Hi Freddie This is a brilliant guide . Thank you so much for being concise and informative.I fell in love with snorkelling on a holiday to Thailand but we hired local snorkel gear out there and it was vey basic gear and we had issues with mask fogging and leakage from badly fitting cheap masks, snorkelling tube clearing water ect which if i'm being honest took the edge off it a little. I am about to embark on a snorkelling holiday in Sardinia and wanted to know as much as i can about snorkeling equipment so my experience this time will be much more pleasurable. We intend to take our own gear this time that suited to our needs. Your guides are wonderfully clear and knowledgeable and have been very helpful in deciding what gear we will take, so a big Thank you from a 65 year old UK newbie snorkeler As a small request if the information is out of date please could you do an up to date 2022/2023 version many tanks again 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
After you get the snorkeling Kevin, try scuba diving. The learning curve is greater but the reward is greater as well. Also as you age it is wonderful. I'm 61 and being weightless is stress free. I have a friend that is 89. He says it is the only time his body doesn't hurt. Have a good time in Sardinia. I will look that place up and see if it is good for scuba diving. Might set up a trip there. Take care. Freddy
@@LeviathanScuba Hi Freddie i have scuba dived once, in a supervised controlled dive one instructor to three divers, in shallow clear water, in Greece and it was fab. To do a scuba course over here in the Uk it's about £400 so roughly $460 plus of course all the equipment costs on top so not cheap. UK waters in general not that brill for diving. we are looking to go to La Maddalena Sardinia Just between the two big islands there is an archipelago of islands as the snorkelling and scuba diving is meant to fab. Only 2.3 hour flight from UK as well. I have now watched most of your vids so thanks for all the wonderful advice, we are planning to go to our local scuba dive centre shop to get properly kitted out so not buying online. I fancy those split fins as i have the onset of arthritis in both knees and i think these would be easier on the old knee joints. Have a look at La Maddalena it has quite a few dive spots and it is an underwater protected national park as well
@@kevinlindsay5255 Will do. Thanks for the tip. Have fun. We will be having some videos coming soon that actually show the locations and diving for a bunch of the best in the world.
@@LeviathanScuba Sounds fab, can't wait, your site is one of the best i have come across so now it has become my go too site for snorkelling information. The Med and the Red Sea are best for us Europeans as it's close but also crowded. Tropical reefs like Maldives Indian ocean are a little further and a lot more expensive but we are looking forward to Sardinian to start with. I will update you with my experience and hopefully some photos. Underwater camera can you recommend a good one but one on a tight budget
I'm a snorkeler and have never dived before but i'm wanting to. I'm up in age so I'm hesitant to start now but your videos are extremely helpful. Thank you.
Come on Sarah, I have diver friends that are in their 90's. Find my video on interviewing the oldest diver. You are weightless, equals no stress on the joints. Gear is weightless once in the water. Often getting in with the gear is easier for older divers but getting out is hard. Simple fix is inflate the bcd jacket that holds the tank. It floats and the young buck that wants a tip will haul it out of the water for you. You simply climb out of the water by yourself with no gear. Thanks for watching, more to come soon. Freddy
Just replaced my Tabata/Tusa snorkel for the first time in 30 years. The hard plastic finally disintegrated where the silicone tube connects to it. The integral mouthpiece was still (just) in place, not quite bitten through. Replaced with the same model. The "wave guard" one here is the closest. No-one should be snorkelling for long without being able to clear the tube. But of course, the ultra-dry one is more expensive for the dive shop to sell.....
I probably won't get to it soon enough so I thought I would answer your question here personally. If you do a lot of snorkeling then you will want one that fits you well. Many have neoprene bands or sleeves to keep it snug. You should be able to easily inflate it and only partially if you just want a little buoyancy to help. Air should fill the bladder on both sides of your body. If you are vertical then it will hold you vertically. But if you are face down then you can add just a little air to help keep you on the surface. The ones with the bladder only in the front are more for when you need to rest and keep afloat. True snorkeling vests can help you enjoy the experience longer by allowing you to actually snorkel while using it with a bit of air. Some have pockets. Others have a place for a glow stick or marker light for night snorkeling. Enjoy shopping. Thanks for watching. freddy
Your videos have been very helpful. The opening theme music volume differential is a kick to the face. Generally, I play iPhone music 100% full volume, but that’s too loud at 60%. I wish I could get those levels for iTunes downloads. I’m not sure if I should be amazed or angry. I’ll go with Amazed. Thanks for all of the helpful information!
