**1. Snorkeling Equipment:**
– Snorkel for breathing
– Diving mask or swimming goggles for vision
– Swimfins for efficient propulsion
– Environmental protection gear like wetsuits or rash vests
– Safety equipment like weight belts or inflatable snorkeling vests
**2. Snorkel Features and Design:**
– Snorkel device for breathing underwater
– Different snorkel shapes (L or J)
– Front-mounted and side-mounted orientations
– Various attachment methods like threading the mask strap or using snorkel keepers
– Full-face snorkel mask with shut-off valve and opening at the bottom
**3. Safety and Practices:**
– Importance of safety measures like using inflatable vests and snorkeling with a buddy
– Basic swimming abilities needed for snorkeling
– Underwater photography as a popular activity
– Safety concerns related to full-face snorkel masks
– Snorkeling as a leisure activity and competitive underwater sport
**4. Exposure Protection and Accessories:**
– Wetsuits for thermal insulation and protection
– Dive skins for protection against jellyfish stings and abrasion
– Rash guards for protection against rashes and sunburn
– Weight belts for buoyancy adjustment
– Snorkeling vest as an inflatable buoyancy aid for surface swimming
**5. Locations and Related Activities:**
– Popular snorkeling destinations like the Great Barrier Reef and Indonesia
– Different variants and related activities such as free-diving and scuba diving
– Safety concerns such as dehydration and avoiding contact with marine life
– Snorkeling locations in warm waters with interesting sights like reefs
– Unique sports like underwater hockey and finswimming
Snorkeling (British and Commonwealth English spelling: snorkelling) is the practice of swimming face down on or through a body of water while breathing the ambient air through a shaped tube called a snorkel, usually with swimming goggles or a diving mask, and swimfins. In cooler waters, a wetsuit may also be worn. The snorkel may be an independent item or integrated with the mask. The use of this equipment allows the snorkeler to observe the underwater environment for extended periods with relatively little effort, and to breathe while face-down at the surface.
Snorkeling is a popular recreational activity, particularly at tropical resort locations. It provides the opportunity to observe underwater life in a natural setting without the complicated equipment and training required for scuba diving. It appeals to all ages because of how little effort is involved and is the basis of the two surface disciplines of the underwater sport of finswimming.
Snorkeling is also used by scuba divers when at the surface, in underwater sports such as underwater hockey and underwater rugby, and as part of water-based searches conducted by search and rescue teams.