Snorkeling underwater is an opportunity to explore the aquatic world firsthand. In fact, I still remember the first time I did it as a child. The beauty of what exists beneath the ocean surface was breathtaking — even at that age. It was a wonderful moment of feeling not just acquainted, but also momentarily a part, of the natural world. Experiences like this make why we snorkel obvious. Still, the how of it all can be slightly more puzzling. Fortunately, this article will prepare you to snorkel as a beginner.
With the information from this beginners’ guide under your belt, you’ll be more than prepared to snorkel in a way that is both safe and enjoyable.
Gathering and Adjusting Your Snorkeling Gear
To snorkel, the first thing you’ll need to do is acquire a mask and a snorkel. If you struggle with your eyesight and don’t want to wear contact lenses underwater, you do have the option of purchasing a 
prescription mask, altered to your vision for optimal results. Wearing glasses underneath your mask, however, is not recommended. Experts also advise choosing a dry snorkel or one with a splash guard for the sake of preventing excessive fogging.
The mask will need some adjustment to start. Your comfort with this gear is a top priority because, without it, you risk an unpleasant and potentially dangerous snorkeling experience. It’s better to get these technical aspects of it straightened out before jumping into open water.
The best way to acclimate the mask to your face is to put it on outside of the water and, before even placing the snorkel in your mouth, adjust the straps. You’ll know you’ve done it properly when everything feels snug against your skin. Your eyes and nose should be sealed off, but you shouldn’t experience any sort of excessive pinching, pain, or discomfort.
If you do, that just means you need to loosen up the mask a little bit.
With that done, you can now experiment with your snorkel as well. A good way to test both is in shallow water — for example, a swimming pool, or directly by the shore. Place your face beneath the surface for about forty-five seconds to a minute. If you are comfortable and there are no water leaks, then your face gear is ready to go.
In addition to a mask and a snorkel, beginners should also invest in a buoyancy vest. Snorkeling involves a significant amount of floating, but focusing on keeping your body afloat and out of immediate danger of drowning can really take away from the experience — especially for beginners. Many experts highly recommend these for snorkelers of all levels, and most venues outright require them. Buoyancy vests are a vital safety measure.
So are swim fins. Swim fins work well with the buoyancy vest. They facilitate easy underwater movement while preventing your body from dropping too low beneath the surface. Later, you’ll find that your fins actually assist you in navigating deep dives underwater. Nonetheless, as a beginner, your fins are better utilized to help you move smoothly and remain at the surface.
You’ll want to make sure these aren’t too tight or too loose so that you aren’t struggling with blisters, sores, or a hindering fit.
Getting into the Water With Your Snorkel
Now that you have all your gear fitted, you’re finally ready to hit the water! Important things to remember going in are to stay relaxed and to minimize your effort. Exuding too much effort is a way that many beginning snorkelers get fatigued before they can even begin to truly enjoy the experience.
If possible, take someone with you — preferably, another snorkeler or a decent swimmer. Choose your beach and your spot. Be sure to check in advance for any weather or ocean conditions that may make the water unsafe that day. You’ll also want an area where the water is serene, the fish and coral are plenty, and, if possible, a boat isn’t necessary for access.
Choosing a location you’re able to reach easily by swimming is a great way to ensure that the water is not too deep and you do not get stuck out at sea. This is especially critical for newer snorkelers.
As a beginner, the best way to snorkel is by floating over the surface on your stomach. With time and practice, you’ll be able to experiment more with other positions, dives, and swimming techniques, but for starting out, this is ideal. Don’t worry too much about moving your fins right now, either. These are for underwater mobility, which will come once you have familiarized yourself with breathing beneath the surface.
From this position, and with your head still above the surface, ensure that the snorkel is comfortably in your mouth, bite down gently on the mouthpiece such that your lips bond with it and secure the snorkel in place, and ease your face into the water. You’ll want the open end of your snorkel pointing straight above the surface, perpendicular or semi-perpendicular to the water. Once you’ve had more practice, you’ll be able to go deeper using a breath-hold dive.
Of course, the thought of breathing underwater can be daunting for many first-time snorkelers. That’s why it’s so important to take your time, remain calm, and practice breathing in a relaxed manner. You’ll want to establish a slow, steady pattern with your breaths and get used to inhaling and exhaling through your mouth. And remember — if you panic or need a break, you can easily lift your head above the water and recalibrate.
Still, try to remember that the snorkel will provide you with the air you need. If it doesn’t for any reason, you can always return to the surface and adjust your gear accordingly.
Find out how to snorkel without swallowing water here.
Keeping the Inside of Your Snorkel Dry
Because of the nature of the ocean, there is a chance that at some point, water may enter your snorkel. A large wave or even a sudden movement on your part can allow the snorkel to slip underwater for a few seconds, therefore permitting water to infiltrate the entryway and flow down into your mouth. Luckily, the method for clearing your snorkel is simple.
First and foremost, don’t panic. This can disrupt your breathing or force you to swallow water by accident, therefore making the situation even more troublesome than it already was. Remember that this is a common occurrence that happens to even the most seasoned snorkelers.
Next, take a deep breath of air and hold it. Then, dip your head such that the snorkel, including the opening at the top, is entirely underwater. Here, water will enter the barrel — but don’t worry. For the sake of clearing out the snorkel, this is actually a good thing.
Once you’ve done this, you’re going to want to lift your head such that the snorkel is back out of the water, but your face remains submerged. Finally, you’ll need to exhale quickly to expel all the water from your snorkel. This breath should be a forceful one.
If there is any water remaining in the barrel after that, exhale again and with enough power so that whatever is left gets pushed out of the snorkel.
Conclusion
Snorkeling as a beginner can be intimidating, but knowing how to choose your equipment, understanding how to breathe and maneuver yourself through the water, and being able to clear out your snorkel if it gets flooded will all make the experience of getting started simple, safe, and enjoyable. Practice responsible technique and, most importantly, don’t forget to have fun!
Please note: This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Please consult a legal expert or medical professional to address your specific needs.