Is there such a thing as a "dry snorkel"?

[Zhenqing]

Is there such a thing as a "dry snorkel"?

I've seen some models that have a valve on the top of the snorkel which supposedly does not allow water go enter the snorkel when under the surface. These snorkels seem to be top heavy and perhaps of little value to SCUBA divers. Others have a water deflector on top of the snorkle, which allegedly keep water out when there is heavy surf.

I guess my question is: What are your thoughts on snorkels and what design do you find is more balanced to keep the snorkel relatively dry when in use? Yes I know it's all a matter of preference but I value your experience and comments enough to ask what is yours!

Thank you very much for the comments you have made in response to my recent inquiries, as well as this one.

 

[Green_Manelishi]

Is there such a thing as a "dry snorkel"?

I've seen some models that have a valve on the top of the snorkel which supposedly does not allow water go enter the snorkel when under the surface. These snorkels seem to be top heavy and perhaps of little value to SCUBA divers. Others have a water deflector on top of the snorkle, which allegedly keep water out when there is heavy surf.

I guess my question is: What are your thoughts on snorkels and what design do you find is more balanced to keep the snorkel relatively dry when in use? Yes I know it's all a matter of preference but I value your experience and comments enough to ask what is yours!

Thank you very much for the comments you have made in response to my recent inquiries, as well as this one.

Snorkels should be simple. No splash guards, etc. If the surf is so heavy you need a waterproof snorkel I'd suggest either dive another site or breathe from your tank. A small, simple snorkel is also less in-water drag than a splash-proof-complete-with-purge-valve behemoth. If you need a 'foldable' snorkel then buy a rubber snorkel and fold it.

www.green-manelishi.com

 

[mech]

My daughter chooses to use a dry snorkle.
It failed on her once in rough surf because a couple of large sand pebbles jammed it shut.
She now has another failure point that she is aware of and another item to do a pre-dive check on.

 

[ShakaZulu]

Snorkel, what is that???? Divers still use those things???

I don't believe there is such a thing as a dry snorkel. Water even comes through the purge valve. The only way a snorkel would remain dry, is if there was somekind of continious positive airflow.

 

[RIDIVER501]

I don't like the dry snorkel idea....divers need to be able to clear their snorkel when it gets filled with water. I think the dry snorkel would be used as a means to avoid that skill which could spell disaster if the dry snorkel failed...the diver wouldn't be able to properly clear it. at the least the diver would get an unintended mouthful of water, but that is the least harmful thing

 

[Curt Bowen]

Someplace in the bottom of a box in my garage covered in dust and spider webs might be a snorkel. I would bet it is dry there.

Before you slam me let me say, YO MORON I'm Just kidding!

 

[Green_Manelishi]

Someplace in the bottom of a box in my garage covered in dust and spider webs might be a snorkel. I would bet it is dry there.

HA !!! I know the 3 snorkels I have in my cellar are dry. No spiders either.

 

[MSP Rescue Diver]

Is there such a thing as a "dry snorkel"?

I've seen some models that have a valve on the top of the snorkel which supposedly does not allow water go enter the snorkel when under the surface. These snorkels seem to be top heavy and perhaps of little value to SCUBA divers. Others have a water deflector on top of the snorkle, which allegedly keep water out when there is heavy surf.

I have a Majove "dry" snorkel. I found that the same action that keeps the water out also keeps the air out when the flapper shut tight. I quickly learned what a real OOA would feel like.

I've since removed the flapper. If water gets in I just adjust my air intake so as not to inhale water until I can get enough to clear the snorkel.

I only use a snorkel now when I snorkel.

Marc

 

[TravisT]

My dad has a dry snorkel, unfortuantely at this very moment I couldn't tell you the brand/model of it but I do know that we went out to a lake and tried it out. It does actually stay dry. You go under, come up, there is no water there to purge out.

 

[Wreck]

Trapped air = more buoyancy. I don't like things tugging on my mask if I can help it