The trouble though with tourists, novice divers, or learners (as distinct from the novice diver) is that if they use a fully closed system and it does get water into it (and they do) then they may panic on a rapid inhalation, spitting the snorkel and or racing to the surface gagging (if they happened to inhale whilst submerged). Better to learn how to use an open top and with no valves or funky things, controlled breathing and knowing the techniques for getting rid of any water which will enter your snorkel from various situations. Snorkelling is a proper skill and not something that one can master just on a 1 week trip to the Bahamas IMHO. I, like someone below had a Tabata 3 piece snorkel, like maybe 30 plus years old, open top of course, no valves but the mouthpiece did swivel and there was a sort of black rubber connection to the bright golden yellow tube, ending in a fluorescent orange band. I replaced it with a Mare Scout, it's not very good with the valve and top cover, only couldn't seem to buy a pro type snorkel where I am.
@@LeviathanScuba No prob. Thanks for letting me know. I've recently started snorkeling so I'm trying to learn about what is some nice gear out there I can use.
SCUBA divers should wear an attached snorkel at all times. You will waste bottom time breathing through your regulator on the surface while swimming to or from the bost or dive location. And In an emergency you won't have time to locate a packed snorkel & attach it to your mask. Seriously, when did it become arguous to have a snorkel hanging on the left side of your mask? And when did we stop teaching scuba students how to free dive & properly clear a snorkel before strapping on a tank?
Not arguous joseph. Hmm, was that an arguous statement? Ha ha. Your point is well received. However, there are more than one way to skin a cat my friend and it doesn't take a snorkel dangling on the left side of your head. They for sure are helpful when you need them. I have nothing against using a snorkel. Personally, in the military I learned another way that I am familiar with and have used successfully. If in an emergency or a long swim I place my fully inflated bcd under my chest and my upper torso and head ride clear out of the water. Very comfortable to rest or swim long distances. For sure, it is easier in an emergency situation. Short distance, I again fully inflate my bcd and swim backwards to the boat or beach. I personally don't want a piece of equipment dangling around my face while diving. Start taking a silent pole. Count how many divers use versed don't use a snorkel while scuba diving. I try to be relevant for the recreational diver. It can be helpful I agree but I do not believe it is mandatory equipment for a scuba diver. Thanks for keeping it real. More to come soon. Freddy
It really is a personal preference. There are many websites out there that say the advantage is that the open top has less restriction on airflow. However with the advances in dry snorkel technology there is no noticeable difference in airflow between the two
You don't get tangled with the dry top in close quarters. You might want to have something that's hydrodynamic because drag reduces breathing time. Dry tops are top heavy, so it drags your mask in powerful currents.
Don't like the ultra dry..the little seal did not clear once reaching the surface and was not able to breathe properly. Much batter with only the waveguard
There is no such thing as dry snorkel. 1. Absolutely every snorkel leaks water. 2. Even if it does not leak, after 10 minutes breathing will be filled with condensation from your own hot breath. So if you don't want to cough, learn how to empty your snorkel. It's no more complicated than just breathing.
Hi Freddie This is a brilliant guide . Thank you so much for being concise and informative.I fell in love with snorkelling on a holiday to Thailand but we hired local snorkel gear out there and it was vey basic gear and we had issues with mask fogging and leakage from badly fitting cheap masks, snorkelling tube clearing water ect which if i'm being honest took the edge off it a little. I am about to embark on a snorkelling holiday in Sardinia and wanted to know as much as i can about snorkeling equipment so my experience this time will be much more pleasurable. We intend to take our own gear this time that suited to our needs. Your guides are wonderfully clear and knowledgeable and have been very helpful in deciding what gear we will take, so a big Thank you from a 65 year old UK newbie snorkeler As a small request if the information is out of date please could you do an up to date 2022/2023 version many tanks again 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
After you get the snorkeling Kevin, try scuba diving. The learning curve is greater but the reward is greater as well. Also as you age it is wonderful. I'm 61 and being weightless is stress free. I have a friend that is 89. He says it is the only time his body doesn't hurt. Have a good time in Sardinia. I will look that place up and see if it is good for scuba diving. Might set up a trip there. Take care. Freddy
@@LeviathanScuba Hi Freddie i have scuba dived once, in a supervised controlled dive one instructor to three divers, in shallow clear water, in Greece and it was fab. To do a scuba course over here in the Uk it's about £400 so roughly $460 plus of course all the equipment costs on top so not cheap. UK waters in general not that brill for diving. we are looking to go to La Maddalena Sardinia Just between the two big islands there is an archipelago of islands as the snorkelling and scuba diving is meant to fab. Only 2.3 hour flight from UK as well. I have now watched most of your vids so thanks for all the wonderful advice, we are planning to go to our local scuba dive centre shop to get properly kitted out so not buying online. I fancy those split fins as i have the onset of arthritis in both knees and i think these would be easier on the old knee joints. Have a look at La Maddalena it has quite a few dive spots and it is an underwater protected national park as well
@@kevinlindsay5255 Will do. Thanks for the tip. Have fun. We will be having some videos coming soon that actually show the locations and diving for a bunch of the best in the world.
@@LeviathanScuba Sounds fab, can't wait, your site is one of the best i have come across so now it has become my go too site for snorkelling information. The Med and the Red Sea are best for us Europeans as it's close but also crowded. Tropical reefs like Maldives Indian ocean are a little further and a lot more expensive but we are looking forward to Sardinian to start with. I will update you with my experience and hopefully some photos. Underwater camera can you recommend a good one but one on a tight budget
@@LeviathanScubahi Freddie
Do you have recommended log apps?
Tanks Eyal
I'm a snorkeler and have never dived before but i'm wanting to. I'm up in age so I'm hesitant to start now but your videos are extremely helpful. Thank you.
Come on Sarah, I have diver friends that are in their 90's. Find my video on interviewing the oldest diver. You are weightless, equals no stress on the joints. Gear is weightless once in the water. Often getting in with the gear is easier for older divers but getting out is hard. Simple fix is inflate the bcd jacket that holds the tank. It floats and the young buck that wants a tip will haul it out of the water for you. You simply climb out of the water by yourself with no gear. Thanks for watching, more to come soon. Freddy
VERY informative video. Thank you!
Thank you. Happy to help. More to come soon. Freddy
Just replaced my Tabata/Tusa snorkel for the first time in 30 years. The hard plastic finally disintegrated where the silicone tube connects to it. The integral mouthpiece was still (just) in place, not quite bitten through. Replaced with the same model. The "wave guard" one here is the closest. No-one should be snorkelling for long without being able to clear the tube. But of course, the ultra-dry one is more expensive for the dive shop to sell.....
Always a Great Presentation. 👏👏👏👏🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
Your are a kind person. I am sure everyone around you loves you. I know I do. Have fun. Thanks for watching. Freddy
Can you use the mares x vision mask for snorkeling ?
Can u talk about which body vest is good for snorkeling??$$
I probably won't get to it soon enough so I thought I would answer your question here personally. If you do a lot of snorkeling then you will want one that fits you well. Many have neoprene bands or sleeves to keep it snug. You should be able to easily inflate it and only partially if you just want a little buoyancy to help. Air should fill the bladder on both sides of your body. If you are vertical then it will hold you vertically. But if you are face down then you can add just a little air to help keep you on the surface. The ones with the bladder only in the front are more for when you need to rest and keep afloat. True snorkeling vests can help you enjoy the experience longer by allowing you to actually snorkel while using it with a bit of air. Some have pockets. Others have a place for a glow stick or marker light for night snorkeling. Enjoy shopping. Thanks for watching. freddy
Your videos have been very helpful. The opening theme music volume differential is a kick to the face. Generally, I play iPhone music 100% full volume, but that’s too loud at 60%. I wish I could get those levels for iTunes downloads. I’m not sure if I should be amazed or angry.
I’ll go with Amazed. Thanks for all of the helpful information!
Thanks for posting a great informative video.
