Snorkeling anyone?

[Reducto]

I've recently gotten it into my head that I want to learn to snorkel. It doesn't cost that much to get started in, the equipment doesn't take up a lot of room, and the whole exploring underwater thing seems fun to me.

Has anyone here tried it? Any thoughts on integrating it into a boondocking lifestyle?

 

[Patrick46]

My wife & I LOVE snorkeling. I'm a waterDog actually. If it concerns water, I'm all into it. Surfing, scuba diving and snorkeling, canoeing, boating, I love 'em all.

Snorkeling isn't difficult. (easy-peasey!) A mask, snorkel, and fins are all you need. (a bathing suit and a few basic swimming skills don't hurt either.)

Lots of books are at your local library or on-line to get you started.

Welcome to the water and have a ball!!!

 

[dragonflyinthesky]

I am a very weak swimmer and have a mild fear of dark water. I love to snorkel, it's easy and cheap. I always said if I move further south, I would get better equipment. You can get the gear at your local Wal Mart store and not be out much if you find out you don't like it, then get good gear if you do like it.

 

[Donedirtcheap]

They make some very nice equipment now. Its not like the stuff I had as a kid and will last many years. It may be good for you to take a class at a dive shop or high school night class. We have snorkeled at Bahia Honda and off of Key West a few times. I go in some inland lakes at times but the water clarity will change with temperature inversions, seasons or rainy times.
I would think that you will spend $200.00 or more for gear. If you get to the keys, snorkeling is a must do. The boat might anchor in 15 or 20 feet of water and as you swim away you will go over areas of the reef that drop to 50 feet or so with beautiful sand bottoms. Barracuda slowly swam by while some sort of shark was nestled down at the bottom under the edge of the coral and if you swim out to the edge of the reef it drops off sharply into total darkness. I got out of there quick as it freaked me out. I felt like a spec that was ready to be eaten.

 

[jeanontheroad]

Patrick: mask, snorkel and fins

Me: add a tickle stick and a pouch in the Keys, and you have lobster for dinner.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Vote for Jean's plan

You can often pick up some good gear at used sporting goods stores or even craigslist.
Its a great sport...loads of fun.
We used to snorkel for scallops (in season) around Port St. Joe, Fl.
Put a waterproof case on your camera and add a whole new dimension to your albums.

 

[Malibusurfer]

I'm with Patrick on this one....I'm a water baby too. Surf, raft, water ski, snorkel, heck I even take long showers, lol.....
Depending where you are, might want to consider a wetsuit for the west coast... They can be had pretty cheap on CL. Even a 3-2 suit will keep you warm much longer so you can stay in the water... Even in summer, SoCal can get cold after about 10 minutes being submerged..

 

[Patrick46]

Put a waterproof case on your camera and add a whole new dimension to your albums.

better yet...

when the wife & I went snorkeling in Maui this past spring, we bought onna those disposable waterproof cameras. (I know, I know...more for the landfill). They'll take like 30 picutes, and cost maybe $12.

but we don't get out often enough (yet) to justify the expense of a case for our good digital...and we got some outstanding shots swimming with the sea turtles.

 

[Reducto]

The wetsuit thing is a bit daunting - I prefer cooler climates which would put me in colder water. There are so many different thicknesses, ones with or without sleeves and legs, etc. Is there one in the middle that I can get away with in most conditions, assuming the air temp is around 70?

 

[Malibusurfer]

70 degrees is pretty warm for outside, but we're talking in the water temp. You could easily get away with a 3-2 either a full suit or a half suit to keep your core warm if water is above 65 or so.. It's kinda up to you and how your body does with cold water.... A full 3-2 suit will get you some snorkeling time in 65 + degree water.. Time in water is up to your body If your in cold water a lot, a 4-3 or even thicker would be perfect.. I have a 4-3 for surfing in Oregon where temps range from 40-60 degrees, but you have to remember 1/2 my body is out of the water most of the time.... Submerged temp is different than air temp...
Gloves and booties for me is a must as when my hands and feet are cold, I'm not having fun anymore....

 

[Patrick46]

btw Reducto...

post a "wanted" ad on CL, and you autta be able to find some nice quality used equipment for $100 or even less!

 

[highdesertranger]

snorkeled many times sniping for gold. now I do allot of hookah diving. I use a two piece wet suit farmer john and spring suit gives the most versatility. I found that the air temp doesn't really matter it's the water temp. when I was young and surfing 60 degrees was the cut off over 60 no wet suit needed in the fifties spring suit under 50 both suits. now a days I wear both all the time. older body just don't like that cold water anymore. highdesertranger

 

[Reducto]

Thanks for the great info everyone! I'm definitely going to give this a go.