Snorkel - anyone still wear theirs diving?

[Andrew Richardson]

Snorkels - does anyone wear theirs diving? If so, when & why?

I am still diligently wearing mine but realizing that no one else is. In addition, I am finding it a total pain and always in the way.

Andrew

 

[Diver Dennis]

It makes it difficult to wear your mask on your forehead.

 

[markfm]

Yes.

It definitely depends on the dive. I have an Aqualung flexible snorkel, it doesn't get in my way overall, and rolls up into a little holder in my BC pocket if I want to remove it.

Handy for looking at da fish at the end of a dive, or if I have a surface swim.

 

[ED928]

The Only Time I Use It Is Shore Diving Where A Long Surface Swim Is Needed; Any Other Time It Just Seems To Get In The Way.

 

[123Scuba.com]

I still use mine on beach dives...

 

[james croft]

Some folks don't wear one and they don't need one. Cave diving is a good example where they are not needed and can get hung up, etc. I use one a lot. I recommend a snorkel as it can be a lifesaver when diving in rough water or where there is possibility for choppy conditions. I have had to swim in rough seas to make it back to a boat. On my back I could breath all right but when I rolled over facedown to use other muscle groups in my legs. I needed the snorkel to breath properly as the seas had whitecaps and otherwise would have swallowed a lot of water. The other divers I was with ended up using air from their regs. After a while they were on empty tanks and weren't able to keep up the pace. I made it back to the boat as a direct result of having a snorkel that allowed me to switch from swimming on my back to swimming facedown. Folks that dont like a snorkel in such conditions should bungee one to their backplate or get a rollup snorkel. If conditions get rough they can be a necessary piece of gear.

 

[OE2X]

I don't wear one for two reasons.

1. I would get in the way of deploying my long hose in an OOA situation.
2. It can be a pain when swiming in current. Mask can flood.
3. If the conditions are rough I would rather be on my back gas.
4. Other than snorkeling - I don't have a use for it.

 

[tstormdiver]

I'll use mine when ocean diving or when required for a diving class I'm taking. When I'm just diving for fun in the nice calm quarries........ Nah.

 

[dlndavid]

It makes it difficult to wear your mask on your forehead.

not exactly true,
and there have been several occasions I'm glad I had mine, just remember to switch to your reg before descending

 

[Missdirected]

When conditions call for it. Makes it a tad easier on long surface swims, especially if there is a bit of chop. I am constantly diving in different conditions. So I always have my snorkel. Granted for most conditions, I leave it in the bag. However, sometimes, I think it makes things easier. So yes I do use it, and am not ashamed to say so :winky:






Wow, I think this is the first time I have seen this question get so far w/o someone essentially saying they were too cool for one :yelclap: