Snorkel gear for first-timer
March 9, 2022 10:45 AM Subscribe
Can anyone recommend snorkel gear for a first-timer, which also packs small?
We are going to Turks & Caicos, and I really want to snorkel because everyone raves about it. I don't own a mask and have never snorkeled before -- so I don't have really demanding requirements:
Any other things a n00b ought to know?
The Wirecutter review has comments going back 5+ years, so I am leery of trusting it. And I don't know enough about web sites devoted to diving & snorkeling to know who's legit.
We are going to Turks & Caicos, and I really want to snorkel because everyone raves about it. I don't own a mask and have never snorkeled before -- so I don't have really demanding requirements:
- I don't want a full-face mask because I have read that they make shallow-breathers pass out.
- I do want a mount for a GoPro-style clip.
- I would like to pay less than $50 -- which I believe is easier if I forgo fins.
Any other things a n00b ought to know?
The Wirecutter review has comments going back 5+ years, so I am leery of trusting it. And I don't know enough about web sites devoted to diving & snorkeling to know who's legit.
Snorkeling without fins is way way way less fun. And I say that as somebody who prefers snorkeling to scuba because I can't be arsed dealing with the gear.
posted by flabdablet at 10:54 AM on March 9, 2022 [8 favorites]
posted by flabdablet at 10:54 AM on March 9, 2022 [8 favorites]
Every place where snorkeling is a thing has decent rental gear for tourists. Do that, and you'll be able to include the fins. I'd spend all your energy fussing with what kind of hookup your GoPro will need, and just bring that along.
posted by BlahLaLa at 10:55 AM on March 9, 2022 [7 favorites]
posted by BlahLaLa at 10:55 AM on March 9, 2022 [7 favorites]
I also suggest renting locally. You have probably find a shop that will offer a snorkeling tour and rent the gear. I also suggest unless you are a very strong swimmer renting a buoyancy vest.
posted by tman99 at 11:18 AM on March 9, 2022
posted by tman99 at 11:18 AM on March 9, 2022
Many snorkel places used to rent equipment; a lot of places stopped during covid, so it's worth checking your specific destination and see if they're renting now. Maybe they will at least rent fins, if not masks/snorkels.
As an inexperienced snorkel person myself, I'd say: definitely use fins. They make it much easier to reach the "just chilling and watching" state you want, make it much much easier to go where you want without getting tired.
I don't have comparison info about which kits are better, but we did fine with a basic equipment setup from eg Dick's sporting goods. I think we got these: Aqua Lung Sport Adult Hawkeye ($30) or Aqua Lung Sport Adult Trooper Zulu ($40, has a more flexible elbow and a different top port on the snorkel) - (those are mask/snorkel combos without fins) - or they sell corresponding versions with fins eg Aqua Lung Sport Adult Haweye Snorkeling set (includes fins, $50). If you're getting fins, be sure to check the size, they have S/M/L size fins and a chart that tells you what shoe size corresponds to which.
The kit instructs you how to attach the snorkel to the mask. There is a little learning curve to using the mask/snorkel and the fins; don't be discouraged, you will get it pretty quickly. You want the mask to be a little tighter to your face than you might think, to prevent leaks. Tip, to prevent your mask fogging up you can spit a little in it and wipe the spit around the part you want to remain fogless.
posted by LobsterMitten at 11:18 AM on March 9, 2022 [3 favorites]
As an inexperienced snorkel person myself, I'd say: definitely use fins. They make it much easier to reach the "just chilling and watching" state you want, make it much much easier to go where you want without getting tired.
I don't have comparison info about which kits are better, but we did fine with a basic equipment setup from eg Dick's sporting goods. I think we got these: Aqua Lung Sport Adult Hawkeye ($30) or Aqua Lung Sport Adult Trooper Zulu ($40, has a more flexible elbow and a different top port on the snorkel) - (those are mask/snorkel combos without fins) - or they sell corresponding versions with fins eg Aqua Lung Sport Adult Haweye Snorkeling set (includes fins, $50). If you're getting fins, be sure to check the size, they have S/M/L size fins and a chart that tells you what shoe size corresponds to which.
