Tip-Info-opinions
Keep in mind that I am not an expert, these are just a few things that I find are helpful.
Things you need:
1. mask
2. snorkel
3. 3mm wetsuit/dive skin/rash guard
4. defogging solution
5. fins
6. neoprene booties
6. sunscreen
7. shiny watch (to attract the barracuda)
Get a good mask. Take your time finding one, make sure it fits, and get help from an expert at the dive shop. I find a low volume mask works best for me. Make sure the snorkel
is flexible enough not to pull on your teeth too much. You will have the tendency to bite down hard when in the water, the less
pull on the teeth the better off you'll be. Also make sure it has a splash guard system and a purge. Now wetsuits, skins, and rashguards
aren't something you "need" but you'll be thankful if you invest in at least one of them. Even in water 80 degrees you can get chilly after a long
period of time. I almost always wear a full length dive skin, mainly for sun protection. Your back and the back or your legs will
fry on a sunny day and it's real easy to lose track of time when your dazzled by all the underwater sites. The skin really
saves on the sunscreen which is a drag to have to constantly put on. If it's really hot I'll wear a rash guard, thats just a tight nylon shirt that
surfers and bodyboarders wear. You probably won't find one in a dive shop, go to your local surf shop. Not only do they help with sun protection, they make you
cool and hip....just don't wear them off the boat or the beach, you'll then look like a dork. If the water is below 75 degrees, definitely get into a 3mm wetsuit, you'll be a lot more comfortable. Always have defogging solution on hand, nothing
will piss you off more than a foggy mask. Spit works but just get the stuff it will come in handy. Think comfort when getting a pair of fins.
I suggest you spend some money here. If you only are going to buy one pair get the kind that will slip over your booties. This will
make it easy to get over any rocky shores and into the water. My personal preference in fins are the kind that just slip over your bare foot.
For me they are much more comfortable and make for less drag in the water, but if you're going to take your fins off to get out of the water
you better have tough feet. I do not recommend walking around with your fins on, eventually you'll fall and you'll get hurt or just plain look stupid.
Get a nice pair of booties, the injury you're most likely to get will be to your feet, this will help minimize the possibilities of this.
Protect yourself from the sun. Nothing can ruin a vacation faster than a bad sunburn. Get plenty of sunscreen with a SPF of
15 or higher and re apply as often as you can. (make sure you're dry before you put it on!!) Oh, and I was kidding about the shiny watch...sort of.
Risk? Danger?
1. Sunburn
2. Foot Injuries
3. Boats
4. Drowning
5. Theft.
The injury you're most likely going to have to deal with is sunburn. No matter how much people are warned about the dangers of sun exposure
they never seem to listen. If your number one priority is to get a tan you're going to get burnt. The problem with snorkeling is
the water keeps you cool and you forget about the effects of the sun. My advice is to just use a lot of sunblock or wear a dive skin.
Get some booties! Yes some shoreline is beautiful sandy beach, but many others are rough and rocky. There can be many sharp objects in the water too, rocks,
coral, god forbid broken glass, and even a few potentially nasty critters. Be careful where you snorkel. If there is one thing
you should know it is this: Many many boaters are first class idiots. Try to watch out for them because they may not see you, and if you hear the sound of a jet-ski DO NOT
TAKE YOUR EYES OFF THEM. If you're out on your own always use a dive flag. Never overestimate your swimming ability!
Ask locals about current conditions. Never snorkel alone, at the very least make sure you have someone keeping an eye on you from the shore.
My rule is simple: if it looks dangerous it is dangerous. The only time I will venture into to unknown, rough, fast water is with a group of people
who know the area. Respect the ocean. I threw theft in here simply because if you leave something unattended on the beach or in an unlocked rental car you
might as well kiss it goodbye. Get a little water proof case you can keep anything valuable. Keep it simple. Unless you have someone
who will sit with your stuff, take only what you need. Get a little waterproof container and put your keys in there and maybe a few bucks or whatever. Just use a little common sense here.
As for dangerous creatures of the deep...there's always the possibility of stepping on a sea urchin, getting stung by a jellyfish, or having a run-in
with fire coral. If you never touch anything and be careful you can avoid these things 99% of the time. Sharks? Fish with with teeth?
The chance of having to deal with this is extremely remote. Short of sticking your fingers in the mouth of a barracuda or a moray eel you probably
won't get bit. Check out Sharkattack.com, this will either convince you that you have
very little chance of being attacked by a shark or scare you completely out of the water for the rest of your life.
I've included a few links that you might useful for your next freediving/snorkeling adventure.
Take a few minutes to do a little research, it will definitely save you a lot of time and energy. Besides it's probably a good idea
to get some info from some real experts.
Travel destinations, tips, equipment, and other fun stuff, it's all there.
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