I am starting a scuba course this summer and I know that snorkels are one of the pieces of gear used in the training process. I've been going to our local YMCA the past few months swimming and get comfortable with the water etc. So I thought it wouldn't hurt to practice a little snorkeling as well, being that I've never been snorkeling before.
I only had swimming goggles, but I wanted familiurize myself w/o something covering my face and to learn to breath only my mouth. At first dipping my head under it was kind of a nice little rush, that little doubting question of "will I really be able to breath under water with this thing.." eventually was answered and it become decently comfortable. I swam about 30 ft with it and then back and everthing felt great. I later tried it again and for what ever reason, I could not breath very well thru the snorkel. I would go put my face in the water and after a couple of breaths it felt like I was sufficating. I didnt feel any anxiety at this point as I was in the shallow end, however more frustraighted than anything. I even put my head above water and breathed thru the snorkel w/ my nose closed, and it seemed okay. But when I would put my head back down and tried to breath, it kept doing the same thing. I evenutally called it a night, i'm certain I was doing something wrong.. There would seem to be a little water in there every time I would stop. but I dont know if that got in there when I went to pull the snorkel out of my mouth or what. I felt I was holding it pretty well above the water though...I know this may be somewhat vauge, but, any suggestions to what I was expericneing, and what I need to do or try to do next time?
My snorkel was a cheapy for adults from wal mart. It is about 15" actual length I beleive w/ splash and purge.
Thank, jR
I only had swimming goggles, but I wanted familiurize myself w/o something covering my face and to learn to breath only my mouth. At first dipping my head under it was kind of a nice little rush, that little doubting question of "will I really be able to breath under water with this thing.." eventually was answered and it become decently comfortable. I swam about 30 ft with it and then back and everthing felt great. I later tried it again and for what ever reason, I could not breath very well thru the snorkel. I would go put my face in the water and after a couple of breaths it felt like I was sufficating. I didnt feel any anxiety at this point as I was in the shallow end, however more frustraighted than anything. I even put my head above water and breathed thru the snorkel w/ my nose closed, and it seemed okay. But when I would put my head back down and tried to breath, it kept doing the same thing. I evenutally called it a night, i'm certain I was doing something wrong.. There would seem to be a little water in there every time I would stop. but I dont know if that got in there when I went to pull the snorkel out of my mouth or what. I felt I was holding it pretty well above the water though...I know this may be somewhat vauge, but, any suggestions to what I was expericneing, and what I need to do or try to do next time?
My snorkel was a cheapy for adults from wal mart. It is about 15" actual length I beleive w/ splash and purge.
Thank, jR