First time snorkeling

[Oz_TCH]

Which one to get ?

or

And do you need the fins flippers too ? or can you skimp on that ?

Any tips, pls advise.

Thx.

 

[Markymapo1]

I snorkel n scuba dive and have only used the bottom setup. Make sure you get anti foggy solution. Practice in a pool before you go. And yes get flippers n thin water socks to keep blisters away. Buy mask n fins all from a dive shop for proper fitting don’t just buy anything online. You need to have the mask fit your face correctly or you will get leaks !!

 

[Markymapo1]

Once you get a proper fitting mask rub toothpaste,lightly, on the inside of mask to remove the film that is present from manufacturing process and rinse it off really well and allow to dry before putting on antifog solution

 

[Desertnate]

I too always used a style like the bottom one. I don't know if I ever saw one like the top picture, but my gear was always pretty low end. I never shopped the serious dive stores.

I will second the need for flippers. You probably don't need the huge ones like you see pro scuba divers use in videos, but you do need a decent sized set. Even in sheltered bodies of water there is a slight current and the flippers will be vital to helping you get around. In more open water it will be really hard to propell yourself around the currents without them.

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Just starting out I would recommend keeping it simple. I've never seen the mask and snorkel in the first picture, looks kind of James Bondish. The set in the second picture is traditional and its been working for a long time. Maybe check with your local dive shop and get their perspective about each option.

Definitely get fins and again, I would keep it simple. I work out with fins and use the basic black rubber swim fin and it works great. I don't the kind with adjustable straps, prefer the fitted type. If you do this often your feet will build up to the fin and you won't need any type of boot or sock.

This style

 

[Markymapo1]

All depends what type of snorkeling you are doing , pool or ocean/lake. I do recommend socks (but thin boots come in handy walking on the beach as you head out to snorkel, just a trick I learned snorkeling in St. Thomas)for the fins if you are diving in the ocean or lake where debri can get in n cause skin irritation (been snorkeling n diving for 40 years). My wife didn’t want to wear the little thin booties in her fins and got a tiny piece of coral wedged in , foot swollen for a week)in a pool socks or booties may not be needed.

 

[yakky]

Are you going on a guided tour? If so, just use their stuff, possibly just buy a cheaper snorkel if you don't want to catch any nasties. Most snorkeling equipment ends up at the bottom of a drawer.

 

[Desertnate]

Are you going on a guided tour? If so, just use their stuff, possibly just buy a cheaper snorkel if you don't want to catch any nasties. Most snorkeling equipment ends up at the bottom of a drawer.

Great point. I lived in Hawaii for two years and simply bought sporting goods store-grade gear and it served me very well for the multitude of days I went snorkeling. Since moving away they collect dust in my garage.

 

[Markymapo1]

Buying gear at sports store is fine just try it on before you leave the store. We spent 8 days on Hawaii snorkeling and it was amazing. Carlsmith beach by Hilo and Beach 69 on the opposite side of the island.

 

[VISITOR]

it's inevitable that all swim goggles would eventually start to fog up. this is hands down the best anti-fog spray i have ever used...

 

[FUNX650]

And do you need the fins flippers too ?
or can you skimp on that ?

Any tips, pls advise.

•Besides the equipment listed...
-I’d say a really, really good friend (spotter)
equipped with a drone is often a must have:

************************************

•You can always join a snorkeling club.
{How’s that old saying go...Oh yea:
There’s “safety” in numbers.}

Bob

 

[mbkite]

I can't help my self but the best snorkeling I have ever seen is between the pitons in st Lucia

 

[yakky]

•Besides the equipment listed...
-I’d say a really, really good friend (spotter)
equipped with a drone is often a must have:

************************************

•You can always join a snorkeling club.
{How’s that old saying go...Oh yea:
There’s “safety” in numbers.}

Bob

The funny part is you are more likely to be struck by lightning than eaten by a big fish.

 

[FUNX650]

The funny part is you are more likely to be
struck by lightning than eaten by a big fish.

Yeah...that’s humorous as all get out. :smh :

Bob

 

[PaulMys]

The funny part is you are more likely to be struck by lightning than eaten by a big fish.

Tell that to those people in the water just feet from what looks like at least 10-foot sharks.

 

[yakky]

Tell that to those people in the water just feet from what looks like at least 10-foot sharks.

They really do leave you alone. I was that close to bigger sharks at Sombrero reef. They are everywhere in the ocean. If you ever get a chance to paddle board in the ocean, you'll get an amazing view of what is below.

 

[Oz_TCH]

Thank you all for the suggestions.

What about the Inflatable Snorkel Vest ? do you need that or no ? Thx.

 

[Markymapo1]

The snorkeling vest comes in handy for staying on top of water in shallow water and thus not damaging the underwater life. But we like to go underwater a bit to get closer to what we want to see ,but you need to learn to clear your snorkel

 

[Whitewater25]

Johnsons baby shampoo works well as a defogger too. If you see a shark with a square head, get out quickly! It's a Bull Or Tiger and they are way too unpredictable. For the masks, if you only stay on the surface, the top one will work well, if you plan on going down at all, you want the other one.

 

[PaulMys]

They really do leave you alone. I was that close to bigger sharks at Sombrero reef. They are everywhere in the ocean. If you ever get a chance to paddle board in the ocean, you'll get an amazing view of what is below.

Yeah, I have been on the water my entire life. Both for recreation and work.

Peconic Bay, Long Island Sound, and out into the Atlantic as far as George's Bank and sometimes beyond.

I appreciate your opinion, but I have seen things that would make me never want to be in the water with the marine life I have witnessed.