The kit instructs you how to attach the snorkel to the mask. There is a little learning curve to using the mask/snorkel and the fins; don't be discouraged, you will get it pretty quickly. You want the mask to be a little tighter to your face than you might think, to prevent leaks. Tip, to prevent your mask fogging up you can spit a little in it and wipe the spit around the part you want to remain fogless.
posted by LobsterMitten at 11:18 AM on March 9, 2022 [3 favorites]
Response by poster: Awesome answers so far, much appreciated!
We're going to an all-inclusive -- ooh-la-la, I know -- which lends out gear. I might borrow their fins, but we're fussy about mouthpieces & tubes that other people have been using.
posted by wenestvedt at 11:24 AM on March 9, 2022
We're going to an all-inclusive -- ooh-la-la, I know -- which lends out gear. I might borrow their fins, but we're fussy about mouthpieces & tubes that other people have been using.
posted by wenestvedt at 11:24 AM on March 9, 2022
I just got back from Cancun, where I was a first-time snorkeller using the all-inclusive equipment (with and without fins). If there is any current/waves, you will need fins just to stay in place and to avoid being pushed onto rocks and coral. In a moderately strong current, it was tiring even with fins. There was a 2-basin protocol to disinfect and rinse the equipment after use, so I felt fine using the provided snorkels and masks.
(The one time I didn't use fins, it was in the Akumal turtle reserve, where fins will stir up sand and disturb the ecosystem. The bay was rock-free and super calm that day, so fins weren't needed to keep safe or keep up with the tour group.)
posted by cardboard at 11:31 AM on March 9, 2022 [2 favorites]
(The one time I didn't use fins, it was in the Akumal turtle reserve, where fins will stir up sand and disturb the ecosystem. The bay was rock-free and super calm that day, so fins weren't needed to keep safe or keep up with the tour group.)
posted by cardboard at 11:31 AM on March 9, 2022 [2 favorites]
When we were in Mexico in January, most of the places had switched to disposable snorkels, otherwise they were definitely sanitized between use.
We did get these inexpensive travel-size fins on Amazon and they worked great. I was happy to have neoprene booties in them to keep blisters at bay.
posted by mcgsa at 11:45 AM on March 9, 2022 [2 favorites]
We did get these inexpensive travel-size fins on Amazon and they worked great. I was happy to have neoprene booties in them to keep blisters at bay.
posted by mcgsa at 11:45 AM on March 9, 2022 [2 favorites]
Other n00b things that come to mind:
-You want the fins to be tight-fitting too, otherwise they can slip off, so size down if you have to. this is a benefit of renting them at the place, you'll be able to try on more than one to get a tight fit.
-Don't touch the coral with your hands or even the tips of your fins. Easy to say, but can be a little difficult in practice. Two main points related to this:
-Learn in advance about basic identifications to know what you're seeing - especially basic "don't touch this" hazardous stuff that will be in the area you're snorkeling. E.g. spiny black sea urchins.
-Be conscious about your body position. You want your body to be horizontal in the water like an airplane flying over the landscape without touching it; for some people their body tends to go vertical, which leads to kicking/touching parts of the bottom that you don't want to damage or have damage you.
posted by LobsterMitten at 11:54 AM on March 9, 2022 [3 favorites]
-You want the fins to be tight-fitting too, otherwise they can slip off, so size down if you have to. this is a benefit of renting them at the place, you'll be able to try on more than one to get a tight fit.
-Don't touch the coral with your hands or even the tips of your fins. Easy to say, but can be a little difficult in practice. Two main points related to this:
-Learn in advance about basic identifications to know what you're seeing - especially basic "don't touch this" hazardous stuff that will be in the area you're snorkeling. E.g. spiny black sea urchins.
