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Daniel Stokes Water Sport Geek on breathing tips for beginner snorkelers.
It’s pretty common when starting out for people to find a snorkel hard to use, so if you’re feeling a little uncomfortable, let us assure you that you’re not alone.
However, are these genuine issues caused by snorkeling itself?
Or is what you’ve felt part of getting used to the equipment and becoming confident?
We’re going to look at everything related to breathing through a snorkel and will see that with experience, it is possible to snorkel for long periods without your breathing being affected.
We will see that when snorkeling you’ll slow your breathing down, take nice deep breaths, and develop better airway control.
With the proper techniques, you’ll soon be comfortable discovering everything there is to be seen in the underwater world.
1. Try to Always Breathe Deeply and Slowly
Remember that breathing slowly will actually feel more effortless and that deeply breathing in and out makes sure that as much dead air is removed from the snorkel as possible.
2. Check That Your Snorkel Is Attached Properly
Before setting off, make sure that the snorkel is correctly attached to the mask strap so that it stays in the proper position out of the water.
This is particularly important for dry snorkels as the inlet valve needs to be correctly positioned to stay open and allow you to breathe in.
3. Think About the Position of Your Head
You’ll need to keep your head up when snorkeling to keep the snorkel out of the water.
Generally speaking, for beginners, keep the water surface just above the top of your mask.
Be aware that if you dip your head down forwards or too far to either side, that water will probably get into the snorkel, so be prepared to clear it.
If you do this with a dry snorkel, be aware that the inlet valve will close, and you won’t be able to breathe in.
4. Practice Clearing Your Snorkel and Breathing Around Water
The more you practice clearing water out of your snorkel, the easier it will become.
Start with a small amount of water to practice breathing “around” and try clearing that out.
Practice flooding and clearing your snorkel in a pool or shallow water until it becomes easy.
That way, you don’t have to worry about it happening while you enjoy discovering ocean life at a more advanced site.
5. Stay Relaxed and Don’t Make Things Difficult For Yourself
Remember that maintaining your slow deep breathing is probably going to rely on you being comfortable and calm.
Try to avoid putting yourself into situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable.
Check out our tips for snorkeling beginners, and remember that while you’re building your confidence, you’ll find it much more fun to stay somewhere you feel at ease.
