How to Find the Right Snorkel Equipment

Snorkeling is fun and easy and something almost anyone can do, but if you have the wrong equipment, then your experience can be ruined. With the wrong equipment, you will spend all your time adjusting and readjusting instead of enjoying the experience. Here are a few tips to insure you are well prepared for the experience.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Whether you're buying or renting gear, you want to find the right gear or you won't be able to enjoy your new experience. All equipment--masks especially--is something that you need to see, touch and test before purchasing. Avoid buying this type of equipment over the Internet.
2. Mask. A good mask is one you put on your face and it creates a seal. To see of there is a seal, suck in with your nose. If air seeps through anywhere around the perimeter of the mask, you don't have a seal. If you can't get any air in your nose, you have a seal and the mask fits. This insures that when you're in the water, no water will seep into the mask.
3. Snorkel. Snorkels are easy. Some have mechanisms built in that will help you purge the water when some gets inside, but these are extra features and more expensive. A good snorkel will fit well on your mask when it is on your head.
4. Fins. If you don't plan on swimming far, smaller fins are fine. If you plan on swimming some distance, get larger fins. A good fin will fit your foot and be comfortable barefoot or with wet boots on. Try on the fin and make sure it doesn't rub anywhere. This could cause blisters.

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