How to Snorkel

Snorkeling is fun and very easy to learn – it is just like swimming, only better! Snorkeling requires no special training, it just uses your ability to swim and is a great introduction for those people who think they may be interested in learning to scuba dive.
 
First, make sure that your mask and snorkel are comfortable and fit properly. The snorkel should be attached to the strap on your mask on your left side. Once you have the mask and snorkel assembled and in place on you head, test it out. Take a deep breath and gently bite down on the snorkel’s mouthpiece. Then, put your head in the water and exhale once sharply in order to clear any water that might be in the shaft of the snorkel. Inhale gently to see if there is any residual water left in the snorkel and clear again, if necessary. This is good practice, as you will sometimes have water enter the snorkel unexpectedly and you will be accustomed to clearing it without any problem.
 
You may want to practice getting used to breathing with the snorkel, by just floating along in the water, with just your face and mask submerged, until you are relaxed and comfortable.
 
Once you have become comfortable with learning to move smoothly on the surface – something that may take a little practice – you can move on to exploring underwater. Just inhale, hold your breath and dive underwater! When you surface, clear your snorkel in the usual manner and again, breathe cautiously to be sure that your snorkel has cleared.
 
Part of learning to move smoothly in the water is mastering the use of your fins. Your kick should be just a flutter type movement, not the big bicycle style kick. The easiest way to do accomplish this is by relaxing your knees and ankles and gently moving your legs. Your fins will naturally and easily propel you through the water and you will hardly need the use of your arms and hands – when you feel confident enough, you can use them to hold the camera!
 
Be safe when you are snorkeling and do not exceed your personal limitations. If you are not a strong swimmer, or are going to be snorkeling in wavy waters, wear flotation equipment. Always snorkel with a buddy, and be sure that someone else on land or someone with your boat knows where you are going. It is very easy to become off-track with your location, so remember to look up and around every few minutes.