Snorkelling Equipment

Snorkellers usually use the same type of mask worn by Scuba Divers which consist of the lenses also known as a faceplate, a comfortable skirt, which also encloses the nose, and a head strap. There are different styles and shapes. These range from oval shaped models to lower internal volume masks and may be made from different materials; common choices are silicone and rubber.

The divers ‘Snorkel’ is a ‘J’ or ‘L’ shaped tube that sits directly above the head of the diver. Constructed in silicone or plastic it has a rubber mouth piece at one end which allows the diver to draw air directly from the surface when the mouth is submerged. It is important to make sure the mouth piece feels comfortable and your lips are sealed comfortably around it.

Sea Fins or ‘flippers’ are essential for snorkel diving and make a huge difference when moving through water. Fins allow the diver to move efficiently with speed as well as providing thrust and momentum. Fins come in varying styles such as the basic ‘Paddle Fins’ but they also have more developed styles such as ‘Vented fins’, ‘Split fins’ and ‘Mono Fins’ as preferred by ‘Free Divers’.

In a climate like ours it is necessary to protect yourself from the cold water. Snorkel divers use a wetsuit in order to keep warm in the water. Most divers will start by using a wetsuit and will eventually progress to a dry suit however there are many who stick to wet suit diving.

Weight System

Simply referred to as a ‘weight belt’ consisting of a series of lead weights that counteracts your body’s natural tendency to float allowing the snorkel diver to dive below the surface. Snorkel divers only need only a small adjustment to counteract the buoyancy of the wetsuit, however you can choose to wear one or not.