Snorkel Gear at Kapitol Reef
I'll never forget the first time I went snorkeling. I was on vacation at the beach and everyone said I had to check out the coral reef so I rented some gear and got ready. Thrilled with what I was about to encounter on my first underwater experience, it turned out to be a disaster! My snorkel flooded almost immediately, breathing was difficult and I began to panic and became disoriented. By the time I crawled my way back on to the beach I was fairly convinced, I'd never snorkel again. And then I discovered Kapitol Reef, with their innovative snorkel technology, Kapitol Reef makes snorkeling easy and enjoyable for everyone. Their snorkel regulates your breathing so you can stay underwater for hours instead of minutes. The result, I had a whole new world open up to me. Every exotic beach destination offers the promise of sun, sand, and swimsuits, but it is the world just under the ocean surface that makes frequenting and these exotic locals worth to travel. One of the best ways to enjoy that underwater world is to snorkel and the best way to snorkel is with Kapitol Reef Snorkel Gear. That's because the Kapitol Reef Snorkel eliminates the problems inherent in breathing through a tube. Its innovative design allows even first time snorkelers to enjoy the underwater beauty and forget about the mechanics of breathing.
"When snorkeling, the weight of the water against your lungs creates an imbalance in pressure which actually sucks air out of your lungs and compresses your lungs down to a smaller volume. An ordinary snorkel without exhalation resistance does not provide the balance pressure necessary to keep your lungs and your mind happy. Balancing out the exhalation pressure is the heart of the Kapitol Reef Snorkel." -Dr. Mark Johnson (Inventor of the Kapitol Reef Snorkel)
Customer Reviews:
"With the Kapitol Reef Snorkel I didn't have nearly as much fatigue or you know I was not worried about something happening I just knew that the equipment would work."
"Well breathing with the Kapitol Reef snorkel underwater is like breathing normally on air."
To achieve that balance pressure, the Kapitol Reef Snorkel utilizes revolutionary Kadence Technology. A small exhalation valve in the base of the snorkel that by default remains closed. The Kadence regulator ensures that you are not inhaling water and keeps air in your lungs by eliminating negative draw. When you exhale your breath pushes the valve open allowing air to be cleared with minimal effort.
"When I experience that Kapitol Reef Snorkel it is completely different from rental equipment and allowed me to breathe correctly and felt like I was get in the right amount of oxygen and made the whole experience much more enjoyable because of that." - Customer review
"An added feature of the Kapitol Reef Snorkel is its dual tube design. This dual tube prevents you from re-breathing your own dirty air" -Mark Johnson
When diving with the conventional snorkel, you have to hold your breath the entire time or else water will flood your breathing tube. Before you can inhale you have to purge your tube and before you can purge you have to surface. Now think about when you swim underwater without a snorkel you are naturally exhale underwater and inhale upon surfacing. Kadence Technology combined with the dual channel breathing tube in the Kapitol Reef Snorkel, gives you this same freedom. Thus, drastically increasing the amount of time you can spend underwater.
"I love the fact that the second I break the surface I'm breathing in as opposed to waiting to purge my tube." - Customer review
"All that technology adds up to one simple thing, smoother and easier breathing." - Customer review
"As I swimming back to the surface, I'm exhaling normally and I love that. It's my favorite thing about this snorkel." - Customer review
The Kapitol Reef Snorkel is easy to use and when combined with the Kapitol Reef Mask and Fins it is a complete snorkeling system for people of all ages and experienced levels.
"We tried Kapitol Reef it was great! We weren't sucking any water or panicking we just went out and we are looking out the reefs and the fish and totally changed our vacation it was great." - Customer review
The Kapitol Reef Snorkel Gear is revolutionizing the underwater experience and opening the world of snorkeling to everyone. With the Kapitol Reef Snorkel there is no more snorkel panic or fatigue as you will no longer have to battle and work to breathe, leaving you free to enjoy what snorkeling is all about, the beautiful underwater scenery.
http://www.articlesbase.com/outdoor-sports-articles/snorkel-gear-at-kapitol-reef-1769496.html
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Snorkel Like a Pro
Snorkel Like a Pro
While you're preparing for your next warm waters charter, playing with the hand-held GPS and poring over the new cruising guide, spare a thought for the lowly art of snorkeling. Poor mans scuba-diving it is not. Good snorkeling skills can be a life-saver for the skipper and even if you've always thought you have the lung capacity of a hamster, with a few techniques at your disposal you can hugely improve your free diving skills.
Good snorkel skills can give manifold benefits: see whether your anchor's set properly or get it out of a tangle, inspect the underside of your boat while it's in the water, save precious time if you need to cut off a prop-wrap. You know you're in business when you come to anchorage and worry more about finding your free-dive depth than trying to calculate what one fifth of your anchor chain is. And besides all that reef snorkeling down to depth is a lot of fun.
So, you're floating in the water wondering what you're getting yourself into. Take at least three long deep breaths before you think about diving. I know, not rocket science. Just relax and breathe as far in and out as you can three times, make sure you push the air right out when you breathe out and all the way around when you breathe in; down to the tummy and up to the chest. Be decisive on the breath at which you'll dive and top yourself right up.
