#86290 - 07/23/10 02:24 PM
First Time Snorkeler - any tips?
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SabineLiebling
Junior Member
Registered: 05/04/10
Posts: 31
Loc: Portland, OR
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Ok, so first off, I'm not going to FP until late September, so you'll have to bear with my constant questions until then. :)
I have never been anywhere tropical before, despite being born and raised in California (really, no Mexico, no Caribbean, no Hawaii). So, I have never been snorkeling. I am really excited to do this in French Polynesia (we're going to Huahine, Moorea, and Bora Bora), but am a total first-timer.
I know people have recommended bringing your own snorkel mask since everyone uses the free resort ones and they might not fit. I am all for this. However, where does one buy a snorkel mask at? The main reason for not using the resort ones seemed to be that it wouldn't fit. I have only looked for snorkel stuff so far at a big sporting goods store, and all their equipment just came pre-bundled in a sealed package. So how would those necessarily fit better? Is there some cool snorkel shop that custom measures your face that I should be aware of?
Any other tips for us (my husband has never been snorkeling either)? I know about the water shoes... I know I have to float face down, unless I just want a lovely view of the clouds... anything else I should know?
Thank you!
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#86291 - 07/23/10 03:08 PM
Re: First Time Snorkeler - any tips?
[Re: SabineLiebling]
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DenverJoe
Expert Advisor
Registered: 09/10/02
Posts: 1849
Loc: Denver, Co.
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Try a dive shop for your mask. A good one will get you a good fit. If you put it on without the strap around your head and inhale through your nose, it should stick to your face. The rep at the dive shop will help you find one that works for you. I found this one on the web. Try a search for something close to you.
Oregon Underwater
11906 NE Halsey Street
Portland, OR 97220
_________________________
Nothing better than a Hinano in hand and toes in the sand.
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#86292 - 07/23/10 03:14 PM
Re: First Time Snorkeler - any tips?
[Re: SabineLiebling]
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Patti.
Expert Advisor
Registered: 03/28/04
Posts: 2376
Loc: Las Vegas, NV
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Go to one of your local sporting goods stores. Do you have Sports Authority? Sports Chalet? Places like that? They should have them for sale there....even Costco usually has them. Even if they are pre-bundled, buy it, use it in the bath tub to make sure it fits well. If it doesn't, just return it. You don't need to buy a super expensive set, you ca get nice snorkel and mark for less than $50.
Or...you can just wait until you get there and use theirs. If you are staying at a nicer resort they have pretty good snorkel gear. Unless you have a really odd shaped face, you shouldn't have a fit problem.
My biggest concern is not about fit, but about the ick factor. I don't want to be sucking on a snorkel that has been in thousands of other mouths from all over the world. I know they supposedly sterilize and sanitize them between customers, but it still seems gross and icky to me.
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#86293 - 07/23/10 04:37 PM
Re: First Time Snorkeler - any tips?
[Re: Patti.]
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SabineLiebling
Junior Member
Registered: 05/04/10
Posts: 31
Loc: Portland, OR
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Thank you Joe and Patti. I will check those places out. Good tips on how to tell if it fits right too.
Patti - I think it's gross and icky too, which is why I want to bring my own!
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#86294 - 07/23/10 07:16 PM
Re: First Time Snorkeler - any tips?
[Re: SabineLiebling]
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Old Wife
Expert Advisor
Registered: 02/21/03
Posts: 2302
Loc: Burlington, Ontario, Canada
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If your husband has a mustache, he'll likely have trouble with the seal (mine did). Mine tried Vaseline on his mustache, but that didn't work. He started shaving his mustache so it was further down from his nose. Every island we hit, it got further and further down (away from his nose), LOL! By the 4th island, he was able to snorkel without water getting in and he loved it.
A bit of spit in the mask (on the glass) helps to keep it from fogging up (you can also buy stuff for the same purpose). If you have a chance to try your snorkel equipment in a pool first, do. It takes some people (I'm not naming names, LOL) awhile to get the breathing co-ordinated. At first, you feel like you're moaning when you breathe (and you'll likely be tense).
If you take fins with you (or use the resort's--most people do that since fins are so big to pack), make sure you protect your heels if they're open-backed (we wore our reef shoes inside ours!). Practise kicking with them. You can get a lot of power using the large muscles in your legs.
And a dry snorkel is more enjoyable if you'll be going underwater (e.g. diving down a bit to look at things further underwater). If you want to pack really light, just buy the snorkel (since that's the only part going in your mouth...that is, the only real hygiene-questionable item) and use your resort's other equipment.
Oh, and an underwater camera (or waterproof case for your existing camera) is a must, in my opinion!
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#86306 - 07/25/10 08:00 PM
Re: First Time Snorkeler - any tips?
[Re: Old Wife]
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Suki (689)
Senior Advisor
Registered: 10/29/07
Posts: 890
Loc: ELA US of A
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We all love to snorkel got ours at Sports Chalet $$$$$$$FP4LIFE$$$$$$$$ great advice feom evry1
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#86307 - 07/25/10 08:00 PM
Re: First Time Snorkeler - any tips?
[Re: Old Wife]
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Suki (689)
Senior Advisor
Registered: 10/29/07
Posts: 890
Loc: ELA US of A
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We all love to snorkel got ours at Sports Chalet $$$$$$$FP4LIFE$$$$$$$$ great advice feom evry1
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#87304 - 10/12/10 06:34 PM
Re: First Time Snorkeler - any tips?
[Re: Suki (689)]
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Justine2
Expert Advisor
Registered: 02/12/07
Posts: 1911
Loc: Minneapolis, MN
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Spend the $50 on a true dry snorkel. It's worth every penny. Any dive shop should be able to outfit the both of you for around $125-200 each. Considering how much the trip is costing you, snorkeling equipment is not the place to skimp out on quality. The fish will blow your mind. And, definitely get the anti-fog gel and if you have long hair, a neoprene strap guard. You'll be ripping lots of hair out without one.
I'll warn you now though. FP is about as good as it gets in the fish department. Everywhere else I've been since sucks in comparison. But, it's a really nice form of being jaded.
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#87759 - 11/29/10 06:45 PM
Re: First Time Snorkeler - any tips?
[Re: Justine2]
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apriljune
Junior Member
Registered: 06/29/10
Posts: 34
Loc: philippines
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Before going snorkeling, swimming pool is the safe place to practice and become familiar with the snorkeling gear before venturing into the deep. Breathing properly is important so if you have trouble breathing then don't do it. Ask questions to others who have been snorkeling or shall we say experts to instruct you. Snorkeling can be a great way to relax and have a great time.
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#89710 - 04/27/11 04:03 AM
Re: First Time Snorkeler - any tips?
[Re: SabineLiebling]
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muellep
Junior Member
Registered: 03/21/11
Posts: 3
Loc: Switzerland
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Hi
In addition to all mentioned snorkeling gear, I can recomment to wear a sunprotection swim shirt. Enjoy
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