Snorkel is a word that gets funnier every time you say it.
March 2, 2011 1:59 PM Subscribe
Anybody have any recommendations for good snorkeling gear?
Me and mrs. pdb just booked a trip to Hawaii in the fall. This is our second time on the Big Island, and since we did a whole lot of touristy stuff the first time we were there, this time our average day will consist of sleep--->eat--->snorkel--->nap--->grill dinner and drink beer at rental house--->sleep--->repeat for 9 glorious days. We talked about getting scuba certified before we go, but that probably won't happen for a lot of reasons, so we're going to snorkel like crazy instead.
Last time, we rented snorkel gear from one of those roadside places by the beach, but this time since we'll be doing so much snorkeling we want our own - but I have no idea what the good brands are, what to look for in fins, etc. We want mask/snorkel/fins, and any advice on what we should be shopping for would be most welcome. We're both reasonably good swimmers, if that matters for anything, and we'll be mostly in Kealakekua Bay if that also matters.
Me and mrs. pdb just booked a trip to Hawaii in the fall. This is our second time on the Big Island, and since we did a whole lot of touristy stuff the first time we were there, this time our average day will consist of sleep--->eat--->snorkel--->nap--->grill dinner and drink beer at rental house--->sleep--->repeat for 9 glorious days. We talked about getting scuba certified before we go, but that probably won't happen for a lot of reasons, so we're going to snorkel like crazy instead.
Last time, we rented snorkel gear from one of those roadside places by the beach, but this time since we'll be doing so much snorkeling we want our own - but I have no idea what the good brands are, what to look for in fins, etc. We want mask/snorkel/fins, and any advice on what we should be shopping for would be most welcome. We're both reasonably good swimmers, if that matters for anything, and we'll be mostly in Kealakekua Bay if that also matters.
As a certified Scuba diver I would recommend going to a Scuba/Snorkel shop and trying on a bunch of stuff. Most of the time the owners are small-time friendly guys/gals that are extremely knowledgeable. Also, the best masks are the ones that seal against your face so trying different masks on before purchase is a huge plus.
A good set of snorkel gear, mask, fins, snorkel will go a long way especially if SCUBA certification is a possibility in the future.
posted by dyno04 at 2:21 PM on March 2, 2011 [1 favorite]
A good set of snorkel gear, mask, fins, snorkel will go a long way especially if SCUBA certification is a possibility in the future.
posted by dyno04 at 2:21 PM on March 2, 2011 [1 favorite]
Big Island snorkeler here--
It's easy to overthink snorkel gear if you are just going to use it on vacation-- all you really need is something that's comfortable enough to let you stay in the water as long as you want. Target in Kona carries a variety of U.S. Divers gear, including kits that include fins, snorkel, mask and a travel bag, all for fairly cheap ($40-60). You can also order the same kits on Amazon.
You can also pick up some reef shoes if they will make you more comfortable...sometimes snorkeling on the big island requires getting in the water on rocky beaches -- i don't use them, so I don't have any brand recommendations.
If you are snorkeling all day, you might want to pick up a long-sleeve rash guard to help protect your skin from the sun.
You will enjoy yourself a lot more if you use this guide. Either study up before hand, or use it to ID the fish you saw after you get out of the water.
Think about picking up a cheap underwater camera to preserve those underwater memories.
posted by jgee at 2:35 PM on March 2, 2011
It's easy to overthink snorkel gear if you are just going to use it on vacation-- all you really need is something that's comfortable enough to let you stay in the water as long as you want. Target in Kona carries a variety of U.S. Divers gear, including kits that include fins, snorkel, mask and a travel bag, all for fairly cheap ($40-60). You can also order the same kits on Amazon.
You can also pick up some reef shoes if they will make you more comfortable...sometimes snorkeling on the big island requires getting in the water on rocky beaches -- i don't use them, so I don't have any brand recommendations.
If you are snorkeling all day, you might want to pick up a long-sleeve rash guard to help protect your skin from the sun.