Next step? Bend over and start down for the sea bed. The sooner you can get your fins below the water level the better, since that'll start to give you real power to get to depth. This is where most people think it's time to head back to the ozone. Since you've taken a lot of breath you almost instantly feel fit to burst. The first and best thing you can do is to avoid the temptation to head straight back up and try something else instead.
The trick? Leek out a little air till that feeling of being fit to burst ceases. It won't take much, just dribble out a little bit till it goes away. And it will. Suddenly you'll find yourself floating around wondering why you didn't come down here earlier. Again, you'll get that fit to burst feeling. Don't head top speed for the surface but leek out more air. By this stage you're considering whether to make a second home down there. Just keep going like that till the air runs out; each time you'll feel back to normal until finally it's time to head back up.
Apart from that fit to burst feeling which tells you to leek a little air, while you're heading south you'll feel quite a lot of pain in your ears if you don't start doing something about it. So be ready to hold your nose and blow out through your ears. If you're heading to depth at any speed you'll have to do that quite regularly.
An important side note is that since you're not taking on-board any new air like scuba-divers do you don't need to worry about pressure when you come back up. Just head straight back to the surface. If you see a scuba diver and feel like a gasp of air then avoid the temptation to grab his spare octopus and take a breathe since you'll have to stay down there and return to the surface in controlled stages.
While we're not exactly re-inventing the wheel here and I'll understand if you won't join me in lobbying the ASA and RYA to include it in their syllabus, for chartering in warm waters spare a thought for your simple snorkel set. Nestled in beside the hand-held GPS you might just find it'll come in handy.
http://www.articlesbase.com/exotic-locations-articles/snorkel-like-a-pro-146855.html
While you're preparing for your next warm waters charter, playing with the hand-held GPS and poring over the new cruising guide, spare a thought for the lowly art of snorkeling. Poor mans scuba-diving it is not. Good snorkeling skills can be a life-saver for the skipper and even if you've always thought you have the lung capacity of a hamster, with a few techniques at your disposal you can hugely improve your free diving skills.
Good snorkel skills can give manifold benefits: see whether your anchor's set properly or get it out of a tangle, inspect the underside of your boat while it's in the water, save precious time if you need to cut off a prop-wrap. You know you're in business when you come to anchorage and worry more about finding your free-dive depth than trying to calculate what one fifth of your anchor chain is. And besides all that reef snorkeling down to depth is a lot of fun.
So, you're floating in the water wondering what you're getting yourself into. Take at least three long deep breaths before you think about diving. I know, not rocket science. Just relax and breathe as far in and out as you can three times, make sure you push the air right out when you breathe out and all the way around when you breathe in; down to the tummy and up to the chest. Be decisive on the breath at which you'll dive and top yourself right up.
Next step? Bend over and start down for the sea bed. The sooner you can get your fins below the water level the better, since that'll start to give you real power to get to depth. This is where most people think it's time to head back to the ozone. Since you've taken a lot of breath you almost instantly feel fit to burst. The first and best thing you can do is to avoid the temptation to head straight back up and try something else instead.
The trick? Leek out a little air till that feeling of being fit to burst ceases. It won't take much, just dribble out a little bit till it goes away. And it will. Suddenly you'll find yourself floating around wondering why you didn't come down here earlier. Again, you'll get that fit to burst feeling. Don't head top speed for the surface but leek out more air. By this stage you're considering whether to make a second home down there. Just keep going like that till the air runs out; each time you'll feel back to normal until finally it's time to head back up.
Apart from that fit to burst feeling which tells you to leek a little air, while you're heading south you'll feel quite a lot of pain in your ears if you don't start doing something about it. So be ready to hold your nose and blow out through your ears. If you're heading to depth at any speed you'll have to do that quite regularly.
An important side note is that since you're not taking on-board any new air like scuba-divers do you don't need to worry about pressure when you come back up. Just head straight back to the surface. If you see a scuba diver and feel like a gasp of air then avoid the temptation to grab his spare octopus and take a breathe since you'll have to stay down there and return to the surface in controlled stages.
While we're not exactly re-inventing the wheel here and I'll understand if you won't join me in lobbying the ASA and RYA to include it in their syllabus, for chartering in warm waters spare a thought for your simple snorkel set. Nestled in beside the hand-held GPS you might just find it'll come in handy.
http://www.articlesbase.com/exotic-locations-articles/snorkel-like-a-pro-146855.html
Words of Wisdom for Snorkelers
Words of Wisdom for Snorkelers
Want to experience heavenly beauty under water? En route to snorkeling in the Caribbean and you will discover how exciting the water world is. The beauty of aquatic life is explored using a tool called snorkel, having a mask attached to it. Snorkeling thus offers you an amazing opportunity to explore underwater life. However, there are a few essential things that one must exercise during the activity.
Snorkeling gives you an opportunity to relax. So make sure you make most of it without indulging yourself in too much analysis. Check out some of the tips to make your snorkeling even more enjoyable. These tips have been suggested considering that you already have well-fitting equipment.
Ensure that the mask fits your face perfectly but allows you breathing through the nose. Make sure that no air leaks in, as this will also allow water to seep in. Also, it’s best to shave off your moustache or apply generous amount of Vaseline or sunscreen to act as a gasket. Do not tighten the strap too much as this might also cause the water to leak in after breaking the seal. The snorkel should be placed in front of the ear.
