What is the Difference Between a Wet and Dry Snorkel?
It is common for those who want to go snorkeling to purchase a snorkel without knowing what they are buying. This can make for a first experience that is unpleasant, it is important to know the tools before you use them.
The difference between wet and dry snorkels is: dry snorkels have a float valve mechanism sealing the tube of the snorkel, keeping water out. A wet snorkel is more simplistic only consisting of a silicone mouthpiece attached to a J-shaped tube. A wet snorkel although it may be less comfortable than a dry snorkel does have a purpose. Everyone snorkels with a different purpose, identify your purpose and that will tell you which snorkel will work best for you.
When choosing a snorkel, you will want to keep in mind what material it is made out of. Do you want a softer plastic for comfort? A hard plastic snorkel when worn for a while may become uncomfortable and these snorkels can be easier to break. Keep in mind what is your purpose for your snorkel. Are you diving, circling a pool, or taking in the spectacular view of a coral reef?
DRY SNORKELING
Dry snorkels are the most popular, so let’s start the discussion with them. If you are a casual snorkeler, this is a fine option. If you bought this snorkel, for viewing coral reefs on vacation, or swimming in your pool they will work great! Vacationers who don’t want to risk a mouthful of water should opt for these. They come with a splash guard that keeps unexpected waves from ruining your experience.
Getting water into your snorkel by accident can be a scary experience, especially for those who are not used to it. Whether you are out in saltwater or chlorine water. It even takes practice to maneuver your snorkel in a way that keeps water out. Sometimes you can submerge the top just by looking around.
Keep in mind, like everything with extra gadgets float valves sometimes jam up.
The way dry snorkels work is when you submerge under the water with the snorkel the float valve seals out the water from entering the tube. The concern with these are when doing deep dives they can keep you from diving as deep as you want to because they make you more buoyant. Although they keep the water out still make sure you clear the tube when you rise to the surface of the water again. Also, dry snorkels are the most expensive option.
WET SNORKELING
Wet snorkels are simple and work best for those who are experienced and have plans to go into deep water. These snorkels are not as ergonomic and comfortable as dry snorkels. Also, because of their simplistic design, they will not keep water out, so if you dive your tube will get filled with water.
These snorkels because they are simple and weigh less, they weigh less on your mouth too. Sometimes complex snorkels can be irritating to your jaw.
These divers will have to train themselves to hold their breath for extended periods of time if they want to do deep dives with a snorkel. Once resurfacing you will have to blow the water out of the snorkel with some force. This is something you will have to practice.
Wet snorkels are also simplistic in design causing less drag in the water. Because they are simple they are also lightweight and less bulky outside the water too. The biggest downside to wet snorkels is learning how to properly clear them.
Wet snorkels are the closest to the first record design of a snorkel, the first recorded snorkeling was in 400 AD in Greece, using a piece of bamboo.
SEMI-DRY SNORKELING
The Semi-Dry Snorkel is considered the option which is the best of both worlds. They keep some of the water out and also come with splash guards which can come in handy on high wind days with choppy waves. These snorkels have several slits on the top to direct water away from the tube. Once you are completely submerged under the water it will fill like a wet snorkel. A great choice for persons at a mid-range skill level who are learning the diving ropes.
Do you want to dive and also enjoy a casual viewing of the ocean floor on occasion? Then Semi-Dry is the snorkel choice for you.
Tip: When you are purchasing a snorkel you will want to keep in mind the drag it causes on you. The more there is to the snorkel the more likely you will have drag issues.
SNORKEL MATERIALS
What the tube is made out of matters. Just like with most things, there are high-grade options and low-grade versions. Snorkels that you want to stay away from are the ones you can buy at a grocery store, they are on the low-grade side. When you purchase a snorkel from a shop or online, that is where you can find the better quality. These stores will also be able to advise you in your purchase because usually, the people who work there are skilled snorkelers themselves.
Usually, the low-grade snorkels are made from harder materials that are less comfortable and easy to break. Hopefully, you won’t end up stepping on yours by accident, but it happens. The higher quality tubes are made from materials that are flexible when faced with an impact and yet still hold their shape when you need them to.
Do you know how long you can stay underwater with a snorkel? Find out here.
DOES IT WORK WITH YOUR MASK?
When purchasing a snorkel, how it fits with your mask is essential. You don’t want the skirt seal of your mask to break. This sometimes happens when your snorkel weighs down on your mask too much, letting water in.
A snorkel strap is usually where that weight is coming from. This is the device that attaches your mask to your snorkel. It can consist of a clip or a strap. Clips are usually preferred because they are easier to adjust. Straps require you to take everything apart and put it back together again.
MOUTHPIECE
You want to prevent jaw fatigue while you are wearing your snorkel. If you are uncomfortable you can get sores for excessive rubbing and have to cut your trip short. Making sure the mouthpiece fits well is the first step to comfort. If you are constantly adjusting it or changing your grip this will wear out your jaw and the mouthpiece faster. Also, when looking at mouthpieces you will find some feature additional chambers at the bottom to drain away access water.
Also, to avoid discomfort and reduce as much drag as possible look for a bottom curve on the snorkel that curves more. You want something that hugs your face instead of something that looks closer to a rigid J-shape.
Are you just getting started snorkeling? Then get started with a dry snorkel, especially if you don’t have any diving plans and only want to stay on the surface of the water. If you are learning how to dive, but still have skills to develop/build a semi-wet snorkel would work for you. But if you are ready for deep diving, a wet snorkel, is the least bulky and won’t give you any issues with bouncy when you try to reach a deeper depth.
Also, comfort is key, what are the most comfortable options for you. How does your snorkel affect your mask, does it weigh it down? Does your snorkel weigh you down? Because what you really want is something that gives you a best-unobstructed view of the ocean. This is why people take up snorkeling in the first place.
Related Questions:
Why do some snorkels have flexible tubes on them?
Flexible tubes make the snorkel more comfortable. They can contour to your face easier, it can bend or extend if you need to make the tube a better fit. Also, with flexible tubes your mouthpiece will fall away when they are not in your mouth, keeping them out of your way.
Should I choose a mouthpiece that is replaceable?
That depends on if you find yourself biting down hard on your mouthpieces, then you will probably want to buy a snorkel that allows you to replace the mouthpiece. Also when looking for mouthpieces one made silicone is the best option, the most comfortable, and durable.
Does the size of the tube matter?
Yes, larger snorkels can hold more air. To properly use a snorkel you need to breathe in all the air which the tube holds. So, a bigger tube is appropriate for those with a larger lung capacity. But if you can’t breathe in all that air you will be breathing in some of the air you exhaled which can result in not getting enough oxygen. Make sure to give the snorkels a test run in a controlled environment before relying on them too heavily.
Sources:
https://snorkelstore.net/whats-tube-difference-dry-wet-snorkels/
https://snorkelaroundtheworld.com/2018/10/dry-snorkel-or-semi-dry/
https://snorkelvibe.com/how-snorkel-works-best-review/
https://tidetrek.com/how-to-choose-a-mask-and-snorkel-3/
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.