It can get dangerous if you are not knowledgeable about the mistakes to avoid as a first-timer in snorkeling.
Although snorkeling is fun and enjoyable, the lack of proper knowledge about the dangers and conditions of the ocean can cause potential danger for a beginner.
Asides this, there are also some basic skills that should be learnt to help you have a wonderful time during your first snorkeling experience.
Beginners also need to get good equipment that will prevent a disastrous snorkeling experience.
Many snorkelers without the right preparation for snorkeling often experience terrible things from fear to injury, boredom, exhaustion, leaking face mask, and many more.
To avoid all these from happening, this guide offers you 5 snorkeling mistakes to avoid as a beginner.
Renting The Cheapest Equipment
Learn how to fix a mask and prevent fogging
Beginners going on snorkeling need to understand that masks come in different sizes and shapes. They can be adjusted to fit your face. When renting a mask, you should be on the lookout for a fitting one that does not leak.
Also, you need to be aware of a fogging mask that prevents you from having a clear view.
Get a dry snorkel
Try to rent a dry snorkel or at the very least, a snorkel with a splash guard. You definitely don’t want to have a flood of water come down your snorkel. A dry snorkel has a special valve on the top that seals shut when your snorkel goes underwater (like with a wave, or when you tilt your head to the side). It will also have a special purge valve at the bottom of the snorkel so that it is easy to blow water out of the tube. For a first time snorkeler, this piece of equipment is very essential.
Get fins that fit
You should try to rent fins that are too tight, too lose and don’t hurt. You don’t want your fin falling off when you most need it. And getting sores on your feet from fins that have hard spots or are too tight will ruin your time. Also have it in mind that your feet will be wet. Also, it will often shrink a little in the cooler water. This is why a snug fit is important. Don’t even think about not having fins. They are essential for safety. They give you a great amount of swimming force and will save you lots of energy.
Not Practising Ahead Of Time
It is very important to rent the equipment before you go to the beach so that you can have time to adjust to it and get used to it. Also, you need to practise putting on your mask.
For your practice, pick a spot like a swimming pool or a calm shallow sandy beach to get a feel for breathing through your snorkel. It takes a while to train your body into becoming comfortable breathing through a snorkel with your face in the water.
Not Swimming Slowly
As a first-time snorkelers, you need to swim slowly and try to stay relaxed and calm so that you don’t get exhausted from swimming.
Not Carefully Choosing Your First Location
As a beginner, you should carefully choose your first location. It is better to go from a beach the first time instead of jumping off a boat into deep water.
Not Choosing A Calm Spot
You should only go out when it is calm. It is potentially dangerous for you to go out into the ocean when there are waves. Also, your snorkeling experience will be a lot more difficult and less enjoyable.
