Snorkeling For Beginners Part 2

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.

Treat the Underwater World With Respect

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.

Snorkeling For Beginners Part 1

The underwater world of our planet holds wonders, mysteries and beauty that can never be experienced on land. You may enjoy being in the water and participating in all kinds of water sports. But if you have not seen what lies beneath the surface, you are missing out on an incomparable experience. Exploring the oceans does not require scuba diving certification or investing in expensive diving equipment. Snorkeling will allow you to explore the underwater world in a safe manner that is open to almost anyone. All that is required is the ability to swim, an understanding of the basics of snorkeling and a desire for experiences that can be found nowhere else. What follows is an explanation of how simple it can be.

Starting Out Right

 

If your first experience is bad or uncomfortable, it can put you off snorkeling and deprive you of continued wonderful experiences. Among the many common problems beginners encounter are:

• Water entering the face mask
• Water flooding into the snorkel tube
• A feeling of insecurity
• Minor injury
• Exhaustion

These are all minor issues but if they happen during the first few times underwater, the resulting fear can put you off snorkeling for good. That is why the following tips are so important. Follow them and your snorkeling experience will be one that you will want to keep repeating.

Find The Right Equipment

 

When it comes to snorkeling equipment, there is no such thing as “one size fits all.” Do not be taken in by advertisements that make these claims. It makes sense to visit a reputed sporting goods store and spend a little time finding the mask, snorkel and fins that are right for you. The shape of your face, the size of your nose and whether you are clean shaven or have a beard are a few of the factors that affect the fit of a mask. Try on different sizes and types to find the one that fits you best. Ensure that when the mask is on tightly (it has to keep water out) there is no discomfort or pinching. The salespeople in the store will be able to help you.

Having water flooding into your snorkel can be a very disconcerting experience. A “dry snorkel” is the best way to prevent this from happening. These snorkels have a valve on the top that seals the tube shut when you go underwater. And in case some water does enter, there is a purge valve that allows you to easily blow the water out.

Fins are like shoes. Too tight and they can be very uncomfortable after being on for any length of time. Sores and blisters can ruin the snorkeling experience. On the other hand, fins that are too lose can fall off, reducing your ability to move in the water. When trying on fins, it is important to keep in mind that your feet will be wet and in cool water, they can shrink a little bit. Look for fins that fit snugly without being so tight that they are uncomfortable.

Practice in A Pool

 

Before venturing into the ocean, spend some time in a swimming pool getting used to your new snorkeling equipment. Practice putting on the mask and adjusting it so that it sits comfortably. Try different strengths of inhaling to find the suction that keeps your mask snug and watertight on your face without being uncomfortable. Adjust the angle and height of the snorkel and where it attaches to the face mask strap to find the most comfortable position. Try out the fins at different degrees to tightness to find where they feel most secure on your feet without any discomfort.

It is always best for a beginner to go snorkeling with someone experienced. One of the best places to get started is in the incredible waters off Hawaii where charter boats with experienced crews can help you to make the most of your first experiences.