-Be conscious about your body position. You want your body to be horizontal in the water like an airplane flying over the landscape without touching it; for some people their body tends to go vertical, which leads to kicking/touching parts of the bottom that you don't want to damage or have damage you.
posted by LobsterMitten at 11:54 AM on March 9, 2022 [3 favorites]
Get a snorkel with a mouth piece that sits on the roof of your mouth almost like a retainer rather than one that has the bite pieces on the side (like you’d use to keep your teeth from grinding). It is weirdly exhausting to bite down and keep those mouth pieces in. Find a scuba shop near you (yes, you can find them even if you’re inland!) and get fitted for a mask. You’ll get a much better fit this way. The general guidance is when you squish it to your face it should stay on on its own but if you blow out through your nose it pops off. The straps really just keep it in place.
You can buy cheap fins online or a sporting goods store. They should fit tight- you don’t want them slipping off. The shorter fins are less work for your legs, but you’ll have to kick more, the longer ones are moving more water and will make your legs work harder but you’ll kick less- think of it like high and low gears on a bike.
If you’re trying on fins at home, try them on by putting them on under the water level in a bathtub. It’s easier and you’ll get a better idea of fit. If you can’t do that, use a liberal amount of baby powder (and if you bring some with you it also gets off dry sand from your feet if you don’t want to wet them again)
I highly recommend giving snorkeling a shot at a local Y in a lap lane or somewhere similar. It will give you a feel for it all rather than learning a lot of new things at once and trying to observe the seascape.
Have a great trip!
posted by raccoon409 at 12:19 PM on March 9, 2022 [3 favorites]
You can buy cheap fins online or a sporting goods store. They should fit tight- you don’t want them slipping off. The shorter fins are less work for your legs, but you’ll have to kick more, the longer ones are moving more water and will make your legs work harder but you’ll kick less- think of it like high and low gears on a bike.
If you’re trying on fins at home, try them on by putting them on under the water level in a bathtub. It’s easier and you’ll get a better idea of fit. If you can’t do that, use a liberal amount of baby powder (and if you bring some with you it also gets off dry sand from your feet if you don’t want to wet them again)
I highly recommend giving snorkeling a shot at a local Y in a lap lane or somewhere similar. It will give you a feel for it all rather than learning a lot of new things at once and trying to observe the seascape.
Have a great trip!
posted by raccoon409 at 12:19 PM on March 9, 2022 [3 favorites]
Oh, and to a point above- find with a heel strap should be used with neoprene booties while whole foot fits should be used on their own
posted by raccoon409 at 12:20 PM on March 9, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by raccoon409 at 12:20 PM on March 9, 2022 [2 favorites]
Seconding raccoon409's technique for dialing in mask fit! It's so dependent on your face shape, so if you insist on buying a mask then definitely try it on before buying. For your purpose, it doesn't have to be a super fancy mask, it just has to fit properly. Nothing ruins snorkeling more quickly than a mask that keeps flooding!
The same goes for if you do decide to rent a mask - make sure the fit is good before you leave the shop.
Also seconding LobsterMitten's spit tip. A perpetually foggy mask is just behind a constantly flooding mask for things that are super annoying during snorkeling. If the spit squicks you out, you can use dish soap. Just make sure you rinse it out well before putting it on.
Last tip - if you have long, unruly hair, get a neoprene strap cover.
Have so much fun!! The best part of snorkeling is getting more comfortable with diving down to get a closer peek at corals. You'll need fins for this!
posted by blueberrypuffin at 1:55 PM on March 9, 2022 [2 favorites]
The same goes for if you do decide to rent a mask - make sure the fit is good before you leave the shop.
Also seconding LobsterMitten's spit tip. A perpetually foggy mask is just behind a constantly flooding mask for things that are super annoying during snorkeling. If the spit squicks you out, you can use dish soap. Just make sure you rinse it out well before putting it on.
