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the gearmiester answers your gear questions about SNORKELS...
We’ve talked about why it’s important to own your own gear and where to shop for it. This month, let’s talk about what equipment you need.

The first thing you should buy is “mask, fins, and snorkel.” Why? Divers, you’re going to use it more than any other equipment that you own. You’ll use it on every dive. (and perhaps between dives, during your surface interval). In addition, almost every scuba certification agency requires that students have this gear for their initial certification class. Snorkelers, it’s all the equipment you’ll need.

First, let’s talk about the most neglected piece of the three, your snorkel.

Divers, this may seem like an unimportant piece of equipment and many of you have asked the Gearmeister  “Why should I have a snorkel?”  Answer: because you never know when you’re going to need one!  How about low on air with a long surface swim? Or a lot of chop while waiting to board the boat? (Worried about entanglement or don’t like wearing one? Consider a fold up snorkel…) For you snorkelers,  it’s an extension of your airway. Need I say more?

Snorkel Types and Features:

The basic “J” shape rigid snorkel - it’s. low cost, lightweight, and low drag. Humble, but it gets the job done.



Flexible lower section type snorkel. Adding a flexible section between the mouthpiece and the snorkel barrel allows the mouthpiece to come to you, rather than you having to contort your face to reach the mouthpiece. This adds a lot in terms of comfort.


Barrel size - a large diameter snorkel will be easier to breath through, but more difficult to clear. Conversely, a narrow barrel will clear more easily but more difficult to breath through.

Purge valve - this is a drain in the bottom of the snorkel, which  allows  it to clear more easily. In simple terms, the water will drain out of whatever length of snorkel that is above the water, leaving less water that the diver/snorkeler has to blast clear.

Splash guard. Found on top, it does exactly what it’s name implies. On the surface, it minimizes water splashing into the top of the snorkel. You’ll find many types of splash guards. One thing  for divers to remember: a large splash guard may create drag when swimming submerged so look for a more streamlined design. Snorkelers, this isn’t an issue for you swimming on the surface. In any case, there’s no such thing as a completely “dry” snorkel. All snorkels will get some amount of water in them, so both snorkelers and divers should know how to clear them.