Fins should be chosen with discretion. It is better to opt for snug ones than those that are too tight. Big fins will slip in easily when the feet are wet.
You must have some defogging products for a clear view under water. Gel products, dog drool, plant extracts growing by the shore, or even a baby shampoo (with salt water) work well to get rid off the fog.
Breathing practice through the snorkel with your head out of water is highly vital prior to experiencing the real sport. Suck the mask into your face and breathe through the mouthpiece throughout the length of the mouth. It’s also advisable to practice calm floating in face down and horizontal position.
In case you flood your mask by accident, raise your head by pulling the lower edge away from the mouth to drain out the water.
Use your fins judiciously, keeping your knees and ankles relaxed. Avoid using bicycle type kicks and treat your fin as though they were the soft flowing tail of a mermaid!
Last, but the most vital of all,be relaxed during the entire activity. If you panic, your movements might create an alarm in the aquatic environment. On the contrary, while you stay calm, the aquatic animals too remain calm and resume their normal activity.
Some of the best locations for snorkeling are found in the various beaches of the Caribbean. Out of them, Roatan surpasses all others in terms of beauty and space. There has been a gradual rise in the number of people booking for Roatan tours. A trip to this beautiful island will also allow you to experience the fun the thrill of Roatan snorkeling. So get into the groove to be a part of the amazing sport- just keep a good ear to the afore-mentioned advice.
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/words-of-wisdom-for-snorkelers-516824.html
Want to experience heavenly beauty under water? En route to snorkeling in the Caribbean and you will discover how exciting the water world is. The beauty of aquatic life is explored using a tool called snorkel, having a mask attached to it. Snorkeling thus offers you an amazing opportunity to explore underwater life. However, there are a few essential things that one must exercise during the activity.
Snorkeling gives you an opportunity to relax. So make sure you make most of it without indulging yourself in too much analysis. Check out some of the tips to make your snorkeling even more enjoyable. These tips have been suggested considering that you already have well-fitting equipment.
Ensure that the mask fits your face perfectly but allows you breathing through the nose. Make sure that no air leaks in, as this will also allow water to seep in. Also, it’s best to shave off your moustache or apply generous amount of Vaseline or sunscreen to act as a gasket. Do not tighten the strap too much as this might also cause the water to leak in after breaking the seal. The snorkel should be placed in front of the ear.
Fins should be chosen with discretion. It is better to opt for snug ones than those that are too tight. Big fins will slip in easily when the feet are wet.
You must have some defogging products for a clear view under water. Gel products, dog drool, plant extracts growing by the shore, or even a baby shampoo (with salt water) work well to get rid off the fog.
Breathing practice through the snorkel with your head out of water is highly vital prior to experiencing the real sport. Suck the mask into your face and breathe through the mouthpiece throughout the length of the mouth. It’s also advisable to practice calm floating in face down and horizontal position.
In case you flood your mask by accident, raise your head by pulling the lower edge away from the mouth to drain out the water.
Use your fins judiciously, keeping your knees and ankles relaxed. Avoid using bicycle type kicks and treat your fin as though they were the soft flowing tail of a mermaid!
Last, but the most vital of all,be relaxed during the entire activity. If you panic, your movements might create an alarm in the aquatic environment. On the contrary, while you stay calm, the aquatic animals too remain calm and resume their normal activity.
Some of the best locations for snorkeling are found in the various beaches of the Caribbean. Out of them, Roatan surpasses all others in terms of beauty and space. There has been a gradual rise in the number of people booking for Roatan tours. A trip to this beautiful island will also allow you to experience the fun the thrill of Roatan snorkeling. So get into the groove to be a part of the amazing sport- just keep a good ear to the afore-mentioned advice.
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/words-of-wisdom-for-snorkelers-516824.html
Thursday, April 1, 2010
The Best Places To Go Snorkelling
The Best Places To Go Snorkelling
Whether you're a beginner or are quite experienced at it, snorkelling can be a lot of fun. By exploring the depths of the ocean, you can see a multitude of incredible plants and animals in their natural environment. Indeed, snorkelling is a bit like visiting another planet - without having to don a spacesuit or be rocketed into outer space. If you'd like to go on a bona fide snorkelling holiday but aren't sure quite where to go, there are several excellent spots around the globe to choose from; check out our top five picks by reading on below.
Dean's Blue Hole, Bahamas
As the world's deepest blue hole, Dean's Blue Hole is a true marvel. Located on Long Island in the Bahamas, this topnotch snorkelling spot offers up some unparalleled and unbelievable snorkelling opportunities. A blue hole occurs when the roof of a very old cave system collapses into the sea. At Dean's Blue Hole, you'll be mesmerised by the rapid way that the floor descends down to 600 feet; the white sands and crystal clear waters are stunning, too. In addition to a dizzying array of fish, you may spy many other creatures like turtles, dolphins or porpoises as you swim around this remarkable place. For world-class snorkelling, Dean's Blue Hole is a natural choice.
The Seychelles Islands
The Seychelles are more than 100 islands that are scattered off the east coast of Kenya, and they offer up some of the most unspoiled, scenic and peaceful beaches - and snorkelling opportunities - in the world. The coral reefs here are unforgettably beautiful, and the sea life is varied enough to keep you on your toes at every turn. You can choose to snorkel in popular, more-populated areas - or stick with more out-of-the-way, less crowded locales. Beginners can easily find instruction, while more experienced snorkellers will find plenty to keep them busy. Wherever you choose to snorkel, if it's within the Seychelles Islands you are going to have an experience unlike any other.
Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii
As the place where Captain Cook perished, Kealakekua Bay is historically significant and worth a visit for that reason alone. However, the real fun can be found beneath the surface of the pure blue waters just off its coast. Because the bay - and its snorkelling spots - are off the beaten path, you can rest assured that you will enjoy quite a bit of privacy while snorkelling here. To get to the bay, you'll need to hike or kayak there - but it's well worth it. Underwater lava caves make snorkelling here a true delight; watching the fish dart their way in and out of those caves is truly mesmerising. Eels are also plentiful here, and are a pleasure to observe. Finally, humpback whales and dolphins regularly pay visits here, so be on the lookout!
Norman Reef, Australia
People around the world know that the Great Barrier Reef is a true snorkelling mecca. As vast as it is, though, choosing a single spot to focus your efforts on can be daunting. If you're only going to snorkel in one place while visiting, make it the Norman Reef. You cannot simply walk or paddle over to the reef; a boat trip is necessary, but very worth it. The coral shelves and other amazing features that abound here will reel you in; there are giant clams and thousands of different tropical fish to keep you from ever getting bored. For sheer beauty, variety and splendour, Norman Reef is a wonderful place to snorkel.
The Red Sea
There are a couple of great choices when it comes to snorkelling in the Red Sea; Sharm el Sheikh and Safaga, Egypt are at the top of the list. If you want to see what snorkelling in the Red Sea is all about, choose one of those places as your jumping off point. The waters are surprisingly clear, and they are teeming with an abundance of interesting and colourful fish and other sea life. There's definitely a reason why the Red Sea has earned such a positive reputation in the world of snorkelling; book a holiday there to find out for yourself - you definitely will not be disappointed.
By http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/the-best-places-to-go-snorkelling-1825686.html
Whether you're a beginner or are quite experienced at it, snorkelling can be a lot of fun. By exploring the depths of the ocean, you can see a multitude of incredible plants and animals in their natural environment. Indeed, snorkelling is a bit like visiting another planet - without having to don a spacesuit or be rocketed into outer space. If you'd like to go on a bona fide snorkelling holiday but aren't sure quite where to go, there are several excellent spots around the globe to choose from; check out our top five picks by reading on below.
Dean's Blue Hole, Bahamas
As the world's deepest blue hole, Dean's Blue Hole is a true marvel. Located on Long Island in the Bahamas, this topnotch snorkelling spot offers up some unparalleled and unbelievable snorkelling opportunities. A blue hole occurs when the roof of a very old cave system collapses into the sea. At Dean's Blue Hole, you'll be mesmerised by the rapid way that the floor descends down to 600 feet; the white sands and crystal clear waters are stunning, too. In addition to a dizzying array of fish, you may spy many other creatures like turtles, dolphins or porpoises as you swim around this remarkable place. For world-class snorkelling, Dean's Blue Hole is a natural choice.
The Seychelles Islands
The Seychelles are more than 100 islands that are scattered off the east coast of Kenya, and they offer up some of the most unspoiled, scenic and peaceful beaches - and snorkelling opportunities - in the world. The coral reefs here are unforgettably beautiful, and the sea life is varied enough to keep you on your toes at every turn. You can choose to snorkel in popular, more-populated areas - or stick with more out-of-the-way, less crowded locales. Beginners can easily find instruction, while more experienced snorkellers will find plenty to keep them busy. Wherever you choose to snorkel, if it's within the Seychelles Islands you are going to have an experience unlike any other.
Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii
As the place where Captain Cook perished, Kealakekua Bay is historically significant and worth a visit for that reason alone. However, the real fun can be found beneath the surface of the pure blue waters just off its coast. Because the bay - and its snorkelling spots - are off the beaten path, you can rest assured that you will enjoy quite a bit of privacy while snorkelling here. To get to the bay, you'll need to hike or kayak there - but it's well worth it. Underwater lava caves make snorkelling here a true delight; watching the fish dart their way in and out of those caves is truly mesmerising. Eels are also plentiful here, and are a pleasure to observe. Finally, humpback whales and dolphins regularly pay visits here, so be on the lookout!
Norman Reef, Australia
People around the world know that the Great Barrier Reef is a true snorkelling mecca. As vast as it is, though, choosing a single spot to focus your efforts on can be daunting. If you're only going to snorkel in one place while visiting, make it the Norman Reef. You cannot simply walk or paddle over to the reef; a boat trip is necessary, but very worth it. The coral shelves and other amazing features that abound here will reel you in; there are giant clams and thousands of different tropical fish to keep you from ever getting bored. For sheer beauty, variety and splendour, Norman Reef is a wonderful place to snorkel.
The Red Sea
There are a couple of great choices when it comes to snorkelling in the Red Sea; Sharm el Sheikh and Safaga, Egypt are at the top of the list. If you want to see what snorkelling in the Red Sea is all about, choose one of those places as your jumping off point. The waters are surprisingly clear, and they are teeming with an abundance of interesting and colourful fish and other sea life. There's definitely a reason why the Red Sea has earned such a positive reputation in the world of snorkelling; book a holiday there to find out for yourself - you definitely will not be disappointed.
