Semi-dry snorkels are characterized by splash guards, flex tubes, and purge valves. Splash guards help to keep water from choppy waves, splashes, or spray from getting in through the top of the snorkel tube.
The splash guard is typically a molded piece of plastic that sits on top of the snorkel opening. When well designed, angled slits and baffles on the splash guard effectively shunt water away from the opening without impeding airflow. Most semi-dry snorkels also have a purge valve. The purge valve is housed in a reservoir below the mouthpiece where excess water can collect.
The bottom of the reservoir has a soft silicone mushroom valve that will open when you forcefully exhale to clear the tube. Tip: Choose a snorkel where the purge valve is indented into the reservoir somewhat, not exposed on the outside. An exposed purge valve is more prone to accidentally opening due to currents or even quick movements of your head and body. The main advantage of flex tubes is that they give you the freedom to adjust the positioning of the mouthpiece, which makes for a more comfortable fit.
Some folks appreciate this, while others may find the dangling mouthpiece annoying. Chances are the first snorkel you ever tried was a semi-dry snorkel. For casual activity, a dangling mouthpiece from a flex tube is a plus for occasionally popping above the surface to have a chat with your buddy. Semi-dry snorkels also come in a broad range of styles and sizes, meaning sleeker models can be used for breath-hold sports too. A dry snorkel is characterized by a float valve mechanism near the opening of the tube.
The float valve seals the dry snorkel if it becomes completely submerged. For example, this might happen if you take a dive or a large wave rolls over you. Though the specifics vary across brands and models, all dry valves use buoyancy to open and close the snorkel opening. If the top of the snorkel is submerged, the float mechanism will rise up to close the opening.
At the surface, the mechanism opens again, allowing you to start breathing immediately. In other words, dry snorkels almost never need to be cleared of water. That does not mean you can breathe underwater with it!
You cannot breathe underwater with a dry snorkel if the snorkel is completely submerged. There is simply not enough air trapped in the tube for you to breathe with! Dry snorkels are the best choice for total beginners and anyone who has difficulty with the technique of clearing water from the snorkel tube. A dry snorkel might also be a good choice if you never intend to do any diving with your snorkel.
Snorkeling: How to Breathe Like an Expert. How Do Swim Fins Work? The Physics of Finning. Some of the links used in this article are affiliate links learn more here. The final part of the mask is the nose pocket. Unlike normal goggles, a snorkel mask covers your nose. This is because you need to breathe through your mouth and not your nose! It can take a bit of getting used to, we admit.
The tube part is the actual snorkel. In olden times, snorkels were made from reeds or bamboo that were hollowed out. Nowadays, snorkels are made of plastic. The snorkel has a mouthpiece which, surprise, surprise, goes in your mouth. It usually has two prongs that you can bite onto for a better grip if needed. The mouthpiece is connected to the tube with an elbow joint. In higher-end snorkels, there is usually a flexi-tube between the mouthpiece and the hard tube.
This allows you to fit the snorkel more comfortably. The snorkel attaches to the mask with a small clip. Depending on the type of snorkel, you may also notice a purge valve and a guard on the snorkel. More on these in a second. The point of a snorkel is to give you a constant supply of fresh air while you swim. The snorkel top sits above the water allowing you to breathe air through the mouthpiece under the water.
The mask allows you to see underwater without hurting your eyes. It also stops you from breathing through your nose which would be useless underwater. Snorkeling is not like diving. A snorkel is designed to deliver oxygen from the surface to your lungs. The length of your snorkel will determine how deep you can go. Most snorkels are about 10 inches long. The longest possible length of a snorkel is 16 inches. If snorkels were any longer they would be unwieldy.
Another issue with long snorkels is that they would be nearly impossible to breathe through. The deeper you go the higher the pressure around you. While this piece of equipment is not required for strong swimmers, it can make the snorkeling experience safer, more comfortable, and more relaxing. Snorkel vests also improve safety in emergencies or unforeseen conditions, such as a jellyfish sting, medical issue, sudden waves, or strong current, and increase visibility.
To learn more about why snorkel vests are the best flotation device for snorkelers, read our article here. Wetsuits come in all different shapes and sizes that provide varying levels of thermal insulation. In addition to keeping you warm, a wetsuit can also help protect you from the sun, jellyfish stings, abrasions, and other irritants in the water.
Whether or not a wetsuit is required for snorkeling will depend on the water temperature at your destination. In cooler waters, a wetsuit is essential to remain safe and comfortable while snorkeling.
However, mastering the techniques below can improve your experience. While non-swimmers can go snorkeling, knowing how to swim will increase your safety and enjoyment. Pushing yourself through the water with only your legs and fins while keeping your arms relaxed at your sides will help you conserve energy. Make sure to minimize splashing to avoid scaring away the fish. Proper breathing techniques while snorkeling will help you stay relaxed, keep you safe, and prevent dizziness.
When you breathe through a snorkel, your lungs have to work harder to overcome the additional respiratory dead space. When employed properly, deep breathing techniques can help prevent this from occurring by exchanging the air in the snorkel tube more efficiently. Before you get in the water, familiarize yourself with deep breathing exercises and practice inhaling and exhaling slowly and deeply.
Advanced snorkelers and freedivers hold their breath as they swim and explore under the surface, a skill known as breath-hold diving. Learning this technique and increasing the amount of time you can hold your breath will allow you to immerse yourself deeper in the underwater world and get closer to coral reefs and other marine life.
Make sure to avoid hyperventilating before diving since this can have harmful effects. Understanding how snorkeling works and what kinds of skills and equipment are required are important first steps for those interested in trying snorkeling. Now that you know the answers to these questions, you should be more prepared for a safe and enjoyable snorkeling adventure.
Keep in mind that it takes time to master snorkeling techniques. Take it slow, be patient, and have fun! Toklu, A S et al. Elliott, David H et al. Rebecca lives next to the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, where she guides kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and snorkeling tours. She is passionate about outdoor activities and enjoys writing pieces that inspire others to get outside.
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