Snorkeling is swimming or floating on the water's surface using a face mask, a snorkel and fins to watch fish and other water creatures. You will be able to float face down on the water and still breathe using the snorkel. You do not need certification to snorkel and you do not need to buy expensive equipment like tanks and regulators, which are used by scuba divers. It is a fun activity that you can do whether you are young or old.
Swimming Experience
While knowing how to swim is essential when you are in the water, you do not need to be a good swimmer to go snorkeling. What is more important is that you are comfortable and have experience being in the water when you are snorkeling. The fins on your feet will greatly aid your movement in the water as they help you float. The face mask you wear traps air, which also aids you in keeping afloat. The snorkel allows you to breathe even with your face down in the water.
Safety
If you are worried for your safety while snorkeling, you can rent or buy a flotation vest to keep you afloat. You also can lie on top of a boogie board and look at the water creatures from the edge of the board.
Beginners interested in snorkeling can do it in waters that are around 4 to 5 feet deep. You will be able to see much at this depth without venturing into deeper waters in snorkeling and dive spots.
Snorkeling Gear
A mask to cover your eyes is recommended, as the mask will help you to see underwater clearly. Look for a mask with a silicone skirt, which fits and molds to the contour of your face better than a rubber skirt. This is the part outside the frame of the mask that prevents water from getting inside the mask, allowing you to have a clear view of the things you want to see underwater.
Snorkel
You will need a snorkel, which is a hollow curved tube with a mouthpiece at one end and a part that clips onto the mask. The snorkel is what allows you to breathe even if your face is partially submerge in the water. The end of the snorkel sticks out of the water to help you breathe.
Fins
You also need a pair of swimming fins. You can rent or buy a pair of fins with closed heels, which are smaller that the fins used for scuba diving. See to it that the fins fit your feet snugly so you don't lose them, but fins that are too tight will cut off circulation and you might end up with leg cramps. You can rent a snorkeling vest for extra security. A snorkeling vest will have inflatable parts in front and straps for your back. You can blow air into the vest with your mouth.
Practice
It is advisable that you practice using your snorkeling equipment, at least the mask and snorkel, in a pool. This will help you to adjust the fit of the mask and get familiar with breathing through your mouth using the snorkel. The mask might fog up when you have been in the water for awhile. To prevent this, spray the inside of the mask with a defogger or spit on it. Spread the defogger or your spit all over the glass part of the mask. Dip the mask in water to rinse it before wearing the mask, keeping the strap at the middle back part of your head and adjusting the strap to make sure it's not too tight. See to it that no hair is stuck between the skirt of the mask and your face, as hair will allow water to seep through and fog up your mask. Attach the snorkel to the mask using the clip on the snorkel and adjust the mouthpiece.
Bend slightly until you can put your face down in the water. Use your mouth to breath normally. It can take some getting used to, so take your time until you are confident that you can do it properly. When you feel comfortable breathing using the snorkel, put on the fins and practice floating on the water and feel how much your feet should kick to get you to skim over the water's surface. Snorkeling is like leisurely sight-seeing, so you do not need to thrash about or move swiftly across the water.
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