How to Dress to Go Snorkeling
One of the great things about snorkeling is the simplicity of the sport itself and the gear you need. As long as you're snorkeling in a relatively warm climate, all you need is a bathing suit and the snorkeling gear. Your gear typically consists of a snorkeling vest, mask, snorkel and fins.
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Instructions
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Purchase a snorkeling mask that adheres to your face and is made of PVC plastic or silicone. You can also purchase a mask with drop-in lenses or custom-ground lenses that are customized to your vision. You can purchase defogger "goop" at dive shops that prevent your mask from fogging up while you're peering at underwater inhabitants. A purge valve, a built-in feature on some masks, allows a diver to purge water from the mask by breathing out through the nose. However, snorkelers should learn to clear out their masks with or without a valve.
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Purchase a standard or purge-valve snorkel. Although more expensive, the purge-valve is easier to clear. You expel air quickly through the mouthpiece and water shoots out the top of the snorkel. For a child, purchase a model with a smaller mouthpiece and narrower tubes. Also look for brightly-colored snorkels for kids; these are easier to spot when you're swimming with a group.
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Evaluate the snorkels for their angle. A snorkel should stick straight up when your head is facing down and slightly forward.
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Purchase swim fins in one of two styles, heel strap or full foot. Heel-strap fins are usually best for children because they are adjustable. Make sure they are high quality or the heel strap will soon break. Full-foot fins are more comfortable and more efficient. Good fins are lightweight. Look for smaller blades for children.
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Consider snorkel vests for weaker swimmers and children. Snorkelers wear these small inflatable vests to give them buoyancy in the water. Snorkel vests provide buoyancy that allows the wearer to relax and focus on underwater sights. Vests are usually inflated by blowing through a small tube. The air is released by pressing a small valve.
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Bring an underwater camera when you go snorkeling. Underwater cameras let you record your trip into the underwater world. Cameras come in 3 different categories: disposable underwater cameras, waterproof cameras and traditional cameras in a waterproof housing.
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Tips & Warnings
Grab a T-shirt and an old pair of socks before you go snorkeling. The T-shirt can keep you warm and the socks will protect your feet if your swim fins start to chafe.
Wear sunscreen, especially if you're snorkeling in a warm or tropical location.
Remember that snorkel vests are not life vests.
