If you love being in the water, love swimming, and have a desire to explore what lies underneath the surface of the ocean, then snorkeling is a great activity to you enjoy. Before you go snorkeling for the first time there are a few things that you need to do ahead of time. Picking up your snorkeling equipment, goggles, swim fins, and your snorkel mask, is essential. Another item that you may need to rent or purchase if you do not have one, is a wet suit. A wet suit is a good thing to wear if you are going to be snorkeling in colder water. Ensure that each item fits you properly and comfortably so there are no issues when in the water.

The next thing that you need to do, after a finding a good location to go snorkeling, is to remember to stay relaxed. If you are not used to swimming underwater, or have never been snorkeling before, practice your breathing. You can do this at a pool or in shallow water in the ocean. You want to practice breathing through your snorkel, prior to putting your head in the water. When you are snorkeling, it is important to remember that you do not want to breathe too quickly or too shallow. Once you have practiced enough that you feel comfortable, submerge your head under the water, and continue to breathe.

Clearing Your Snorkel

Another thing that you will need to practice doing is clearing your snorkel. This involves submerging your head, and your snorkel, deep enough into the water that some of it gets into the mask. To clear your snorkel, simply take a breath and then blow forcefully into the mouthpiece. This will force the water to be expelled from the snorkel tube. On your next breath, be careful to make sure all the water is expelled, if it is not, blow forcefully once again to clear it out.

Clearing your mask is another step that is needed. Simply lift the mask off your face and allow a little water to get inside. Raise the head out of the water, and lift the mask once again to allow the water to drain. Replace the mask, or goggles, properly on your face and return to the water.  Make sure you buy the best snorkel mask that you can afford to most enjoy your experience.

How to Stay Safe during Snorkeling Excursions

Snorkeling can be one of the most pleasurable and safest ways to enjoy the sea. Although your supply of air is constant and you can keep a look out on your surroundings with proper a proper fitter mask, many things can go wrong however these can easily be avoided by exercising snorkeling safety. At the end , it boils down to common sense.

Avoid any sort of contact with unfamiliar aquatic plants and animals. Several sea creatures have got defense mechanisms which can be extremely painful. Protect yourself by keeping safe distance from sea creatures.

Lack of swimming skills also plays a major role. One of the most important aspects addressing snorkeling safety, is that you avoid snorkeling on your own, whatever your experience.

Another snorkeling safety issue, is that you understand your limits. How far out can you go? If there is an underwater cave or tunnel are you willing to risk holding your breath until you surface. These several factors should be taken into consideration.

Should you frequently dive below the surface, consider leaving several intervals before each dive or make several shorter dives instead of a long dive. Inflatable devices can help in this case to rest and regain your necessary energy between each dive.

Cramps are commonly experiences by snorkelers during their excursions. Should you experience these effects it is important that you position yourself with your head above water and stretch your foot of the affecting area and with both arms reach for the tip of your foot or fins and gently pull towards you.

Snorkeling for extensive long periods in cold waters could lead to hypothermia. Consider wearing protective equipment such as a wetsuit to protect you. Besides, a wetsuit is also great to protect you from rashes, scrapes and jellyfish stings.

One final word is that snorkeling safety should be considered as your number one priority before each and every snorkeling event. Keep in mind that you are a guest in a natural environment which is full of exotic creatures, so have respect for the ocean and it will reward you tenfold.

The final basic step to remember when snorkeling is, while maintaining your slow and deliberate breathing pattern swim slowly and carefully. Be careful to watch where you go, and judge distances properly, as wearing goggles or a mask over your eyes, will make things look closer than they actually are. The last thing that you need to remember when you go snorkeling is simply to have fun and enjoy the world that awaits you beneath the surface of the ocean waters.