Relax and Take It Easy
One
of the biggest mistakes that novice snorkelers make is to overdo
things. It’s easy to get excited by the wonders that you see for the
first time. The adrenalin rush can cause you to overextend yourself and
swim more and faster than your body can handle. This applies to even
strong swimmers who are snorkeling for the first time. Swim slowly and
stay as relaxed as possible. This will allow your body to know when it
is getting tired so you can return to the surface and rest for a while,
before entering the water again. Another factor to keep in mind, is that
a snorkel does, to some extent, limit your breathing, so excess
physical activity can leave you feeling out of breath. As you become
familiar with the underwater environment and your body gets used to
snorkeling, you will learn to pace yourself and increase your enjoyment.
Understand the Ocean
The
ocean is alive. It has moods, its appearance can be deceptive and it
has unseen forces that can affect you. Understanding how to judge
snorkeling conditions, the weather and how to read the currents will all
contribute to your safety and enjoyment of the experience. These are
skills that you will develop over time. In the early stages of your
snorkeling life, it is important to venture into the water only in the
company of a trained professional who will be able to teach you the
essentials and keep you safe while you learn them. A snorkeling
instructor can at times appear to be a killjoy who takes you out of the
water when you are having fun. But he is doing it for a reason that may
not be apparent to you and it is important that you listen to him.
Find the Right Location
The
world is full of wonderful snorkeling locations. Some can be difficult
and even dangerous for the rookie. Always start out at a safe location
where the conditions are going to be those that you can handle with
ease. The waters off Big Island of Hawaii are an ideal place to start.
The ocean conditions are ideal for beginners. There are great snorkeling
spots where you can find coral reefs and marine life that are unique to
this part of the world. Charter boats with experienced crews are
available and they will take care of you, charter you to the best spots,
look after your safety and ensure that you are comfortable and well fed
during the trip. A bad experience can put you off snorkeling but a good
one can open up a world of underwater fun and adventure that will be an
unforgettable adventure.
Enjoy Yourself
Snorkeling
is not a race. Or a way to show off physical prowess or swimming
skills. It is an experience to be savored and enjoyed. When snorkeling,
you do not have to prove anything to anyone. Do only what you are
comfortable with. If someone can swim faster than you or go deeper,
that’s fine. There will be others who cannot do, what you do. Snorkeling
is for fun, so enjoy it without worrying about the abilities of others.
You
are a visitor. And like all guests, you need to mind your manners. Show
courtesy and consideration for others. Do not touch the corals or try
to touch or frighten the fish or turtles you come across. Leave the
world below the surface as pristine as you found it so that other can
enjoy it too.
Come enjoy
Hawaii, taste the pleasures of the ocean, dance by the firelight and to
the rhythm of out music, make merry and spend carefree days here.
