Snorkels
Eric Larson Dec 15, 2022
Snorkel
The origins of the snorkel date back some 5000 years to Crete an island in Greece. Sponge farmers used hollow reeds to breathe while underwater! The modern snorkel came much later and many improvements have been made, yet the basic function and design remain the same.
Grab your snorkel and lets go through it top to mouthpiece and remember why this piece of gear is essential in your divebag.
Anatomy of a snorkel includes Opening, Tube / Barrel, Mask Clip, Flex Tube, Mouthpiece, Reservoir, Purge Valve.
Opening is the top of the snorkel and is one of the ways we categorize them (Open/semi-dry/dry). This is where the air enters the snorkel or water if you dip your head underwater. (see Dry Snorkel below)
Tube or Barrel is where the air travels down to get to the reservoir. The tube is usually made from plastic or silicone. The hard plastic portion of the snorkel is often curved to be a more streamlined fit. At the bottom of the tube many snorkels attach to a flex tube that provides a more comfortable fit. Not all masks have flex tube, some snorkels are shaped like a “J” and are rigid down to the mouthpiece. Others are made of flexible silicone that allows you to fold your snorkel and keep it in your pocket until you need it.
Mask Clip attaches the snorkel to your mask, many popular brands have a quick release button that leaves a clip on your mask for your snorkel to attach to.
Mouthpiece is the part that goes in your mouth. These are pretty universal and will fit comfortably in most mouths. Some snorkels do allow you to change the mouthpiece if needed.
Open Snorkel This is the standard open top snorkel that will allow water to come down the tube. The reservoir will hold some water and prevent you from breathing it. If water gets in the reservoir blow into the mouthpiece and the water will shoot out the top and also through a purge valve in the reservoir. These are a great option for the open water diver. While waiting for your dive buddy to get in the water, use this so you don’t waste your gas on the surface.
Semi-Dry Snorkel This snorkel has fins on the opening of the tube the purpose of these fins is to divert water splash away from the tube. If some water makes it into the reservoir blow into the mouthpiece to clear the snorkel. This is a great choice for the open water diver that wants more splash protection in rough seas.
Dry Snorkel The dry snorkel is designed to keep water out of the tube when you put your head and snorkel under water. It has a float valve on top of the snorkel that closes the tube when submerged. As the snorkel comes out of the water the valve opens and you can breath normally through it. If any water does make it to the reservoir, simply blow into the mouthpiece to clear the snorkel. Our most popular model because you can dive with it and then hit the shore reefs with the family. Not just for divers, these are the most convenient for snorkelers and keeping water out of your mouth.
Folding Snorkels will fold up or roll up and you can keep them in a pocket until you need it. These are typically made of silicone and have an open top with no reservoir.
Come visit us to see these and other models we have in stock. When in our store or your local dive shop make sure to ask a lot of questions! Mention this blog in our store and get %10 off your next snorkel.
Remember to have fun!!
