Snorkels
A Snorkel is another essential piece of Diving Gear and Equipment. Simply put, a Snorkel is a hollow, curved tube made of either rubber or plastic with a mouthpiece that enables you to breathe while you are on the water surface with your face down. In other words, one end is sticking out of the water while the other end is in your mouth. It has a clip which is attached to the strap of your Diving Mask. This is useful in Scuba Diving when you need to save breathing gas.
A Snorkel is around 12 inches in length, while the maximum length is 18 inches. It is easy to breathe through a Snorkel with a 1-inch internal diameter. There is a type which is called the 'purge' Snorkel. If you have this one, you will hardly get water back in your mouth. The purge valve helps you in clearing water out of your Snorkel. Another type of Snorkel allows a small amount of water to remain in the mouthpiece without being inhaled when you breathe.
How to Use a Snorkel
- Wear both your Diving Mask and Snorkel to check the fit and if you are comfortable wearing them.
- Attach the clip of the Snorkel shaft on the strap of your Diving Mask.
- Breathe in deeply. Put on your mouthpiece, and then go underwater.
- Purging - Breathe out once to make sure that the passage is clear.
- Move gently on the surface so as not to get your Snorkel filled with water. When this happens, do the 'blasting' method.
- Blasting - Make sure that the other end of your Snorkel is at the surface. With the mouthpiece secured in your mouth, give a strong blow or breathe out forcefully to take water out. Breathe in gently in case there is water left in the Snorkel. You can experience this a few times, depending on the wave motion and your movement in the water.
What you need is a Snorkel that has the right length for you. In other words, you can breathe normally using a relatively short Snorkel. However, it must be long enough that one end remains at the surface while your head is immersed in water. Another important thing is the fit. Make sure to have a Snorkel that will give comfort and does not affect your breathing.
Though a Snorkel is relatively easy-to-use, keep in mind that there are factors to pay attention to with regards to this piece of Diving Equipment. Be accustomed in breathing through a Snorkel for your own safety and enjoyment in the water.
|
|
|
|
|
Basics & Backgrounds
Chinese
Home
Print Article
Email Article
Comment on Article
Write New Article
Search Articles