By http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/the-best-places-to-go-snorkelling-1825686.html
How Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Are Basically Done?
How Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Are Basically Done?
Some of the basic requirements for both scuba diving and snorkeling don't differ much, except that scuba diving is for deep water while snorkeling is done on the surface of the water.
It is necessary to know how to swim to be able to scuba dive and snorkel. To do the BSA swimming test is recommended.
The test starts with jumping feet first into water above your head, leveling off, then swimming strongly for 75 yards. You can do breast stroke, trudgen, side stroke or crawl. Turn and for 25 yards do an easy backstroke. 100 yards must be completed in one swim. Stopping is not allowed. If need to rest, you can have yourself float on the surface of the water.
Buddy system is recognized for both scuba diving / snorkeling.
Scuba Diving:
Assess your dive plans, check gears and review your comprehension of diving signals.
Working in water can be dangerous if you are not fit thus a diver needs to be fit and healthy. Have a physical examination with your doctor before any tiring exercise such as water activities.
Snorkeling:
Snorkeling is not difficult to learn and can be much fun. Snorkeling is often the basic step towards learning to scuba dive and helps build confidence in water.
Basic device for snorkeling includes a mask, fins and a snorkel. You may rent equipment from your local club while learning first how to use them.
When you're about to purchase, always look for quality gears.
When buying a mask, check if it fits correctly and has no leaks. Masks are made of plastic, rubber or silicone which is more expensive. Silicone mask is more comfortable and durable.
Mask lenses should be of tempered or toughened glass for eye protection and scratch resistant view of the underwater world. It is recommended to seek for professional advice at your sports shop in choosing the best mask. Buy the best you can afford.
To be able to breathe at the surface of the water without lifting your head for breath, you will need a snorkel. Basically, it is a tube with a mouthpiece. Different mouthpieces are to be tested to be able to pick for a comfortable fit. Ask an advice from your snorkeling club instructor regarding mask/ snorkel care and maintenance.
Fins can either be a shoe fin or an open heel fin. Take note, test different products for comfort and size.
In warm countries sun skin protection is essential while snorkeling. Use water resistant sunscreen and wear a t-shirt that is UV treated.
If you're in a cooler country, a wet suit will provide warmth and protect against abrasions and stings from sea creatures. This would apply to both scuba diving / snorkeling.
Scuba diving and snorkeling can be incredible fun. Such a wonderful experience of fascinating marine sights to share with friends and family. However, most importantly, for diving safety, never forget the basic measures to be observed which includes the rule of never diving alone.
Looking to find the best deal on scuba diving / snorkeling, then visit www.MyDiveBuddies.com to find the best advice on scuba for you.
By : http://www.articlesbase.com/scuba-diving-articles/how-scuba-diving-and-snorkeling-are-basically-done-1622728.html
Some of the basic requirements for both scuba diving and snorkeling don't differ much, except that scuba diving is for deep water while snorkeling is done on the surface of the water.
It is necessary to know how to swim to be able to scuba dive and snorkel. To do the BSA swimming test is recommended.
The test starts with jumping feet first into water above your head, leveling off, then swimming strongly for 75 yards. You can do breast stroke, trudgen, side stroke or crawl. Turn and for 25 yards do an easy backstroke. 100 yards must be completed in one swim. Stopping is not allowed. If need to rest, you can have yourself float on the surface of the water.
Buddy system is recognized for both scuba diving / snorkeling.
Scuba Diving:
Assess your dive plans, check gears and review your comprehension of diving signals.
Working in water can be dangerous if you are not fit thus a diver needs to be fit and healthy. Have a physical examination with your doctor before any tiring exercise such as water activities.
Snorkeling:
Snorkeling is not difficult to learn and can be much fun. Snorkeling is often the basic step towards learning to scuba dive and helps build confidence in water.
Basic device for snorkeling includes a mask, fins and a snorkel. You may rent equipment from your local club while learning first how to use them.
When you're about to purchase, always look for quality gears.
When buying a mask, check if it fits correctly and has no leaks. Masks are made of plastic, rubber or silicone which is more expensive. Silicone mask is more comfortable and durable.
Mask lenses should be of tempered or toughened glass for eye protection and scratch resistant view of the underwater world. It is recommended to seek for professional advice at your sports shop in choosing the best mask. Buy the best you can afford.
To be able to breathe at the surface of the water without lifting your head for breath, you will need a snorkel. Basically, it is a tube with a mouthpiece. Different mouthpieces are to be tested to be able to pick for a comfortable fit. Ask an advice from your snorkeling club instructor regarding mask/ snorkel care and maintenance.
Fins can either be a shoe fin or an open heel fin. Take note, test different products for comfort and size.
In warm countries sun skin protection is essential while snorkeling. Use water resistant sunscreen and wear a t-shirt that is UV treated.
If you're in a cooler country, a wet suit will provide warmth and protect against abrasions and stings from sea creatures. This would apply to both scuba diving / snorkeling.
Scuba diving and snorkeling can be incredible fun. Such a wonderful experience of fascinating marine sights to share with friends and family. However, most importantly, for diving safety, never forget the basic measures to be observed which includes the rule of never diving alone.
Looking to find the best deal on scuba diving / snorkeling, then visit www.MyDiveBuddies.com to find the best advice on scuba for you.