You will enjoy yourself a lot more if you use this guide. Either study up before hand, or use it to ID the fish you saw after you get out of the water.
Think about picking up a cheap underwater camera to preserve those underwater memories.
posted by jgee at 2:35 PM on March 2, 2011
Waterproof sunscreen is critical. I got terrible sunburn the first day of what was supposed to be a 3-day snorkeling trip, making it a 1-day snorkeling, 2-day hammock trip.
posted by sninctown at 2:38 PM on March 2, 2011
posted by sninctown at 2:38 PM on March 2, 2011
Response by poster: fingersandtoes - as the proud (?) owner of an index finger full of sea urchin spines from my last sojourn into Kealakekua Bay, I am a big fan of scuba socks for my feet. thanks for the tip and for the mask advice!
fingersandtoes/dyno04 - good call on the scuba shop, we'll probably head to one this weekend.
jgee - I'm less concerned about cheap than about getting good quality stuff that will last, because we'll probably mostly use it on vacation, but we take a lot of vacations where snorkeling's an option so I want something that will last and be as good a fit as I can find.
sninctown - Believe me, I know. I'm pasty-ass white, and I don't even go out on a partly sunny day here in Portland without sunscreen on - there's no way I'd go to Hawaii without waterproof sunscreen!
posted by pdb at 2:45 PM on March 2, 2011
fingersandtoes/dyno04 - good call on the scuba shop, we'll probably head to one this weekend.
jgee - I'm less concerned about cheap than about getting good quality stuff that will last, because we'll probably mostly use it on vacation, but we take a lot of vacations where snorkeling's an option so I want something that will last and be as good a fit as I can find.
sninctown - Believe me, I know. I'm pasty-ass white, and I don't even go out on a partly sunny day here in Portland without sunscreen on - there's no way I'd go to Hawaii without waterproof sunscreen!
posted by pdb at 2:45 PM on March 2, 2011
I would make sure to get a snorkel that has a clear-valve at the bottom and a water-proof float / stopper at the top. This will help prevent water from getting into the snorkel (top valve) and if it does, make it easy to empty (bottom valve). This one has both. I post it just for an example, not as an endorsement.
posted by reddot at 3:50 PM on March 2, 2011
posted by reddot at 3:50 PM on March 2, 2011
Yeah, best thing is to go to your local dive shop and try on masks. Some have much better peripheral vision, and all fit somewhat differently. Fit is the key. One thing I didn't understand until a dive shop manager told me - lock off your palate when you try on masks to test the seal better (though I assume you know this, if you've snorkeled much before). Almost anything you buy in a dive shop will last, assuming you aren't careless with it, but if you ever want to do scuba, get one made of tempered glass. Don't bother with defogger - spit works better.
Fit is also most important with the fins, especially if you're getting full-foot fins (typical for snorkeling). Get your neoprene socks first, and make sure the fins fit with the socks. I love my Cressi Frogs, but you'll be fine with most offerings at your local dive shop.
Snorkels are all just plastic tubes for breathing through - you don't need much. Some have fancy tops to keep the water out, but unless you're in really choppy water, the added value may be negligible. I find that purge valves are more trouble than they're worth (they frequently leak, and purging without one is easy), so I wouldn't pay much extra to get one. Get a couple of extra rubber pieces to attach it to your mask. Some snorkels come with clips, which can break fairly easily.
One other thing I really like to use is a rash guard (t-shirt). Provides a touch of warmth, sun protection, and avoids minor nasties from scrapes with reefs and rocks. Those can be ordered online without issue.
Have fun!
posted by dilettanti at 3:50 PM on March 2, 2011
Fit is also most important with the fins, especially if you're getting full-foot fins (typical for snorkeling). Get your neoprene socks first, and make sure the fins fit with the socks. I love my Cressi Frogs, but you'll be fine with most offerings at your local dive shop.
Snorkels are all just plastic tubes for breathing through - you don't need much. Some have fancy tops to keep the water out, but unless you're in really choppy water, the added value may be negligible. I find that purge valves are more trouble than they're worth (they frequently leak, and purging without one is easy), so I wouldn't pay much extra to get one. Get a couple of extra rubber pieces to attach it to your mask. Some snorkels come with clips, which can break fairly easily.
