One of most basic pieces of equipment for diving or snorkeling is the SNORKEL. Too many people take it for granted. A plastic or composite tube from your mouth, just out to the water line that lets you breath while keeping your head in the water. They come in a variety of styles and colors. From the simple tube with a purge valve, to the dry snorkel, which is suppose to keep water from getting inside. And of course these extra features affect the price. Simple snorkels run from about $15.00 to the high end of over $80.00. Consider what you need when buying a snorkel. My choice has always been a basic snorkel with a purge value at the bottom.

A couple of important factors, use a snorkel keeper to attach the snorkel to your mask. Practice breathing out of water, then in shallow water to get accustom to breathing with the equipment. Finally learn how to clear water from the snorkel if your head gets underwater.

• The blast method, a large breath of air blown out the tube will force water out.
• Tilt your head back and exhale a small puff of air into the snorkel. Then as you rise, the air puff will expand and clear the tube naturally so that by the time you reach the surface the snorkel is already clear. This trick takes some practice to perfect, but it requires less effort than blasting

Most snorkelers get few lessons if any on how to use the snorkel correctly, and swallowing a little water happens.