Q&A for How to Snorkel

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  • Question
    What if I have a phobia of seeing fish underwater?
    Community Answer
    Then snorkeling probably isn't the best activity for you.
  • Question
    Can a beginner swimmer snorkel?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but start in shallow waters as you get used to it.
  • Question
    Where can I buy a buoyancy vest?
    Community Answer
    There are many places online, as well as in pool shops.
  • Question
    My husband's mustache stops his mask from sealing. What can he do?
    Community Answer
    He may need to shave his mustache if he intends to go snorkeling. He can try brushing the hair in a way so that it's less intrusive, but that might not work.
  • Question
    Can a non-swimmer also do this?
    Community Answer
    If you can't swim at all, you may not enjoy snorkeling. If you can float, you could do so with snorkel gear, but you may fear getting out of your depth, not being able to get back to shore, or drowning. If you are a non-swimmer who is determined to try snorkeling, either give yourself the support of a buoyancy aid or learn to swim.
  • Question
    How can I snorkel underwater for a long time without a tank?
    Community Answer
    By training your lungs, you can extend the time spent uderwater. Without much effort you can reach 2 or even 3 minutes without breath only with basic lung exercises.
  • Question
    When getting a snorkel mask, should the nose part cover my nose without any holes?
    Community Answer
    Yes. If it had holes, then you might as well use goggles that don't cover your nose.
  • Question
    Can I use water shoes to go snorkeling?
    Community Answer
    You can, I suppose, but they won't be as good for moving around as fins are. I personally think that water shoes are counter-productive, as you're actually slower with them on than you would be without them. If you're using a life vest (which you should be anyways) you'll be fine, but I would definitely suggest fins.
  • Question
    Sometimes I get panicky when the water goes into my tube. What could I do to help that?
    Community Answer
    Keep practicing in shallow water until you are confident.
  • Question
    Do I let water into my mouth when diving down?
    Community Answer
    No, or the snorkel would have no use.
  • Question
    Does snorkeling help my lungs?
    Community Answer
    No. You're basically breathing as you would if you were on land without the snorkel. If you dive though, holding your breath can help extend the amount of time you can spend holding your breath, which could help your lungs.
  • Question
    As some of the corals are sharp would it be advisable to wear an old pair of sneakers?
    Community Answer
    Not underwater.
  • Question
    Can I use a swimmer snorkel and swimmer goggles to snorkel? Is that safe?
    Tom De Backer
    Top Answerer
    Yes, that is perfectly safe.
  • Question
    Is it possible to snorkel without a mask and only eye goggles?
    Community Answer
    I believe it is more of a personal preference. However, personally, I feel that a good mask makes for a more enjoyable way to see. They now have "tubeless" full face masks that enable full views. No more having to bite and hold onto a tube. Also, the design allows for nose breathing and makes snorkeling easier and gives an overall better experience.
  • Question
    While swimming with a snorkel on, should I inhale through my mouth or nose?
    Community Answer
    You should inhale and exhale through your mouth.
  • Question
    Why don't fish snorkel?
    Community Answer
    They don't need to because they have gills, and they use the oxygen in the water to breath.
  • Question
    What is the purge valve for on a snorkel?
    Community Answer
    It's for helping to drain off water when your snorkel is full, and you blow strongly.
  • Question
    How do I attach the tube to the mask?
    Community Answer
    Use the clip on the tube and attach it to the strap of your goggles and you're all set.
  • Question
    How can I hold my breath underwater while snorkeling?
    Community Answer
    You can hold your breath if you want, but the whole purpose of snorkeling is that you breathe through the snorkel so you can stay underwater longer. If you do decide to hold your breath, be careful and don't do it for too long.
  • Question
    How can I clear my snorkel glass from fog underwater?
    Community Answer
    You can try using an anti-fog spray, such as Quick Spit Anti-fog. It's eco-friendly!
  • Question
    What if a person has barometric pressure changes in her head, or problems with her ears that cause extreme dizziness? Can she still snorkel?
    Community Answer
    You can equalize the pressure in your ears under water by pinching your nose through the snorkel mask and pushing the air out of your ears. But if the person becomes severely dizzy or lightheaded after or while snorkeling, she shouldn’t snorkel.
  • Question
    How do I attach the snorkel to the mask?
    Community Answer
    There will be a small attachment on the snorkel that fastens to the strap of the mask/goggles.
  • Question
    How do I snorkel when I'm allergic to the ocean?
    Community Answer
    You can snorkel in a lake or pond, or, depending on the severity of your allergies, you might be able to take allergy medication to snorkel in the ocean.
  • Question
    What if I'm scared of fish?
    Community Answer
    Snorkeling is probably not the sport for you. Even if you stay on the surface, some fish are curious and will swim up to you or swim alongside you.
  • Question
    Does snorkeling affect fishes and marine life?
    Ask_Leah_321
    Community Answer
    It is perfectly safe, as long as you do not harass or touch any marine life, unless you have gone out on a boat and you are with a specialist.
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