Why a snorkel?

[ryshannon]

BigTim : There was an earlier thread on Snorkel use might help you

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/basic-scuba-discussions/231682-argument-always-having-snorkel.html

 

[Thalassamania]

FWIW: The only times that I've dove without a snorkel are when I was in saturation in an underwater habitat. All other dives have been made with a snorkel. Many people (including instructors) have trouble with snorkels because they never really got comfortable using them, in fact they rarely even know how to mount them properly.

In my experience, when a J-type snorkel is properly mounted it does not get tangled in things and does not prevent the easy deployment of a long hose.

 

[rstofer]

You don't want to get this religious war restarted.

You will absolutely have to have a snorkel for your OW training. It will be required.

Then, after you knock out a hundred dives or so, in all kinds of surface conditions, with all kinds of navigation errors, you can make your own decision. You will always have the option of carrying a roll-up snorkel in a pocket. Or, you can leave it home.

Personally, I think the only decent snorkel ever produced was made by Tekna. That's why I have bought up the world's supply of Tekna Masks and Snorkels via eBay. As luck would have it, my original 20 year old snorkel broke and I'm down to my two remaining. Bummer...

Now, about the type of snorkel: Avoid, like the plague, any snorkel that says 'dry'. This will almost always have some kind of flapper valve in the airstream. I remember having one as a kid that had a ping-pong ball for a valve. You REALLY don't want anything in the air stream. Second: if you have to accept 'semi-dry' like the AquaLung Impulse 2 or 3, it's PROBABLY ok. You might not be able to find a snorkel without some kind of useless doo-dad on the top of the tube.

You absolutely want the purge valve and I would always prefer a flex version (my Tekna's don't have that feature). It makes it easier to get in and out of the mouth.

In our herd, there are:
Aqua Lung Impulse 2 Snorkel (Flex version) and
Aqualung Impulse 3
plus my Tekna.

Richard

 

[Thalassamania]

...
Personally, I think the only decent snorkel ever produced was made by Tekna. That's why I have bought up the world's supply of Tekna Masks and Snorkels via eBay. As luck would have it, my original 20 year old snorkel broke and I'm down to my two remaining. Bummer...

Here's my boy with his mask and snorkel (which are the same as mine) Farallon Snorkel (a dash older than the Tekna) and Tekna Mask. This is what we dive everyday, it not some "retro-diving" thing. He is demonstrating the proper mounting of a snorkel.

Now, about the type of snorkel: Avoid, like the plague, any snorkel that says 'dry'. This will almost always have some kind of flapper valve in the airstream. I remember having one as a kid that had a ping-pong ball for a valve. You REALLY don't want anything in the air stream. Second: if you have to accept 'semi-dry' like the AquaLung Impulse 2 or 3, it's PROBABLY ok. You might not be able to find a snorkel without some kind of useless doo-dad on the top of the tube.

You absolutely want the purge valve and I would always prefer a flex version (my Tekna's don't have that feature). It makes it easier to get in and out of the mouth.

In our herd, there are:
Aqua Lung Impulse 2 Snorkel (Flex version) and
Aqualung Impulse 3
plus my Tekna.

Richard

I'd say: avoid the flex, avoid the valves, avoid anything that varies much from a simple J type snorkel. It takes a tiny bit more skill, but works much better.

 

[ChimChim75]

I don't always carry a snorkel for boat dives, but VERY useful for shore dives.

 

[Arizona]

FWIW: Many people (including instructors) have trouble with snorkels because they never really got comfortable using them, in fact they rarely even know how to mount them properly.

In my experience, when a J-type snorkel is properly mounted it does not get tangled in things and does not prevent the easy deployment of a long hose.

How sad RE: your instructor point. Great pictures that I am sure will help many. It is a skill that really should be mastered before going on to reg skills IMO. I always start my OW students off with snorkel skills as most probably do as well. The same for scuba reviews.

Arizona

 

[NudeDiver]

Got a properly stupid question why would a diver with a air tank want a snorkel when diving. Also how do you keep the water out i guest why would it matter since your underwater with air

It's in case you run out of air. You can switch to the snorkel and breathe while you swim toward the surface.

 

[Tigerman]

Got a properly stupid question why would a diver with a air tank want a snorkel when diving. Also how do you keep the water out i guest why would it matter since your underwater with air

Because its an awsome buddyslapper for slapping useless buddies around a bit!

To be a bit more serious, its handy if your tank is empty/low and/or you have a long surface swim or you have to look into the water for whatever reason and dont want to or is able to use your air supply for it.

Keeping the water out is not an issue if its properly mounted, except for when its been under and you resurface. You just blow the water out of it and youre good to go..

 

[SandyRobinson]

Safety equipment in the event I am OOA on the surface.

 

[offthewall1]

Snorkels have multiple purposes in diving

1. A. To Save Your Life... if you're ever in high seas in an OOA (out of air) emergency, you'll be glad you have a snorkel.
B. Should you run out of air and find yourself needing to make a long surface swim, again you'll be glad you have a snorkel.

2. For conserving air while reaching your dive site. Many novice divers may not encounter this... but if you need to swim a distance prior to beginning your descent... and then have a long swim back after doing your ascent... you will value the snorkel.

Most divers, myself included don't like to be bothered by having a snorkel hanging off the side of their face... so I recommend stowable (foldable or rollable) snorkels. Many manufacturers make them and they can be kept in your BCD pocket for use when needed.

Hope that clears it up... Merry Christmas and Happy Diving!