How to Buy a Snorkel

Buying the right snorkel doesn't have to involve a lot of decision-making. Snorkels are pretty basic pieces of equipment. By reading the following steps you will have all the information you need to buy the right snorkel for you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Know that the most important feature is the mouthpiece. You want it to fit comfortably inside your mouth. Should the mouthpiece feel too hard or too wide, try another snorkel. Replacement mouthpieces are available.

2. Understand that the standard snorkel is a J-shaped tube that sticks out of the water. Should you dive down, the snorkel will fill up and need to be cleared upon your return to the surface.

3. Keep in mind dry snorkels are designed to keep water from entering the tube.

4. Purge snorkels will also fill with water should you dive under, but are designed with a purging device meant to drain the tube.

5. Understand specialty snorkels, equipped with bells and whistles that have nothing do with breathing, are also on the market. The radio snorkel, for instance, has an FM radio embedded into the mouthpiece.

6. Remember that every snorkel accomplishes the primary goal. How much do you want to spend?

Tips & Warnings

• When it comes down to it, every snorkel accomplishes the same goal which is allowing you to breathe while you are face down in the water. You could spend from $10 to $200 depending on how much you want to spend. Snorkeling is a wet activity and generally speaking, water is eventually going to get inside you snorkel, not matter what kind you purchase.
• Chomping down on your mouthpiece when snorkeling will give you a sore jaw, but won't help keep the water out. The natural seal your mouth makes around the mouthpiece is generally sufficient to keep the water out.