Last tip - if you have long, unruly hair, get a neoprene strap cover.
Have so much fun!! The best part of snorkeling is getting more comfortable with diving down to get a closer peek at corals. You'll need fins for this!
posted by blueberrypuffin at 1:55 PM on March 9, 2022 [2 favorites]
A Save-A-Dive Kit is a -- small -- collection of things that can prevent bagging a scuba trip, particularly if you are already on a dive boat or an all-day excursion. These can be found at dive shops or you can research it and make your own specifically for snorkeling. YMMV.
One wide-mouth 32 oz. Nalgene bottle, or the equivalent for easy storage. Available at Walmart/Target.
Extra dive mask strap. I prefer a wide neoprene strap for my regular dive mask.
Extra snorkel keeper. I prefer a plastic clip-on style for my regular dive mask.
Extra open-heel fin straps. We have used these the most often.
Some plastic zipties. A cutting tool.
My husband uses diving earplugs, but I don't.
Swimmer's Ear droplets, to dry out the ears after diving or swimming to help prevent earache.
We sometimes use a mask defogger instead of spit. Cleaning a mask at depth is frustrating.
Dramamine or other seasickness medication, along with some hard candies or taffy.
Also, bottled water. Facial tissues or handkerchiefs. Sunscreen and bug spray/lip balm as needed.
Depending on your situation, you may need a dive flag on a float. We use one while shore diving and snorkeling to alert boats and jet skis to our location. Check while on vacation to see if this is necessary.
I've become entangled in fishing line, so I bring small dive shears in my BC vest pocket. I can add it to a pouch around my waist while snorkeling. Airline carry-on luggage: will a pair of small, cheap TSA-approved scissors cut fishing line? Will they be too rusty after a couple of dives?
We each bring a dive whistle in case of emergencies, and a small diving flashlight to see under rocks (extra light for photography). Remember to remove the batteries from dive lights before airline travel.
We've had limited luck with small waterproof cases for our vehicle keys, etc. Do some research about keeping your valuables safe while offshore.
I bring an Absorber or AquaDry PVA towel (automotive section of Walmart/Target) instead of a cotton towel for drying off and for sitting on hot or rocky surfaces.
I sometimes wear a nylon long-sleeve t-shirt as a rash guard and to reduce sunburns. Sunscreen does not stay on in saltwater.
I would spend money on a good (but not great) dive/snorkel mask and a very basic snorkel. I prefer neoprene boots and adjustable open-heel fins so that I can walk on the beach with ease.
We use snorkel bags, but a large nylon bag will do to keep everything organized.
posted by TrishaU at 1:57 AM on March 10, 2022 [1 favorite]
One wide-mouth 32 oz. Nalgene bottle, or the equivalent for easy storage. Available at Walmart/Target.
Extra dive mask strap. I prefer a wide neoprene strap for my regular dive mask.
Extra snorkel keeper. I prefer a plastic clip-on style for my regular dive mask.
Extra open-heel fin straps. We have used these the most often.
Some plastic zipties. A cutting tool.
My husband uses diving earplugs, but I don't.
Swimmer's Ear droplets, to dry out the ears after diving or swimming to help prevent earache.
We sometimes use a mask defogger instead of spit. Cleaning a mask at depth is frustrating.
Dramamine or other seasickness medication, along with some hard candies or taffy.
Also, bottled water. Facial tissues or handkerchiefs. Sunscreen and bug spray/lip balm as needed.
Depending on your situation, you may need a dive flag on a float. We use one while shore diving and snorkeling to alert boats and jet skis to our location. Check while on vacation to see if this is necessary.
I've become entangled in fishing line, so I bring small dive shears in my BC vest pocket. I can add it to a pouch around my waist while snorkeling. Airline carry-on luggage: will a pair of small, cheap TSA-approved scissors cut fishing line? Will they be too rusty after a couple of dives?
