Snorkeling gears are very useful, valuable and essential for the people who love to dive and want to enjoy the vibrant and stunning views of oceans but it is possible if you have all the relevant equipment of the snorkel gear, which make a trip memorable. In this article, we will discuss the snorkeling equipment and their features and uses.
The compulsory equipment includes mask, fins, and snorkel while other includes wetsuit, weight belt, snorkeling vest, rash guard, sunscreen and much more…
Obligatory equipment
- Diving mask
It is essential equipment used by the free divers and snorkelers to view underwater. All Diving masks contain lenses in the inner side which give a clear and panoramic view depends on the type of lenses fitted in it. Masks have rubber skirts that enclose a nose and a strap that fit around the head. Diving mask is mostly made up of silicon and rubber which make it comfy and snug to face.
There are two types of mask half masks, which enclose eye and nose and full-faced mask, enclose eye, nose, and mouth. Other points to be noted are:
- Mask should have low volume
- Purge valve should be in it to drain the excess of water and make the image clear.
- For photography purposes, a black skirt mask should be used for correct vision.
- Prescription lenses are used for people who have an eye-side problem.
- Snorkels
Snorkels are the key component of the gear it is used for breathing purposes usually made from rubber or plastic having L or J shaped to which a mouthpiece is attached at the end. Snorkeling contains a respiratory dead space.
Snorkel has few types, includes wet snorkel, semi-dry snorkel, and dry snorkel.
- Wet snorkel: its tube is filled with water and in a submerged position or high wave one can breathe easily.
- Semi-dry snorkel: it is designed to prevent the water on the top side of the tube and have a one-way valve near the mouthpiece which clears the vision.
- Dry snorkel: it is insulator of water and the most efficient type
Other features include:
- Made from hypoallergenic liquid injected silicon
- The mouthpiece is designed to reduce jaw fatigue.
- Fins
A suitable fin is helpful in effortless diving and makes it quicker. There is a lot of style and manufacturing material but instead of it, all fins have large blades that help in kicking the water back. There are two types of fins open heel and full foot fin. Other features include:
- Short and rigid fins are quicker
- Boot style fins are more comfortable
- Straps fins are adjustable according to the size of afoot.
Above mention components are the basic and compulsory snorkeling equipment, rest includes vet wetsuit and others will be discussed in another article.
