Making Snorkelling Simple. What Snorkelling Kit Do I need?
One of the easiest and most fantastic ways to explore the wonders of our sea this summer is by snorkelling! Simple with minimal snorkelling kit needed, no surprise it’s becoming so popular.
No nicer feeling than gently bobbing along the calm clear waters looking down at the underwater world full of colourful fishes, crabs, starfish and other surprising marine life such as a playful seal or sharks silently moving around the seabed. It’s such a simple and calming activity that gives you a window into a small world without the heavy gear that scuba diving involves. Snorkelling is something everyone should give it a try at least once.
But what gear do you need to start snorkelling?!
Luckily, for snorkelling, the kit needed to start is pretty minimal; a mask, snorkel and a pair of fins. These are the basics you need to get out into the sea.
This makes snorkelling a super accessible way of getting to explore the underwater world. While activities such as scuba diving are very kit heavy and require training, as long as you are comfortable in the water and a decent swimmer then snorkelling is a great place to start. Snorkelling is also a great family activity with kit designed to fit both adults and kids, so all jump in together and see what’s beneath the waves.
Let’s take a deep dive into the kit you need for snorkelling.
A Good Fitting Snorkel Mask
The most obvious pieces of kit needed for snorkelling are the mask and snorkel. These pieces of kit allow you to see and breathe when looking underwater. Let’s start with the mask.
The most important factor with a mask is the fit. Ideally, you want to go to a local dive/snorkel store and try a few on. You are looking for a good seal around the face to help prevent water from leaking into the mask. If you aren’t able to get into a store don’t panic. Many of the masks have a silicone skirt made of varying thicknesses so it flexes and moulds to the shape of your face nicely. If you know you have a particularly wide or narrow face then there are some masks out there in these styles too.
Aside from the fit, you can choose a mask that is your preference. You get twin lens or single frame masks, a range of different colours and styles to suit you. The only consideration with the lenses is if you are wanting a mask with prescription lenses in. If so then you will more likely be looking at purchasing a twin-lens mask.
Comfortable Snorkels
The next key element to get you snorkelling is, of course, the snorkel. A simple piece of kit designed to clip onto the side of your mask, with a mouthpiece at one end to breathe into, following up an open-ended tube to let the air out. There are a couple of different styles of snorkel you can get; standard, splash and dry snorkels.
Standard snorkels
These are super basic, and lightweight and can be a great choice for free divers as well as snorkellers. Made up of the mouthpiece and the breathing tube and not much else. If you were to get water in the snorkel, you will need to tip the water out of the mouthpiece or tube end to empty. So you will want to be comfortable with this if getting a standard snorkel. Some standard snorkels can be ‘float’ snorkels so if you lose it, it floats on the surface or be roll-up snorkels, ideal for putting in your BCD pocket when scuba diving.
Splash snorkels
Have a top designed with a splash guard on to help prevent water from getting into the snorkel. These guards are made with open channels to divert the water away from the top of the snorkel as well as a wrap-around guard to deflect any splashes. These are only designed to help prevent splashing water from getting into the snorkel. If you were to go underwater then there’s nothing to stop water from getting in. Often splash snorkels will have a purge just under the mouthpiece. If any water gets in, then it can be blown out using the purge feature.
Finally, dry snorkels.
These are usually high-end snorkels and have a vented closure system around the top of the snorkel tube to stop water from getting in, keeping the snorkel dry. Hence the name. The dry tops do not prevent air from getting in or impact your breathing in any way. There will be a small valve which opens and closes at the top when you breathe, if you were to go underwater the pressure of the water pushes this valve shut to prevent water from getting in. Dry snorkels will come with a purge in the bottom too. These are great for anyone who isn’t as confident in the water or wants as little water in your snorkel as possible!
Full Face Mask and Snorkel
Why not combine the mask and snorkel into 1 handy package with a full face mask and snorkel? If you get the right one these can be great as they offer a wider field of view and there’s no jaw fatigue from holding the mouthpiece. With a wider lens, you get more light coming in with a more open feel, which is a good option for those not as confident or brand new to snorkelling. By fitting to the face they are comfortable for long snorkels and can offer anti-fog properties with their easy air circulation. Also, there’s no forgetting anything as it’s all attached in one compact unit.
Watch out where you purchase your full face mask and snorkel from though. As there have been negative stories around the full face mask and snorkel kits, particularly cheaper models. A recommendation would be the sets by Ocean Reef. They are specialists in full-face masks, particularly for the diving industry so have the technology and knowledge behind a good full-face snorkelling mask.
Splashing Snorkelling Fins
Make gliding across the reef easy with a good pair of snorkelling fins. Another key component of your snorkelling kit, your fins become an extension of your feet so need to be comfortable for swimming.
The main 2 types of fins are full-foot fins and open-heel fins. For snorkelling full foot fins tends to be the preference. They have a soft foot pocket that stretches with your movement. By enclosing the whole foot it gives extra protection while being comfortable. The other option is open-heel fins. These will have a bungee strap across the back to hold your foot into the fin. If you plan on diving with thick waterproof boots then these will be easier to get on and off.
Warmth With Wetsuits or Exposure Protection
Long periods of time snorkelling will result in you feeling colder in the water. Wearing a wetsuit adds a layer of warmth around your core making time in the water more comfortable. If you are snorkelling in places like the UK then ideally a 5mm wetsuit can keep you warm throughout most of the year. In the summer months, you can get away with a thinner 3mm wetsuit. For warmer waters, you can get shorty wetsuits that are easy to pull on and easy to travel with. Even in tropical waters, it is a good idea to wear exposure protection such as a rash vest as it adds an extra layer of warmth and can protect you from the UV sun rays.
Snorkelling Kit Accessories To Consider
That sums up the basics you ideally need in your snorkelling kit bag. These will get you in the water and exploring the beautiful colours of the reef. As you keep snorkelling there are some extra pieces of kit to consider. Including; weight belts and weights, swim buoys and a camera.
If you find you are wanting to do some duck diving along with your snorkelling to get that closer look at the reef, then a weight belt with a couple of KG’s weight will be useful. Naturally, our bodies are fairly buoyant and if you are wearing a wetsuit you have added buoyancy. Perfect for staying on the surface, a bit more of a struggle without the weight to get down underwater.
Swim buoys are used all the time for open water swimming, as a visibility aid and afloat. These buoys are brilliant for snorkelling too as you can tow it as you snorkel, as a visible marker for wherever you are in the water. Making it easy for your shore support and fellow snorkellers to follow your snorkel. Also for emergency services to spot you if the need ever arises. The swim buoys are floats which you can use to hold onto for a rest mid-snorkel, some even have dry pockets for storing your phone and keys in too.
Finally a camera. No better way to show off your amazing snorkel finds than capturing them on camera. It doesn’t even need to be a big camera set up either. A GoPro or compact camera can do the job perfectly. The important thing here is to check you have the right waterproof housing for the camera so the salt water doesn’t damage it!
It’s Time To Go Snorkel
Now you have all the knowledge on what snorkelling kit you need to get the most out of your snorkel. As well as a few accessories to go further. Snorkelling is a super easy way to get into exploring our oceans and having comfortable snorkelling kit makes it even more enjoyable. There will be kit to suit all levels of budget including second-hand items too.
