50 replies to this topic

[Walter]

I hate snorkels,,,never used it...got rid of it...not really due to experience.....just personal prefernce I guess

What do you use when you free dive?

[CaptSaaz]

I am certified PADI and our instructor required us to wear our snorkels. Once certifed, AOW, he basically said, now you can do what you want. He immediately removed his snorkel for the next dive. I've found it just gets in the way, gets tangled and serves very little purpose. I have gotten a folding snorkel that will now reside in my drysuit pocket and probably never be used. But hey... you never know.

[cmt489]

This is a strange one for me to admit (and for those who have met me, you may actually find this one hard to believe...), but the use of my snorkel seemed to be influenced by "peer pressure" of what I saw around me. Myself, I actually like my snorkel on the surface because I hate fighting the surf while breathing. That being said, I quickly realized that no one else was using their snorkel and felt like a dork for using mine. My snorkel faithfully makes every trip with me but now, alas, simply remains in my gear bag unless I am snorkeling.

[Walter]

Michelle,

If you like using your snorkel, keep using it.

[Mitch0129]

Myself, I hooked my snorkel to my mask for the first 10 years I was diving, however lately, I only use it for snorkeling/free diving.

[annasea]

... Myself, I actually like my snorkel on the surface because I hate fighting the surf while breathing. That being said, I quickly realized that no one else was using their snorkel and felt like a dork for using mine. ...

Excellent! Our first *Use It*!

(Or *Used To Use It* )

[cmt489]

... Myself, I actually like my snorkel on the surface because I hate fighting the surf while breathing. That being said, I quickly realized that no one else was using their snorkel and felt like a dork for using mine. ...

Excellent! Our first *Use It*!

(Or *Used To Use It* )

It's the peer pressure.... I just can't handle not being one of the cool kids!

[Terri]

Great Questions Caetllonn!!!!

I always felt it was in the way when I started diving, but kept attaching it to my mask figuring I was 'supposed' to. When I figured out no one else was attaching theirs, I stopped attaching mine as well. However, in the Flower Gardens last May, we had some choppy seas and I chose to attach it for a dive or two, but didn't use it.

I've only done 50+ dives, but haven't found that I wished I had one when I didn't.

Edited by Terri, 06 January 2006 - 12:20 PM.

[Walter]

It's the peer pressure.... I just can't handle not being one of the cool kids!

Darlin', you stopped being one of the cool kids when you started buying $300 shoes.

[cmt489]

It's the peer pressure.... I just can't handle not being one of the cool kids!

Darlin', you stopped being one of the cool kids when you started buying $300 shoes.

Hey, no one said you can't have expensive shoes and still be one of the cool kids... Dammit, I will have to consult the manual again!

[Walter]

Sweetheart, you're almost cool. I was teasing (as you're well aware) about the shoes, but bending to peer pressure - uncool.

[PerroneFord]

If I was ocean diving, I'd probably use one, or at least stick on in a pocket. But in the springs, caverns, caves, shipwrecks, it's more a hinderance than anything.

[Walter]

You're right, in overheads, they're dangerous.

[6Gill]

I myself do not use one ever while scuba diving but pretty much use it 100% when snorkeling.All the folks I dive with don't use 'em and most instructors I know only have one when teaching.
Now should you needed one for the course but not sure if it's something your going to keep using I'd be more than happy to lend you one till you decide for or against.
For the record I have never been in or seen a situation where a snorkle was necessary,the bulk of my diving takes place in the ocean(PNW)

Eric

[ereediver]

I found the snorkel a pain during the mask replacement drills. It kept twisting my mask strap. Then for a birthday gift I got a second snorkel that has a clip which makes it "detachable " going to try that one out. I was going to work on getting used to it, but it seems that there is no apparent benefit to doing that.

Changing the point some. Is there much benefit to the wide neoprene head bands for the mask, again I am thinking it may help with strap twist when replacing the mask. I keep my hair short, so there is no benefit there.