ABOUT YOUR SNORKEL
This article on Snorkel Essentials explains why the snorkel is your most important piece of gear along with your mask. It is an amazing tool that allows you the privilege of keeping your face below the water surface while viewing the beautiful underwater world. Your snorkel should grant the ability to breathe easy while swimming or snorkeling or even taking a break at the water surface. A snorkel is a very personal item, considering you will be putting it in your mouth. Snorkels have many different features to consider. We’ll help explain these features to best guide you on your way for choosing one for yourself. The most important thing to know is that your snorkel allows you to view the underwater world without having to lift your face out of the water to breathe. Things can move fast underwater so you don’t want to miss anything.
What’s the difference between an open top, semi-dry top, or dry top?
Types of Snorkel Tubes
Mouthpiece Options
Mouthpieces also come in different sizes, so test them out to make sure it’s the right fit for you. You want it to naturally sit in your mouth without too much strain or pressure on your jaw.
Some mouthpieces are removable, allowing you to replace them when they wear out. This doesn’t happen too often but is helpful if you have a tendency to chew on them.
Purge Valves
Purge valves are included on most snorkels these days. The purge valve is a one-way valve commonly found at the bottom end of the snorkel. The purge valve makes it easier for a snorkeler to clear out any water that may have entered the snorkel tube. With little effort, exhale and the water is easily forced out through the valve. This expends much less effort than having to blow the water out through the top of the snorkel.
Mask Strap Attachments
Need Kids Size?
In general, not all of the options discussed above are available in smaller sizing for kids, but there are some very good kid’s combo sets out there that will have everything you need. There are masks that can accommodate a smaller size face as well as snorkels with shorter tubes and smaller mouthpieces. See this Youth Single-Window Combo Set for Kids offered by Reef Tourer with a 3-Year Warranty and many color options. It offers a semi-dry snorkel with a purge valve and a nice 1-window mask for the best viewing experience.
Recommended Products:
Adult Single-Window Mask & Snorkel Combo Set
Recommended Products:
Youth Single-Window Mask & Snorkel Combo Set
Cautions before use:
Is the drain valve firmly attached (for snorkels that include a drain valve)?
Make sure there is no dust or sand caught in the drain valve.
Check for damage to the mouthpiece.
Mask and snorkel must be attached properly to avoid from separating while snorkeling.
Is the snorkel size appropriate for the children?
If the water in the snorkel is not drained properly, you may accidentally drink the water while snorkeling.
Care and Maintenance:
Rinse your snorkel in fresh water after each use and let it air-dry in the shade.
Store in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight. The sun, over time, can cause the plastic material to weaken and crack.
Check for any defects.
Biting down on the snorkel mouthpiece too hard may damage and break the mouthpiece in pieces.
The snorkel may not return to its original shape if the snorkel is bent too hard or stays in a bent shape for too long.
The Hyperdry Elite maintains the same superior dry performance and keeps the snorkel completely void of water by quickly and efficiently closing the float when submerged or hit by waves.
The Hyperdry System keeps the main pipe dry by ejecting water through an independent escape pipe. This unique design utilizes the angle of the snorkel pipe and the resilience of the water surface to eject water.
The periphery of the valve always remains at the lowest point even when snorkeling upright at the water surface, so water is easily cleared at all times. It prevents gurgling or sucking water when breathing.
