Sucking in water tbrough my snorkel

[ABUnderwater]

If it's a snorkel with an exhaust valve, check that that valve is healthy and hasn't broken or gotten fouled or folded. (And maybe get a simpler snorkel etc)

I'd second this. Seen lots of issues with snorkels getting water in through the exhaust valve at the bottom. Like any plastic, they'll lose their flexibility and ability to seal over time.

 

[TOMWIEDEMAN]

What's all this bias against snorkels? I always dive with a snorkel although I seldom use it. I do find it extremely helpful on the surface in rough conditions and when necessary to preform a long surface swim.
With the newer self-bailing dry snorkels it is pretty difficult to get water in your breath. Snorkel position on your mask and head position are however critical. A faulty or dried out check valve could also be problematic. To check the valve block the opening and try sucking in on the mouthpiece. You should be able to create a vacuum. A pool practice session could greatly enhance your experience and help you figure out the problem you are having.

 

[The Chairman]

1) Your snorkel is attached too far back toward your ears.

2 funny. This is the opposite of reality. Move the snorkel as far back as you can. Freediving spearos have it almost on the back of their head so they can look down while hunting.

 

[The Chairman]

What's all this bias against snorkels?

Snorkels are snag magnets. As suggested earlier, fill your BCD, flip on your back and swim. No dead air to deal with.

 

[arew+4]

Stop hating on the snorkels, I use mine all the when shore diving. 200yds on your back starting at the sun? No thanks, I'll preview the pretty fishes and the reef, and keep a look out for rays, bait balls etc. Adjust it on shore while looking at a mirror, when it's in your mouth, you want it pointing straight back behind you.

On a boat I leave it in the bag, but will use it during an anchored SI.

 

[jadairiii]

In the mid/late 70's ScubaPro made the best snorkel for the Scuba Diver. The Swivel Tip Jet Snorkel. The upper part of the tube could swivel 360 degrees. Surface swimming on your front, swivel it behind you. Have your BCP or At-Pac inflated and swimming on our back, swivel it the other way so its facing forward. Loved that snorkel almost more than my Farallon!

 

[NW Dive Dawg]

Make sure that the ping pong ball in the little cage is rattling freely.

 

[RXTdiver]

you want it pointing straight back behind you.

I think this is the answer I was looking for. Thank you.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

And please you guys - dont tell anyone to not use a snorkel. I use the diver using a snorkel to identify those I want to stay away from underwater.

 

[LFMarm]

I am on team “stay far from divers with a snorkel”.

In cases where a snorkel may be helpful (e.g., long surface swim with surf), you should just breathe from your regulator — if you calculate how much gas you will use at 1 atm (ie surface), it’s not much. As a personal rule, my breathing gas source (regulator or loop) gets into my mouth before leaving boat, land or pier and doesn’t get out until I am back dry.

Curious — do OW classes still teach the use of snorkels? Mine did but thankfully my instructor explained how silly it is right away.