One other thing I really like to use is a rash guard (t-shirt). Provides a touch of warmth, sun protection, and avoids minor nasties from scrapes with reefs and rocks. Those can be ordered online without issue.
Have fun!
posted by dilettanti at 3:50 PM on March 2, 2011
reddot: I would make sure to get a snorkel that has a clear-valve at the bottom and a water-proof float / stopper at the top.
Posted at the same time I suggested avoiding those - obviously, not everyone shares my taste for simplicity. One other thing I would recommend, though - some snorkels have flexible barrels, which can make it more comfortable to keep in your mouth. Might be worth considering. Here is one example among zillions.
posted by dilettanti at 3:57 PM on March 2, 2011
Posted at the same time I suggested avoiding those - obviously, not everyone shares my taste for simplicity. One other thing I would recommend, though - some snorkels have flexible barrels, which can make it more comfortable to keep in your mouth. Might be worth considering. Here is one example among zillions.
posted by dilettanti at 3:57 PM on March 2, 2011
Full foot fins are used mostly for diving/snorkeling off of boats - booties/reef shoes + find with straps are good if you have to walk out for a while before you swim. Scubapro twin jets were super-popular at the shop where I worked, but if you're good swimmers you may not need the benefit of fancy fins.
Scuba masks are silly expensive ($80 isn't uncommon), but getting a good fit can be worth it if you're bigger/smaller than most adults. Many common scuba masks have analogous snorkeling models, usually in a snorkelling kit- this may be a way to save money. Scuba masks are made a bit tougher to handle the higher pressure at depth, but I know folks who dive with snorkeling masks, too.
I personally hate dry valves on snorkels - if the valve is closed, you can't breathe in at all, which can be unsettling. They can be helpful if you're intentionally going underwater to look at stuff and would otherwise be filling the whole snorkel with water all the time, though. You definitely want the valve at the bottom to help you clear water out.
Definitely get some sort of high SPF, long-sleeved top. A hat/swim cap may also be a good idea.
You can get digital underwater cameras surprisingly cheaply, they're worth a look.
You can also get watches for freediving, which are fun to track how deep you went and how long you stayed under. They're kind of expensive, but fun if you're interested in getting below the surface. (read up on safety first if you haven't tried freediving before)
posted by momus_window at 4:33 PM on March 2, 2011
Scuba masks are silly expensive ($80 isn't uncommon), but getting a good fit can be worth it if you're bigger/smaller than most adults. Many common scuba masks have analogous snorkeling models, usually in a snorkelling kit- this may be a way to save money. Scuba masks are made a bit tougher to handle the higher pressure at depth, but I know folks who dive with snorkeling masks, too.
I personally hate dry valves on snorkels - if the valve is closed, you can't breathe in at all, which can be unsettling. They can be helpful if you're intentionally going underwater to look at stuff and would otherwise be filling the whole snorkel with water all the time, though. You definitely want the valve at the bottom to help you clear water out.
Definitely get some sort of high SPF, long-sleeved top. A hat/swim cap may also be a good idea.
You can get digital underwater cameras surprisingly cheaply, they're worth a look.
You can also get watches for freediving, which are fun to track how deep you went and how long you stayed under. They're kind of expensive, but fun if you're interested in getting below the surface. (read up on safety first if you haven't tried freediving before)
posted by momus_window at 4:33 PM on March 2, 2011
I adore the brands of gear that I use, but I'm in Australia so I don't know if they will be available to you. I nearly didn't answer because of that, but hey, if you're in a gear shop and see them, try them out.
I've had the same fins for years and years and love them, they are very comfortable for a long time in the water and when I've used other loaner fins on holiday I've gotten cramps in my legs. (Have vowed to just take my own from now on, like you). Land and Sea Sports are the brand. They are very long fins but not as long as scuba ones.