We each bring a dive whistle in case of emergencies, and a small diving flashlight to see under rocks (extra light for photography). Remember to remove the batteries from dive lights before airline travel.
We've had limited luck with small waterproof cases for our vehicle keys, etc. Do some research about keeping your valuables safe while offshore.
I bring an Absorber or AquaDry PVA towel (automotive section of Walmart/Target) instead of a cotton towel for drying off and for sitting on hot or rocky surfaces.
I sometimes wear a nylon long-sleeve t-shirt as a rash guard and to reduce sunburns. Sunscreen does not stay on in saltwater.
I would spend money on a good (but not great) dive/snorkel mask and a very basic snorkel. I prefer neoprene boots and adjustable open-heel fins so that I can walk on the beach with ease.
We use snorkel bags, but a large nylon bag will do to keep everything organized.
posted by TrishaU at 1:57 AM on March 10, 2022 [1 favorite]
a very basic snorkel.
Seconded.
There used to exist a style of "safety" or "beginner" snorkel where the top end was bent down into an inverted U and fitted with a little plastic cage retaining a ping pong ball. The theory was that when you submerged, the ball would float up and wedge against a seal on the end of the tube, preventing the snorkel from filling with water.
If you've not been snorkeling before, this might seem like clever design and something you might pick.
Don't.
A basic safety skill for snorkeling is only ever going under when you have enough breath on board to blow the snorkel clear of water when you surface again. You need to practise that skill until you're confident you have it, and once you do, using it makes the ping pong ball valve superfluous.
And it's worse than superfluous, it's potentially dangerous. When, not if, it fails to seal the tube, you end up with more water to blow out because the tube is longer. When it does manage to create some sort of seal, it can let in just enough water to create only a partial blockage rather than an easily expelled full-thickness water plug. On the first in-breath after surfacing, some of that will probably end up in your mouth. And that's assuming a reasonably quick breath doesn't suck the ball up to the seal and block it with shocking suddenness. They're awful.
I haven't seen one of these abominations on offer in Australia for a very long time, but if you see one where you're going, pass it up in favour of something with a short, straight, open ended riser and make mouthpiece comfort your main criterion. Look for a very soft and flexible section of tube, possibly actually part of the mouthpiece moulding itself, linking the mouthpiece to the riser.
posted by flabdablet at 9:14 AM on March 10, 2022 [2 favorites]
Seconded.
There used to exist a style of "safety" or "beginner" snorkel where the top end was bent down into an inverted U and fitted with a little plastic cage retaining a ping pong ball. The theory was that when you submerged, the ball would float up and wedge against a seal on the end of the tube, preventing the snorkel from filling with water.
If you've not been snorkeling before, this might seem like clever design and something you might pick.
Don't.
A basic safety skill for snorkeling is only ever going under when you have enough breath on board to blow the snorkel clear of water when you surface again. You need to practise that skill until you're confident you have it, and once you do, using it makes the ping pong ball valve superfluous.
And it's worse than superfluous, it's potentially dangerous. When, not if, it fails to seal the tube, you end up with more water to blow out because the tube is longer. When it does manage to create some sort of seal, it can let in just enough water to create only a partial blockage rather than an easily expelled full-thickness water plug. On the first in-breath after surfacing, some of that will probably end up in your mouth. And that's assuming a reasonably quick breath doesn't suck the ball up to the seal and block it with shocking suddenness. They're awful.
I haven't seen one of these abominations on offer in Australia for a very long time, but if you see one where you're going, pass it up in favour of something with a short, straight, open ended riser and make mouthpiece comfort your main criterion. Look for a very soft and flexible section of tube, possibly actually part of the mouthpiece moulding itself, linking the mouthpiece to the riser.
posted by flabdablet at 9:14 AM on March 10, 2022 [2 favorites]
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(Though, to be fair, I can spend most of a week face down over a reef just floating and watching the fish.)
posted by straw at 10:51 AM on March 9, 2022 [1 favorite]