Untitled Lesson

Snorkelling tips and tricks

Now that your students have had their crash course into snorkelling here's a few tips and tricks to
keep their memories fresh:

There is no better way to see the beautiful and colourful world just beneath the ocean’s surface than
snorkelling. Snorkelling lets you watch marine life without scaring away fish or other marine life with
your movements and without having to come up for air every minute.

The most important thing to think about before snorkelling is finding a snorkel and mask that fits
you just right.

You will want a mask that fits snugly around your face that creates the perfect seal against water
getting in. Adjust the mask’s straps so it is not too tight, and not too loose.

If you can, try the mask on in the water to make sure there are no leaks. And make sure the snorkel
tube is close to your mouth, but don't put it in yet.

Lay flat in the water on your stomach and place your face in the water.

Bite gently down on the mouthpiece of the snorkel. Allow your lips to close around it and hold the
snorkel in place.

Take slow, regular breaths in and out through the tube. Breathe slowly, deeply and calmly with your
mouth through your snorkel. No need to panic: you can always lift your head above water if you
want. Just relax and become aware of your breaths.

The sound of your breathing through the snorkel barrel should become quite noticeable. Once you
get into a rhythm, relax and enjoy the underwater scenery.

Wearing fins allows you to move easily through the water using less energy and can also help keep
you safe.

Fins should be snug to your feet, not too tight that they cause discomfort, but not too loose that they
could come off when kicking hard.

There are different fins for different activities, make sure you find a pair that's good for you.

You can also wear a life jacket or wetsuit to make floating on the surface of the water easier.

On any snorkelling adventure you are bound to get some water in your tube at some point,
sometimes due to splashing, letting your head dip too low in the water, or duck diving.

Learning to clear your snorkel will help you enjoy your underwater experience that much longer.

Hold your breath and place your head below the water, ensuring your snorkel is also under water.
You should feel that water is entering the snorkel barrel.

While lifting your head slightly with the end of your tube in the air this time, blow through your
mouth quickly. This blast of air through the snorkel will clear nearly all the water from your snorkel.

Repeat this again if there is any remaining amount of water in your snorkel tube.

Now you’ve mastered the basics of snorkelling, look for a shallow place to enjoy the marine life
without disturbing them.

Take someone with you so you’re not snorkelling alone.

Snorkel in the middle of a bright day when the water is clear of sediment. Storms tend to churn up
sediment that clouds the water.

Check LAWA.com to make sure the water quality is suitable for swimming.

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