What Is Snorkeling?
While this may seem to be a rather odd word, the activity is massively popular around the globe in which swimmers use a curved tube for breathing and swim at or near the surface of the water. Most people who snorkel also use a diving mask and swim fins, along with a wetsuit for cooler water. The main reason for snorkeling is to enjoy the underwater scenery while not using special underwater breathing gear (scuba tanks etc.)
Those who live near the ocean and people who travel to the seaside for vacation often engage in snorkeling at the resort. Snorkeling is also used along with scuba diving in search and rescue, under certain conditions. However, it is generally a recreational pastime.
As mentioned earlier, the main benefit of this type of swimming is the enjoyment of underwater animal and plant life. The swimmer can keep his or her face under the surface for an extended period because the open end of the breathing tube is above the surface. Some enterprising folks have extended the use of snorkeling to such games as water hockey, rugby and of course, spearfishing.
Many of those who snorkel on a regular basis enjoy not only the animal and plant life, but also underwater structures such as shipwrecks and rock formations. For the most part, this is a leisure-time activity and is not usually part of competition. However, some use snorkeling equipment for nature and scientific observations in shallow water.
One of the key attractions for snorkeling is that the individual can take part without any specific training. Though it does help to be a reasonably good swimmer, the sport does not require the extensive training that is necessary to enjoy scuba diving. In addition, most scuba divers are very strong swimmers, while snorkeling can be enjoyed once or twice in a lifetime by someone who is not so adept in the water.
This does not mean that just anyone should jump into the ocean with a snorkel and take off without understanding the risks. It is always a good idea to practice with or swim with an experienced friend or guide. When on vacation, it is common for the inexperienced snorkeler to get equipment and guidance from a dive shop professional. Sometimes these companies require the swimmers to wear a safety vest or life jacket, though this may vary from place to place.
The snorkel swimmer swims with face submerged, with the breathing tube firmly sealed in the mouth to keep water from getting in. The mask, of course, covers the eyes and nose, thus all breathing is done through the mouth. The snorkel mouthpiece is more flexible than the rest of the tube, which is often rather stiff. Some snorkel tubes are more flexible but are still designed to stand up above the surface of the water.
More experiended snorkelers sometimes dive under the water and hold their breath, to see something more clearly or to get their hands on an underwater object. When they surface, it is necessary to blow the water out of the tube so that it is open for breathing again. Most equipment companies recommend keeping the snorkel and mask separate, rather than having a combination piece of equipment.
Category: Sports