By : http://www.articlesbase.com/scuba-diving-articles/how-scuba-diving-and-snorkeling-are-basically-done-1622728.html
Snorkeling Is Easy And So Much Fun
Snorkeling Is Easy And So Much Fun
Snorkeling is a great sport for almost anyone who can swim. I am not a strong swimmer, and I started snorkeling fairly late in life. It's an undemanding sport with enormous rewards. Best of all, Silver Sands Jamaica provides a variety of snorkeling experiences for the novice as well as the more advanced snorkeler. Just off shore is a small discontinuous coral reef, and further off shore but easily accessible by boat (or by swimming but why waste your energy getting there?) is a larger more continuous reef.
Snorkeling equipment consists of face mask, snorkel and flippers. While your pleasure at pursuing any sport is directly related to the quality of your equipment, never was that more true than in the case of snorkeling equipment. A leaky or improperly fitting mask or a leaky snorkel means that you spend all your time treading water vainly adjusting your equipment rather than looking at the fish. If you're near sighted or don't wear your contact lenses in the water (which you are not supposed to do, but my daughters always have and it's never been a problem), you'll be happier if you purchase a face mask with your subscription in it. If you are just a bit nearsighted you probably won't have a problem because water magnifies, but if you have much of a prescription, order a customized mask (which may take up to 6 weeks, so don't try to make this a last minute purchase). They are surprisingly cheap considering what normal glasses cost and make all the difference.
Seven or eight in the morning is a great time to snorkel because it is usually calm then, and you don't have to worry about sunburn on your back and arms. Also you can snorkel, take a shower, have a luscious breakfast in your Jamaica villa, and have the rest of the day for whatever else you choose to do. If the sea is calm enough, you can snorkel anytime, but later in the day you must protect yourself from sunburn with a lot of lotion and/or a tee shirt.
It is very easy to simply walk into the Caribbean Sea from the shore and casually snorkel for as long you wish. The "startup costs" only involve putting on your snorkeling equipment and a pair of beach shoes, modified flippers, or regular flippers (in which case you have to walk in backwards to make any progress).
Never touch the coral. Besides the fact that you'll damage the ecology of the area by doing that, you could get stung or have a piece of coral embedded in you. Don't go close to or among the coral until you've learned how to handle your body in the buoyant salt water, and keep your distance particularly when it is rough.
Never snorkel alone. It is so easy to swim in salt water and the whole experience is so enthralling and benign, after a time or two, it is easy to lose your natural sense of caution. Make it a never-to-be-broken rule to never snorkel alone.
Wear a life jacket if you're going some place you haven't gone before, or if it is rough, or if you just want to be a bit lazy and not have to move to stay in place.
Never touch or provoke the fish or other animals.
Fire coral, spiny fish, anything really ugly. If it's really ugly or has spiky things coming out of it, stay away. Without exception, none of the sea creatures is eager to take a fish of your size on. They will only attack if you mess with them or corner them.
There are some little things that look like jelly fish (transparent) but they do not have tentacles and don't sting. There are very occasional jelly fish, mostly when the water gets warmer, but they are very rare. You just have to be careful to stay away from tentacles, and leave the area. With all the snorkeling I've done I've never been stung.
Snorkeling while staying in our Jamaica Villas is definitely a must-do activity, and Silver Sands Villas provides snorkeling right off the Silver Sands Beach.
By : http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/snorkeling-is-easy-and-so-much-fun-1863053.html
Snorkeling is a great sport for almost anyone who can swim. I am not a strong swimmer, and I started snorkeling fairly late in life. It's an undemanding sport with enormous rewards. Best of all, Silver Sands Jamaica provides a variety of snorkeling experiences for the novice as well as the more advanced snorkeler. Just off shore is a small discontinuous coral reef, and further off shore but easily accessible by boat (or by swimming but why waste your energy getting there?) is a larger more continuous reef.
Snorkeling equipment consists of face mask, snorkel and flippers. While your pleasure at pursuing any sport is directly related to the quality of your equipment, never was that more true than in the case of snorkeling equipment. A leaky or improperly fitting mask or a leaky snorkel means that you spend all your time treading water vainly adjusting your equipment rather than looking at the fish. If you're near sighted or don't wear your contact lenses in the water (which you are not supposed to do, but my daughters always have and it's never been a problem), you'll be happier if you purchase a face mask with your subscription in it. If you are just a bit nearsighted you probably won't have a problem because water magnifies, but if you have much of a prescription, order a customized mask (which may take up to 6 weeks, so don't try to make this a last minute purchase). They are surprisingly cheap considering what normal glasses cost and make all the difference.
Seven or eight in the morning is a great time to snorkel because it is usually calm then, and you don't have to worry about sunburn on your back and arms. Also you can snorkel, take a shower, have a luscious breakfast in your Jamaica villa, and have the rest of the day for whatever else you choose to do. If the sea is calm enough, you can snorkel anytime, but later in the day you must protect yourself from sunburn with a lot of lotion and/or a tee shirt.
It is very easy to simply walk into the Caribbean Sea from the shore and casually snorkel for as long you wish. The "startup costs" only involve putting on your snorkeling equipment and a pair of beach shoes, modified flippers, or regular flippers (in which case you have to walk in backwards to make any progress).
