snorkel and use Snorkelling Equipment in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.