Snorkles

[Garrobo]

When I started diving and was an extreme airhog I always took my snorkle along so I wouldn't need my reg on the surface, sometimes being short on air anyway. As I got better and found that I would have any where from 1000 to 1500psi left over after a dive I lost the snorkle. I notice that some captains want you to have your reg in your mouth when you board the boat, not your snorkle. I always comply with their wishes so as not to rock the boat. (Pun intended.) The snorkle that I have is a big ol' thing with a top notch about the size of a lemon which closes up if it's dunked in water and is cumbersome and a pain in the butt to drag around so I don't take it inless I have to. Ibought it when I started and figured that the more expensive a thing is the better it is. NOT. The recent poster who thought that she was lost at sea or something might have been OK with a snorkle or just flipped over and rested so I see the value of one, especially if you are about out of air. Getting tossed around and inhaling salt water is no fun, fer shure. I'd like to know what other divers have to say about the subject of snorkles, if they use one, when and when not, etc.

 

[diver 85]

In the last 4-5 years or so I always have mine with me(the 1st 20- I did not)----My question is why not, if it's uncomfortable, that's the diver's fault.....Most are just being macho IMO---I know I was...Guess I'm getting more careful now in my 'old age'......

 

[seaducer]

When I started diving and was an extreme airhog I always took my snorkle along so I wouldn't need my reg on the surface, sometimes being short on air anyway.

I did the same, and for a variety of reasons, mainly peer pressure, started to leave my snorkle home when diving. I always have my reg in mouth when reboarding a boat, or climbing a ladder or rocks where I could fall back into the water. Chances are if bouyant you pop right back up, but this way I am sure to be relaxed, and able to enjoy the fall.

I will still take my snorkle for certain dives where I may have to make a long surface swim. This would give me the option to swim face down, or on my back. I enjoy options.

I no longer wear my snorkle on my mask when diving, I keep it in a pocket for those few dives I still take it along.

Anybody who brings their snorkle diving is fine with me. I might offer a suggestion to stow it when you are on scuba, only because it is more comfortable for most people to stick it in pocket.

 

[don Francisco]

I notice that some captains want you to have your reg in your mouth when you board the boat, not your snorkle.

Captains observe divers climbing up the ladder and see their mistakes. They try to pass on their wisdom.

Too many folks end up plunging their heads more than a few inches under when they look down to remove their fins, and end up syphoning in the sea.

Either use your reg, or close your mouth and hold your breath when removing your fins at the ladder.

 

[BDSC]

I never used my snorkle after my classes. Not once. I do have a buddy who will take his to Bonaire because we will do a surface swim out to where the reef starts and he uses it then. I seldom see anyone on a dive boat with them. I wonder sometimes why they even make you have one when you sign up and come to a class. It's been so long since I took the class I don't even remember what we used it for.

Maybe it's the way for the dive shop to make an extra buck or two.

 

[tridacna]

I don't care whether anyone ever uses one or not. I don't care whether you use it on the left or right. I don't even care if you chew a piece of kelp when you get back on the boat.

Just one thing: Please SPELL it correctly from now on.

 

[dkktsunami]

I don't care whether anyone ever uses one or not. I don't care whether you use it on the left or right. I don't even care if you chew a piece of kelp when you get back on the boat.

Just one thing: Please SPELL it correctly from now on.

Good spelling, and mine lives in the bottom of my dive bag......

 

[String]

There must be about 200 snorkel threads all saying identical things on this forum in the last 12 months alone.

For my view:- ridiculous pointless bits of plastic that have absolutely no conceivable useful role in diving what so ever and can actually cause incidents. Anyone wearing them is either very new or very strange.

 

[wve]

I like having it when we want to snorkel at times that we cannot dive. I took mine to Utila with me a couple of weeks ago. It is against Honduran law to scuba dive with whale sharks, but you can snorkel with them. We came across one during a surface interval, and those of us who had snorkels got to hop in the water and swim with the big creatures.

I am required to wear a snorkel when working with students, but I agree with String: the thing can be dangerous. Once or twice in the past I had the great fun of forgetting that I had my snorkel in, not my reg. A couple of breaths of water convinced me that when the reg is available, the reg is preferred.

When on a trip, I don't wear my snorkel. I stow one of the roll up types in my pocket. It's there if I need it, but not in my way.

 

[Brishar]

Well String, call me Strange.

I always take mine, except for once. Guess which dive I could really have used the bloody thing.

Always,always,always-take it with you on wreck penetration dives. Be sure to write your name in big, bold letters on the side. And remember to leave it on your line, neatly between your primary and secondary tie offs.

Buy a fold up, put it in your pocket. If you need it, there you go.