Exploring the depths and wonders of the underwater world is one of the most extraordinary experiences you can have. But before you slip on the snorkel mask and step into flippers for the first time, it’s a good idea to have some baseline knowledge to better prepare you. Here’s what you need to know as a first-time snorkeler.
Using The Proper Equipment
Making sure you have a well-fitting mask, snorkel, and fins is essential for exploring the underwater world comfortably and safely. While some minor mistakes may just cause irritability from leaky masks or tight fins, damaged snorkels could result in hindering your ability to breathe properly, ruining your first-time experience. The importance of checking all of your gear for damage, ensuring it is the correct size and it’s up to the correct safety standards checks off just the first box in making sure your snorkeling experience is just as magical as you’d expect.
Safety Precautions
On top of gear safety, personal safety must be considered before setting out to snorkel. If you’re someone with no experience at all, it’s best to begin with a friend who has a good understanding of how to go about it. This gives you some peace of mind when things may not go as planned, and you have the safety of knowing that someone (other than the instructor) will be there to help you if you need it.
Being aware of your surroundings is just as important; you may find yourself enamored by the beauty of the ocean once you’ve jumped in, but keeping track of where you are ensures that once you come up to the surface, you’ll know exactly where you are and how to get back to shore. This also includes the conditions of the area you’re snorkeling, whether you’re setting out to snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland or Giftun Island, Egypt – there are things you must know like the currents and marine life to look out for.
Being over-prepared is always better than being underprepared. Make sure you tell someone on shore about your trip, including details like who you’re going with, what time you expect to be back, where you are snorkeling, etc.
Snorkeling Techniques
There are many things to consider before diving in when it comes to the correct techniques, including;
- Breathing – Getting comfortable breathing through the snorkel in shallow water is a good way to get some practice in and see how you feel.
- Mask clearing – If water gets in your mask, tilt your head back, lift the bottom of the mask slightly, and exhale forcefully through your nose. The air should push the water out of the mask. But, as always, practice this technique and be comfortable with it before beginning your journey.
- Equalising pressure – Once you start diving below the surface it’s more than likely you’ll feel some pressure in your ears. Equalize the pressure by pinching your nose and gently blowing through it, similar to the way you’d clear your ears on a plane.
- Swimming – It’s important to use your fins correctly, keep your legs straight and use slow, steady kicks from your hips. Focusing on using your legs rather than your arms to swim is safer as it reduces splashes and doesn’t disturb marine life as much as your arms do.
Environmental Awareness and Etiquette
Respecting the marine environment by not touching or standing on coral reefs is essential, as they are extremely fragile and can be damaged very easily, and doing any of this will lead to negative impacts on marine life, no matter how small the action is. Being mindful of marine life and avoiding disturbing hiding/sleeping animals and not chasing them is a good way to preserve the beauty of the area, allowing others to enjoy it after you.
Another rule to abide by is leaving no trace behind; keeping rubbish with you or even picking up litter that’s been left there already is a good ritual to practice as it preserves the health of the area. Being environmentally conscious also extends to the company (if you choose to use one) you use to go snorkeling with. Doing the necessary research beforehand and educating yourself on their environmental impacts before booking anything makes sure that unethical tourism services aren’t funded, ultimately aiding the services that do make positive environmental change.
