To ensure the best snorkeling experience, it’s essential to arm yourself with appropriate gear. Not having the right equipment can cause frequent interruptions and most of your time will be used to ensure your comfort rather than genuinely enjoy observing marine life.
There are only three pieces of snorkel gear that you need to have – a mask, snorkel, and fins.
Choosing a Mask
Remember that a mask will serve as your window in the world below the water’s surface. The most important thing that you need to make sure of when choosing a mask is that it feels comfortable to wear. Not wearing a comfortable mask will turn this beautiful activity into a nightmare.
The second thing that you need to check is that they fit and properly seal around your face. If a mask doesn’t fit well, it will ultimately get filled with water. Lastly, you should make sure that you can see properly through them.
If you wear contact lenses or glasses, then you should check if your mask can be fitted with corrective lenses. There are differently priced masks on the market. If you decide to spend a bit more, you will have a mask made from better materials. For example, the silicone skirt of the mask will be made from softer silicone, which will make it more comfortable to wear.
Additionally, higher-quality masks have clearer glass, which will definitely improve your snorkeling experience. Higher quality lenses have fewer impurities. In other words, you will get to see the underwater world in more vibrant colors.
When getting into snorkeling, many people make the rookie mistake of buying a cheap mask in a supermarket, thinking that it’s good enough. A lot of things can go wrong if you purchase this type of mask. Instead, choose one that was made strictly for the purpose of snorkeling.
Choosing a Snorkel
Although choosing a snorkel may seem like a simple task, this piece of equipment actually comes in a number of different sizes, types, and styles. If you’re new to this sport, then you should choose a snorkel that isn’t too long, as the longer it is, the harder it is to use it. A medium-length snorkel is perfect for beginners since it will allow you to breathe easily and remain elevated enough that it stays out of the water.
The thing that should be your absolute priority when buying a snorkel is comfort. Remember that you need to have a mouthpiece that will feel good in your mouth. Any type of discomfort you experience from wearing the wrong type of gear will result in you having a not-so-great experience. You should also check how the snorkel attaches to your mask. After all, you don’t want to spend a lot of time and energy attaching it every time you want to go into the water.
Fins
Snorkeling fins are designed with the purpose of helping you get from one place to another in an efficient way. You’ll most likely get confused when you see how many different types of snorkeling fins there are on the market. However, it’s best that you just stick to the basics. Remember that the most important thing is comfort.
Make sure to always try on your fins before you buy them, even if they’re the same shoe size. If they’re too tight, fins will leave you with a foot cramp. However, know that they should feel a little tight when you put them on, since they need to stay on your feet when they get wet. Even if you’re fins are just a little loose, there’s still a good chance that they will slip off once you get in the water.
Water Shoes
Water shoes are one of the essential gears to wear when it comes to moving around water. You do not know what is beneath the surface, and in walking on water, you can hurt yourself if your feet encounter any sharp material. That’s why some people always wear water shoes before getting into the water. With bare feet, sharp rocks or coral can hurt you.
Other than protection, water shoes provide comfort, grip, and perfect traction. That makes you play more joyfully and get indulged in water sports the way you wanted. Water Shoes have evolved a long way to reach today’s design. From bulky rubber shoes to today’s soft footwear that you barely notice on your feet, it is a complete journey and needs dedicated hard work to cover.
Snorkeling Vest
Snorkeling vests are designed to help you rest if you ever become too tired while you’re still in the water. By adder air to the vest orally, you will be able to remain afloat until you regain your strength and are able to continue with your adventure.
Snorkeling Wetsuits
Snorkeling wetsuits are one of the staple gears in water sport. Being exposed to sea temperatures can damage your skin that’s why an appropriate wetsuit is used to protect your body. Anything that is present in the seawater can be a potential hazard to anyone who is in the water, a wetsuit can also serve as an added layer of protection.
If you are planning a snorkeling trip with other water activities on the side, getting the right gear and equipment for improved protection is a worthy investment if you want to enjoy your trip until the last day. The best wetsuits should be able to be functional for your snorkeling activity as well as protective.
Water-Resistant Sunscreen
You will spend a lot of your time exposed to the sunlight when you’re out snorkeling, so you shouldn’t choose the first bottle of sunscreen that you see at the supermarket. Instead, opt for quality water-resistant sunscreen that will keep you protected.
You should also go for a reef-friendly sunscreen since a lot of sunscreens contain chemicals that are extremely harmful to fish and corals. In case you want to keep your lips protected from sunburn as well, know that you can find a great water-resistant lip sunscreen balm.
Rash Guards
Although sunscreen will keep you protected, you’ll have to spend a lot of time reapplying it every time you get out of the water. This is why most people wear rash guards when they snorkel. You can get anything from a short-sleeved top to a full-body rash guard.