For masks, between us we have a Mares Pure Vision and a Mares X-Vision Liquid Skin and they are really, really comfortable. They were expensive (somewhat over $100 AU I think) but we bought them at a discount dive gear shop and saved quite a bit. I have never regretted the expense.
Agree x1million that the mask style is more crucial to your comfort in the water and I would rather buy an expensive mask and a cheap snorkel if on a budget.
Anything else is sugar on top but other things we like to keep in our gear bag are gloves for fending yourself off rocks, a diver's knife for opening oysters or similar underwater to encourage a feeding display, and when I had long hair I LOVED an inexpensive neoprene thingy for slipping over the mask straps so they don't pull on or tangle your hair and to make it easier to get on and off. My husband uses neoprene socks and a wetsuit depending where we are snorkelling, he feels the cold even in warm waters.
I note that you are all over the sunscreen thing but will throw in the advice that applying it liberally to the backs of your legs is not something you want to forget before snorkelling. You really, really don't want to get sunburnt behind your knees, ask me how I know :)
Hope you have fun finding the right gear and have a great time on your trip.
posted by k_tron at 12:39 AM on March 3, 2011
I've had the same fins for years and years and love them, they are very comfortable for a long time in the water and when I've used other loaner fins on holiday I've gotten cramps in my legs. (Have vowed to just take my own from now on, like you). Land and Sea Sports are the brand. They are very long fins but not as long as scuba ones.
For masks, between us we have a Mares Pure Vision and a Mares X-Vision Liquid Skin and they are really, really comfortable. They were expensive (somewhat over $100 AU I think) but we bought them at a discount dive gear shop and saved quite a bit. I have never regretted the expense.
Agree x1million that the mask style is more crucial to your comfort in the water and I would rather buy an expensive mask and a cheap snorkel if on a budget.
Anything else is sugar on top but other things we like to keep in our gear bag are gloves for fending yourself off rocks, a diver's knife for opening oysters or similar underwater to encourage a feeding display, and when I had long hair I LOVED an inexpensive neoprene thingy for slipping over the mask straps so they don't pull on or tangle your hair and to make it easier to get on and off. My husband uses neoprene socks and a wetsuit depending where we are snorkelling, he feels the cold even in warm waters.
I note that you are all over the sunscreen thing but will throw in the advice that applying it liberally to the backs of your legs is not something you want to forget before snorkelling. You really, really don't want to get sunburnt behind your knees, ask me how I know :)
Hope you have fun finding the right gear and have a great time on your trip.
posted by k_tron at 12:39 AM on March 3, 2011
Since you mentioned the importance of having stuff that lasts, I'm sure you're already aware of this, but be sure to rinse all your stuff with fresh water after you're done snorkeling for the day.
Other than that, I agree with everyone above who said go to a dive shop. They will not only let you try on masks, but tell you how to know when one fits properly, and a properly fitting mask makes a world of difference. Enjoy!
posted by Grither at 5:47 AM on March 3, 2011
Other than that, I agree with everyone above who said go to a dive shop. They will not only let you try on masks, but tell you how to know when one fits properly, and a properly fitting mask makes a world of difference. Enjoy!
posted by Grither at 5:47 AM on March 3, 2011
Nthing make sure you try on the mask and fins and make sure they fit. They don't have to be expensive. A snorkel is basically just a tube that you breathe through, so don't waste money on fancy snorkels.
posted by snofoam at 7:46 AM on March 3, 2011
posted by snofoam at 7:46 AM on March 3, 2011
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While you are at the dive shop be sure to pick up some scuba socks. These are VERY important for Kealakekua, because when you get to the Captain Cook monument (I assume you're kayaking over?) the rocks are sharp, slippery and full of sea urchins and you can hurt yourself badly getting in the water. The socks will provide some protection (you don't remove them to put the fins on.)
If you forget, there are a couple dive shops just a little up the highway from the Kealakekua exit.
Good luck! Enjoy! I just got back from Kealakekua, it's fantastic!
posted by fingersandtoes at 2:20 PM on March 2, 2011