Never touch the coral. Besides the fact that you'll damage the ecology of the area by doing that, you could get stung or have a piece of coral embedded in you. Don't go close to or among the coral until you've learned how to handle your body in the buoyant salt water, and keep your distance particularly when it is rough.
Never snorkel alone. It is so easy to swim in salt water and the whole experience is so enthralling and benign, after a time or two, it is easy to lose your natural sense of caution. Make it a never-to-be-broken rule to never snorkel alone.
Wear a life jacket if you're going some place you haven't gone before, or if it is rough, or if you just want to be a bit lazy and not have to move to stay in place.
Never touch or provoke the fish or other animals.
Fire coral, spiny fish, anything really ugly. If it's really ugly or has spiky things coming out of it, stay away. Without exception, none of the sea creatures is eager to take a fish of your size on. They will only attack if you mess with them or corner them.
There are some little things that look like jelly fish (transparent) but they do not have tentacles and don't sting. There are very occasional jelly fish, mostly when the water gets warmer, but they are very rare. You just have to be careful to stay away from tentacles, and leave the area. With all the snorkeling I've done I've never been stung.
Snorkeling while staying in our Jamaica Villas is definitely a must-do activity, and Silver Sands Villas provides snorkeling right off the Silver Sands Beach.
By : http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/snorkeling-is-easy-and-so-much-fun-1863053.html
Snorkelling - Scuba Without the Fuss
Snorkelling - Scuba Without the Fuss
I hate scuba diving. That's not to say I've ever tried it, but frankly it seems like a lot of hassle to me. First there's the need to be certified, and that requires both training and effort - two things low down on my priority list when I'm on holiday.
Then there's the dread: the fear of my mask filling up, the terror of running out of air, the horror of what my wobbly bits look like in a wetsuit. Generally, it's just not my cup of tea.
And while I'm reliably informed that the vast majority of sea animals found around these parts can't harm me at all, that does leave room for a vast minority that can hurt me very much indeed.
So all in, I feel quite sure that the key to tropical bliss is snorkelling. It may not reflect the pioneering spirit of Jacques Cousteau but bobbing around on the surface enjoying the sights without disturbing either the wildlife or the underwater fauna seems to be the perfect middle road for people who want to see and be unseen.
And what a lot there is to see here - Malaysia's coral reefs are home to one of the most prolific congregations of underwater life on the planet, forming an ecosystem some say is rivalled only by the rainforests of the Amazon and the Congo.
Before jumping straight in though, there are some basics that you need to know. Obviously, your selection of mask and snorkel are important. Fit and comfort are vital ingredients if you want to spend your time looking around rather than having to lift your head out of the water every few minutes to drain away accumulating liquid.
Get this done properly. Half an hour in a scuba shop will see you equipped with a mask perfectly suited to your phizog. To try on the mask, move the strap out of the way, brush your hair to one side, and just push the mask firmly onto your face. If it will remain there unsupported, then it is making a good seal.
Once you have determined which masks will fit properly, other considerations are comfort, field of vision (some masks permit more view to the sides than others) and, of course, the cost.
Don't forget to get a snorkel also, and maybe a spare strap to hold it to your mask. The snorkel mouthpiece should be soft with flexible edges to be comfortable in your mouth.
There's nothing worse than having ill-fitting equipment, says Bob Brunswick, a professional diver with more than 25 years of experience in both scuba and snorkelling. If you get a mouthpiece that's too big it just rubs against your gums, making them sore.
It's much better to take the time to get the right kit. It may feel like a bit of a pain when you know the hotel you're staying at has masks to rent, but I guarantee that you'll be the one reaping the rewards when everyone else is struggling under the water.
If you really feel like waddling into the sea looking like a pro, you might want to consider some fins. In all honesty, fins aren't really a necessity for snorkelling, says Bob. But they do help you to get down more quickly so that you can see more of the underwater world on that breath of air.
With kit on, and back thoroughly sun-screened, it's time to take to the water. But there's one last thing to do. Inform someone where you're going? You definitely should, but that's not what I was alluding to. It's the bit that kids especially love: the well-known diver's trick of spitting inside the face of the mask to stop it fogging up.
Spit keeps the air on the inside of the mask from condensing on the glass, explains Bob. Masks fog up because the inside is often dirty or dusty. Spit cleans off the dirt, making it much harder for condensation and fog to form. It may not be sanitary, but for most divers it works just fine.
The technique couldn't be more simple: offer up a reasonable mouthful of your finest saliva, wipe it around the inside of the mask with your finger and rinse out with seawater just before placing it on your face.
To keep the snorkel upright while you are swimming face down on the surface, the snorkel fastening will need to be adjusted properly on the mask strap. Since the snorkeller cannot see the snorkel while it's in use, it may be helpful to have someone watch you to help find the proper adjustment.
Now you can swim along the surface, breathing through the snorkel and observing the world below. When you see something interesting you can hold your breath and dive down to have a closer look.
In order to stretch your time below, it is important to be relaxed and not expending a lot of energy, says Bob. To dive down under the surface, rotate your body so that you can put your head straight down and stick your legs straight up and out of the water.
Then let gravity do its thing and you should be on your way down without moving a muscle. When your downward speed has deteriorated you can start kicking to continue. For the return to the surface, tilt your head back and watch where you are going. You wouldn't want to bang your head on the bottom of a boat.
