I don't use one for all the reasons above. Before I started using a long hose I had stopped using one because I found it's tugging on my mask strap was causing my mask to leak.
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It is interesting that the traditional snorkel location is the left side which from a safety standpoint seems irrational (for me kind of like the traditional but irrational location of hand brakes on bicycles; left hand controls front wheel???). Since I usually do surface swims in choppy water I do use one but it has always been on the right side (as is my front wheel hand brake). I wouldn't use one on a boat dive. The collapsible snorkel does seem like a good idea for that "Hey, where'd these waves come from" upon surfacing moment.Buoyant1:Mine has been a cumbersome mess AND since the bottom part of the tube is corrugated (much like my inflator hose) I've found myself grabbing the dang snorkel instead of the inflator.
JimC:Never wear one because they solve no problems and introduce all kinds of problems on there own.
Things I have seen or experinced when I used one:
- Grabing it instead of inflator
I wouldn't dive with a buddy who couldn't tell his snorkel from his inflator.
- Acidently breathing it at depth
That's from not being familiar with your equipment or simple carelessness
- Having it get entangled
If you have it on the left side attached properly, it won't get entangled
- Current taking it and cauzing mask to leak/come off
If it's attached properly- it won't fall off or get flooded when you breath from it
- Increased stress at surface due to chop pouring water into it
Learn how to purge your snorkel. My OW students can do it.