Do you wear a snorkel while boat diving?

[Splitlip]

No. Affects my mask seal and gets in the way. Surface swim on my back.
Having said that, just started carrying a folding one. Have a new Zeagle BC and find with my steel tanks, don't need the trim weight pockets. Snorkle fits in one and don't know it is there.

 

[scubaMel]

I don't use mine.
I keep it in my gear bag, but never put it on my mask unless I am snorkeling.

Mel

 

[taylode]

I'm still a newbie and use mine. For me it’s pretty natural to have one since I’ve probably snorkeled over a thousand times. In any case, I like having it if for no other reason than to navigate around the boat if there is a lot of kelp. The only thing I dislike is that when I want to grab my BCD inflator I usually grab my snorkel first. I’m contemplating going back to my old faithful J-tube. At least that will never be hanging down by my inflator.

Dennis

 

[friscuba]

I have done the "swim for life" in rough seas and current. I surfaced with 2 other divers on a wreck dive. The down line had parted from the wreck and we came away from the boat. I had a snorkel and they did not. I swam on my back until my legs were tired, then would roll face down, using the snorkel in the waves and swim some more, using a different set of muscles to kick with. I could see the other two people attempting this method. They had to use their regs when swimming face down to be able to breath as a wave would smack them in the face every few seconds. As hard as we were working, they used up their remaining air and were forced to eventually stick to swimming on their backs. I made it to the boat and everything turned out OK and we laugh about it now, but I am not sure I could have made it without the snorkel. My two friends now carry one with them on every ocean dive. If you are ever in rough seas it can be a vital piece of gear.

This is probably the most single important reason to at least keep a snorkel stashed on person during a dive. I know of several instances where non-snorkel divers have really scared themselves when they've used up thier air on the surface attempting to get to the boat, occasionally they've needed rescues.

Those who say they haven't needed their snorkels probably have never needed their auto's air bags, their boat's PFDs, their home's fire extinguishers and other such safety equipment. That doesn't mean they shouldn't do without.

later,

 

[wunat]

I started diving with one but has not replaced it after losing a second snorkel in 2 months. Never really use it when I dive. But as I am doing my DM, it is required for us to have the proper set of gears. I now make sure I have the snorkel hooked on my masks.

 

[aquamarin]

Never used a snorkel. I was "forced" to wear one when I did my AOW and I hated it: dragging my mask down, getting entangled with my bcd and my hair. Have mine (normal, not foldable) in my bcd pocket (at least I'm pretty sure it's still there) together with my smb. Got kicked off the boat ladder once in rough weather - a snorkel wouldn't have helped me at all, only a reg could save me there, the waves were simply too big.

I don't really care whether other divers wear their snorkels or not - my bf always wears his, well, up to him

Karin

 

[Diver Dennis]

No, but I have a fold up one in my BC pocket. I also keep a regular one in my bag so I can get in the water during surface intervals and snorkel if we see Mantas or Whale Sharks or anything else interesting. I've never used the fold up but it gets checked and washed with the rest of my gear.

 

[Chad_Ordelheide]

No Snorkle while diving, but that doesn't mean I would never need one!

I would be pretty miffed if some county required me to wear one. Such as the guy from SoCal.

But I have one in my dive bag

 

[CBulla]

no...nay.. never.. no nay never no more.. will I wear a mask with snorkel, no never no more. PITA!

 

[markfm]

Cbulla -- Don't hold back -- what do you really think?