Snorkel gear for a 5, 6, and 9 year old

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rcam414

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We are heading to Hawaii in a few months and I wanted to get everyone's opinion on a good quality mask, snorkel, and fins package for my 3 kids. We haven't snorkled much in the past so I don't want to break the bank...but I don't want to buy them junk either.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions or opinions.
 
Forget about brands or packages. As with adults, fit is the main criterion when selecting children's snorkelling gear. In the case of fins, check that the foot pockets of any pairs you consider match their feet dimensions not only length-wise, but also in width terms too. Children have growing feet, so don't expect the same fins to fit a year or two down the line. Don't choose fins with colourful, sparkly but unyieldingly stiff plastic blades which may damage young tendons. Soft, flexible all-rubber fins have the advantage of being perfectly suitable not only for simple snorkelling - that's what every snorkeller used in the mid twentieth century after all - but also for lap swimming practice. They're available at very reasonable prices from swimming goods stores.

As for masks, fit is essential here too. Let them try different models on in the store, applying the masks to their faces without attaching straps and breathing through their noses to create a partial vacuum. If the mask stays in place, it may be a reasonable fit, but you can never tell until you try the mask in the water. Avoid masks with PVC skirts, go for skirts made from rubber or silicone, which are also softer and more durable. A simple "J" shaped snorkel may suffice.

A number of years ago, I spent a pleasant hour or so snorkelling with others at La Jolla Cove in Southern California. The people wore every kind of fins, masks and snorkels imaginable. The common factor was that they were all having a great time, which is what snorkelling is all about, as this picture from the 1950s eloquently demonstrates:
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Take your kids with you to a dive shop, swim shop & a discount shop (walmart) and see what fits them best. I'm on a budget too so if a silicone mask from walmart fits and seals the same as a more expensive one, budget wins, especially when they grow overnight! Have a great time with your kids, I can't wait until mine are big enough to actually fit into snorkel gear! Oh and get them some UV shirts too to save them from a sunburn!
 
Properly taught a simple j tube is no more difficult. I teach snorkleing classes and after 15-20 minutes some even prefer the j tube as it is less bulky, does not pull the mask down on smaller faces and all they have to do is make a reasonably forceful t sound on the exhale to get all the water out.
 
In reality, a trip tTarget or Wal-Mart would do you good. I have seen Mask & snorkel sets at Target for $15, $20. You will have to purchase fins seperately. Better yet, I would check with the the company, or dive shop you will be snorkeling with, because they may rent you gear. Since you said you don't go snorkeling often that may be your best bet.
 
Fit is the most important thing!

On a budget I would go to any of the large chain sporting good store(s). U.S. Divers usually have a fairly decent quality mask / fin / snorkel packages at very decent prices.
 
Go to Walmart and get the U.S. Divers package that run about $29.99 for mask snorkel and fins.
Hell, they may even have a Walmart in Hawaii....that would save you from having to lug the gear there.
 

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