Great videos, really enjoyable and helpful to newbies like me. I wish you great success =)
Thank you - glad you enjoyed it and gave you some helpful info!
Excellent!!! But you didn't compare or recommend the dry-top snorkel, even though you had a few on the table.
I prefer the old fasion snorkel, no valves anyplace (my experience is vales always fail)
Killed me eats with that intro music be carefull if you are listening with the headphones
The trouble though with tourists, novice divers, or learners (as distinct from the novice diver) is that if they use a fully closed system and it does get water into it (and they do) then they may panic on a rapid inhalation, spitting the snorkel and or racing to the surface gagging (if they happened to inhale whilst submerged). Better to learn how to use an open top and with no valves or funky things, controlled breathing and knowing the techniques for getting rid of any water which will enter your snorkel from various situations. Snorkelling is a proper skill and not something that one can master just on a 1 week trip to the Bahamas IMHO. I, like someone below had a Tabata 3 piece snorkel, like maybe 30 plus years old, open top of course, no valves but the mouthpiece did swivel and there was a sort of black rubber connection to the bright golden yellow tube, ending in a fluorescent orange band. I replaced it with a Mare Scout, it's not very good with the valve and top cover, only couldn't seem to buy a pro type snorkel where I am.
Very informative thanks. What is the blue snorkel second from left?
Thank You! That is the HyperDry Elite II Snorkel made by Tusa.
@@LeviathanScuba No prob. Thanks for letting me know. I've recently started snorkeling so I'm trying to learn about what is some nice gear out there I can use.
SCUBA divers should wear an attached snorkel at all times. You will waste bottom time breathing through your regulator on the surface while swimming to or from the bost or dive location. And In an emergency you won't have time to locate a packed snorkel & attach it to your mask. Seriously, when did it become arguous to have a snorkel hanging on the left side of your mask? And when did we stop teaching scuba students how to free dive & properly clear a snorkel before strapping on a tank?
Not arguous joseph. Hmm, was that an arguous statement? Ha ha. Your point is well received. However, there are more than one way to skin a cat my friend and it doesn't take a snorkel dangling on the left side of your head. They for sure are helpful when you need them. I have nothing against using a snorkel. Personally, in the military I learned another way that I am familiar with and have used successfully. If in an emergency or a long swim I place my fully inflated bcd under my chest and my upper torso and head ride clear out of the water. Very comfortable to rest or swim long distances. For sure, it is easier in an emergency situation. Short distance, I again fully inflate my bcd and swim backwards to the boat or beach. I personally don't want a piece of equipment dangling around my face while diving. Start taking a silent pole. Count how many divers use versed don't use a snorkel while scuba diving. I try to be relevant for the recreational diver. It can be helpful I agree but I do not believe it is mandatory equipment for a scuba diver. Thanks for keeping it real. More to come soon. Freddy
Great info. Thanks!
For newbies, you purge water by pausing your swim, then puffing from the diaphragm of your lungs
Any recommendations on travel snorkels and fins that fit in carry on?
TUSA SPORT makes a great little travel set. The fins are very short, and the snorkel is a dry snorkel so it doesn't fill up with water.
Where do I get the rolly Polly
Thanks a Lot.
Thanks. What advantages does the open design provide for experienced divers?
It really is a personal preference. There are many websites out there that say the advantage is that the open top has less restriction on airflow. However with the advances in dry snorkel technology there is no noticeable difference in airflow between the two
The airflow is much better. The purge is hindering a lot of air coming through
You don't get tangled with the dry top in close quarters. You might want to have something that's hydrodynamic because drag reduces breathing time. Dry tops are top heavy, so it drags your mask in powerful currents.
Great video - very informative - Wuhuuu i get like number 500.
Don't like the ultra dry..the little seal did not clear once reaching the surface and was not able to breathe properly. Much batter with only the waveguard
How do you properly clear a snorkel?
There are lots of different ways but the most common is to do the blast method, which simply put is a forceful exhale.
There is no such thing as dry snorkel.
1. Absolutely every snorkel leaks water.
2. Even if it does not leak, after 10 minutes breathing will be filled with condensation from your own hot breath.
So if you don't want to cough, learn how to empty your snorkel. It's no more complicated than just breathing.