Key to doing this without ending up coughing and spluttering with a mouth full of water is to keep enough air in your lungs so that after you break the surface you can send a quick burst of air through the snorkel to help expel any remaining water. Make sure you also keep your head still back so that the open end of the snorkel will be pointing down as you bob up.
Generally, scuba divers are taught to return to the surface with one hand stretched upward to prevent them from banging their head and also to be more visible to boat traffic. It's not a bad idea for snorkellers to do the same.
Plus, it gives your friends on the shore a chance to see you having a great time in the water and look on enviously. All that fun - so little effort. Perfect.
By : http://www.articlesbase.com/scuba-diving-articles/snorkelling-scuba-without-the-fuss-676178.html
I hate scuba diving. That's not to say I've ever tried it, but frankly it seems like a lot of hassle to me. First there's the need to be certified, and that requires both training and effort - two things low down on my priority list when I'm on holiday.
Then there's the dread: the fear of my mask filling up, the terror of running out of air, the horror of what my wobbly bits look like in a wetsuit. Generally, it's just not my cup of tea.
And while I'm reliably informed that the vast majority of sea animals found around these parts can't harm me at all, that does leave room for a vast minority that can hurt me very much indeed.
So all in, I feel quite sure that the key to tropical bliss is snorkelling. It may not reflect the pioneering spirit of Jacques Cousteau but bobbing around on the surface enjoying the sights without disturbing either the wildlife or the underwater fauna seems to be the perfect middle road for people who want to see and be unseen.
And what a lot there is to see here - Malaysia's coral reefs are home to one of the most prolific congregations of underwater life on the planet, forming an ecosystem some say is rivalled only by the rainforests of the Amazon and the Congo.
Before jumping straight in though, there are some basics that you need to know. Obviously, your selection of mask and snorkel are important. Fit and comfort are vital ingredients if you want to spend your time looking around rather than having to lift your head out of the water every few minutes to drain away accumulating liquid.
Get this done properly. Half an hour in a scuba shop will see you equipped with a mask perfectly suited to your phizog. To try on the mask, move the strap out of the way, brush your hair to one side, and just push the mask firmly onto your face. If it will remain there unsupported, then it is making a good seal.
Once you have determined which masks will fit properly, other considerations are comfort, field of vision (some masks permit more view to the sides than others) and, of course, the cost.
Don't forget to get a snorkel also, and maybe a spare strap to hold it to your mask. The snorkel mouthpiece should be soft with flexible edges to be comfortable in your mouth.
There's nothing worse than having ill-fitting equipment, says Bob Brunswick, a professional diver with more than 25 years of experience in both scuba and snorkelling. If you get a mouthpiece that's too big it just rubs against your gums, making them sore.
It's much better to take the time to get the right kit. It may feel like a bit of a pain when you know the hotel you're staying at has masks to rent, but I guarantee that you'll be the one reaping the rewards when everyone else is struggling under the water.
If you really feel like waddling into the sea looking like a pro, you might want to consider some fins. In all honesty, fins aren't really a necessity for snorkelling, says Bob. But they do help you to get down more quickly so that you can see more of the underwater world on that breath of air.
With kit on, and back thoroughly sun-screened, it's time to take to the water. But there's one last thing to do. Inform someone where you're going? You definitely should, but that's not what I was alluding to. It's the bit that kids especially love: the well-known diver's trick of spitting inside the face of the mask to stop it fogging up.
Spit keeps the air on the inside of the mask from condensing on the glass, explains Bob. Masks fog up because the inside is often dirty or dusty. Spit cleans off the dirt, making it much harder for condensation and fog to form. It may not be sanitary, but for most divers it works just fine.
The technique couldn't be more simple: offer up a reasonable mouthful of your finest saliva, wipe it around the inside of the mask with your finger and rinse out with seawater just before placing it on your face.
To keep the snorkel upright while you are swimming face down on the surface, the snorkel fastening will need to be adjusted properly on the mask strap. Since the snorkeller cannot see the snorkel while it's in use, it may be helpful to have someone watch you to help find the proper adjustment.
Now you can swim along the surface, breathing through the snorkel and observing the world below. When you see something interesting you can hold your breath and dive down to have a closer look.
In order to stretch your time below, it is important to be relaxed and not expending a lot of energy, says Bob. To dive down under the surface, rotate your body so that you can put your head straight down and stick your legs straight up and out of the water.
Then let gravity do its thing and you should be on your way down without moving a muscle. When your downward speed has deteriorated you can start kicking to continue. For the return to the surface, tilt your head back and watch where you are going. You wouldn't want to bang your head on the bottom of a boat.
Key to doing this without ending up coughing and spluttering with a mouth full of water is to keep enough air in your lungs so that after you break the surface you can send a quick burst of air through the snorkel to help expel any remaining water. Make sure you also keep your head still back so that the open end of the snorkel will be pointing down as you bob up.
Generally, scuba divers are taught to return to the surface with one hand stretched upward to prevent them from banging their head and also to be more visible to boat traffic. It's not a bad idea for snorkellers to do the same.
Plus, it gives your friends on the shore a chance to see you having a great time in the water and look on enviously. All that fun - so little effort. Perfect.
By : http://www.articlesbase.com/scuba-diving-articles/snorkelling-scuba-without-the-fuss-676178.html
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