Keeping Water Out of the Snorkel

Taking a few precautions while snorkeling can keep the water out of your snorkel for most of your snorkeling session. Let us look for some ways which you can use to keep water at bay and be on your way to snorkel like a professional.

Proper Fitting Equipment

If there is something that can make or break your snorkeling experience, it is your equipment's comfort, quality, and fitting. Before you purchase, it is recommended that you do some research or seek advice from an experienced snorkeler to make sure you get the proper fit.

You will often find that high-quality and branded equipment gives you a better experience. Trusted brands ensure their equipment is rigorously tested before it hits the store shelves and will give you an enjoyable and safe experience when snorkeling.

The Mask

Before you plunge your head underwater, it is essential to make sure that your mask is of the correct size and fits properly with a comfortable mask strap. One way to test if it is right for you is to place it on your face and inhale using your nose. It is probably the correct size if it suctions and sticks on without feeling too tight or loose. The mask must stay on your face without having to inhale repeatedly. You can use a dive mask if you also go scuba diving.

You should then try to place the strap around your head. It is best to place the strap just above the ears, at the widest part of your head. The mask should fit snugly without being too tight.

For people with long hair, you will need to ensure that your hair is not getting between the seal and your face. Failing to take this precaution can cause the mask to leak and even have hair blocking your vision.

The Snorkel

With the mask securely on, now it is time to try out the snorkel. Attach the snorkeling tube to the mask using the keeper. Start by adjusting the height of the keeper so the mouthpiece reaches your mouth comfortably and without any tension on the snorkeling tube.

Position the snorkel at about forty-five degrees from the top of your head towards the back. This test will let you know how far it will stick out above the water and make sure it is well-positioned.  

The Fins

Fins are not essential for snorkeling, but they can help beginners with their initial sessions. They allow you to move through the water faster and more efficiently. Like the other equipment you are purchasing, you will want your fits to feel snug and not too tight or loose.

If you feel a pinch anywhere on your feet when trying out fins, you will require a bigger size. If the fin flops around, it is probably too big, and you need to opt for a smaller size.

Advanced Snorkels

Snorkels can be divided into three categories depending on the accessories they come installed with.

Dry Snorkels

Almost all dry snorkels work around the same idea and use a float valve mechanism attached to the open end. When the open end is submerged, the float valve rises and deploys a flap in the opening of the snorkel, sealing it shut. Once the open end is above the water's surface, the float valve returns to its original position and allows you to inhale normally without requiring clearing.

Semi-Dry Snorkels

Semi-dry snorkels have a splash guard on the open end of the tube, which helps to keep water from splashing out. They are also equipped with a purge valve to allow for more efficient water removal if it gets into the tube.

Wet Snorkels

These are the simplest type and comprise a simple J-tube attached to a snorkel mouthpiece. These always require manual clearing if water gets into them.

For beginners, it is recommended that you purchase dry or semi-dry snorkels, as they are far more efficient in keeping water out than traditional, wet snorkels.

It is important to note that the float valve on dry snorkels can get stuck sometimes, preventing you from inhaling. In such a scenario, remove the snorkel from your mouth, breathe, and manually open the valve.

Breathing Control

Getting used to breathing through a tube can be one of the most challenging aspects of snorkeling to learn. It is essential to breathe deeply and slowly without exerting yourself too much. With controlled breathing, you can remain calm and ensure that you inhale and exhale comfortably through the tube.  

When breathing through a tube, not all the exhaled air leaves the tube. Some of it sticks in and can be inhaled. Due to this, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood can rise and result in you feeling as if there is not enough air.

To overcome this, practice deep breathing using the diaphragm when on land. Once you get used to this breathing method, you will be able to make your snorkeling sessions longer and more enjoyable.

Practice Breathing Through the Mouth

Excessive inhaling and exhaling through the mask can cause it to leak. If you find it challenging to breathe through your mouth, consider using a nose clip along with snorkel masks.

Although you can use swimming goggles when snorkeling, you will have a higher chance of inhaling water. You will also not have a place to attach your snorkel tube. For beginners, you must use a proper snorkeling mask instead of simple goggles.

Full-Face Mask

Some snorkelers prefer using full-face masks instead of the traditional mask covering your nose and eyes. They find these masks to be more comfortable and make snorkeling a simple experience.

However, many snorkeling experts are concerned with the buildup of carbon dioxide in the system when using a full-face mask. If you plan to use a full-face mask, you must purchase it from a reputable brand and make sure that it fits properly.

Practice in Calm Conditions

Before you take your equipment to conquer rough and deep waters, you must get used to it. The best way to do that is to find a shallow area with calm waters. You can choose to try out your equipment in a lake, a swimming pool, or any other body of water that does not have too many waves.

As a beginner, waves can be unpredictable and force you into rocks or other obstacles underwater. When you head out towards open waters, make sure that the weather is clear and the conditions are suitable for snorkeling.

Body Positioning

Proper body positioning is one of the most crucial factors in keeping water out of your snorkel and mouth. Performing aggressive maneuvers as a beginner can cause water to enter your snorkel.

Allow yourself to float on the surface and keep your head positioned so that you are looking more down and only slightly forward. Maintaining this position will help keep the open end of your snorkel above the water and ensure that the water stays out.

Keeping your arms relaxed and using your legs to propel yourself will reduce the chances of splashes and keep you going for a longer period before you exhaust yourself and have to take a break.

Clearing Water Out of a Snorkel

Learning to clear water out of a snorkel is a skill that requires practice to learn and perfect. There are three standard methods of clearing water out of a snorkel. These methods can be challenging to try at first, but once you get the hang of them, you will be pushing water out of the snorkel without even thinking about it.

The Blast Clear Method

This is the most popular method of clearing water from a snorkel. You blow into the snorkel forcefully and force the water out of the open end of the snorkel. It is essential to remember that you have to keep additional water from entering the tube from both ends, and the open end should be above the water surface; otherwise, this method will not work.

For this method to be successful, you need to ensure that you have reserved air in your lungs at all times after your free dive.

Using the Purge Valve

Some snorkels have a one-way valve installed near the mouthpiece. It helps move water out of the snorkel but does not allow it to enter back in. If your snorkel has a purge valve, you simply need to blow into the snorkel to push the water out.

Purge valves make it easy to remove water from the snorkel, and you can repeatedly expel water without requiring too much force or extra breath. However, not all snorkels come with purge valves, so it is essential to ensure that your snorkel has a purge valve before purchasing or renting one.

The Displacement Clear Method

This method can clear your snorkel if it does not have a purge valve. You begin to clear the water out of your snorkel while still below the water surface. With a little bit of practice, you will find this method easier than the blast clear method discussed above.

As you approach the water surface, look towards the sky, and stretch your arm out towards the surface. As soon as your hand touches the water's surface, blow into the snorkel. It is essential to keep looking towards the sky because you will want the open end to be lower than the snorkle mouthpiece.

As you blow, the air will push out the water from the tube. Once you are above the surface, you can then look down and continue using the snorkel normally.

You may have to practice this method multiple times before getting used to it. But once you get the hang of it, you will find this method much more efficient than blast clear.

A Few Precautions

Irrespective of which method you use to clear your snorkel, remember to inhale carefully after you have cleared the water. Avoid taking a deep or full breath without ensuring that all the water has been cleared from the snorkel.

If you still have water in the snorkel after the clearing process, repeat the process, and continue to inhale cautiously until there is no water in the snorkel.