50 replies to this topic

[annasea]

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.

ereediver,

Here's a thread I found entitled, Mask Strap. I just skimmed it quickly but it may contain the answers you're looking for.

[annasea]

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.

Thank you for the offer, Eric, that's very kind of you. But I reckon once I buy one, I'll wind up keeping it. If I don't cut it as a diver, I can always try being a snorkeler instead! (I find the thought of not having to wear a tank quite appealing actually.)

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)

And thank you for answering Question #3! Now if only someone would answer Question #4: If divers rarely to never use snorkels, why are they *required by law*? (hint, hint )

[PerroneFord]

And thank you for answering Question #3! Now if only someone would answer Question #4: If divers rarely to never use snorkels, why are they *required by law*? (hint, hint )

Apprently for the same reason Dive Tables are, in this era of computers. They make lovely backups. I don't think I've ever used my snorkel outside of a pool.

[6Gill]

As a general rule there is no law requiring a snokel(did you Know there is no law requiring scuba certification?)
Now thats not to say that places might have rules in place requiring certin conditions are met such as being certified or having a snorkel.I belive that there is a county in Cal. that requires a snorkel along with a number of other things and this is law(by-law).Someone else might be better able to comment on that.That being said just cause its law doesn't make it correct or a good idea(the person who signed the law probably didn't even dive
Historicaly all divers started as free-divers or military folk(hence some of the early training styles).As folks said earlier stores have a high mark up on snorkels(have you priced them?) along with when something is in use change can be slow(there were a number of 'experts' and groups that fought nitrox claiming people would be dying off in unprecedented numbers and how it was dangerous and beyond the scope of recreational divers).
Anyhow its time to catch a ferry and go diving for the weekend

Eric

[Dive_buddy]

I have a Sherwood Avid folding snorkel ...

Have you used it? Can you get it cleared? I bought one to do my BOW with. I never learned how to get it completly clear of water. I guess it is due to the ribs of the compactable pipe. I just never got used to the sound of gergeling water in a pipe I'm trying to breathe through.

Let me know any tricks if you have them.

[Bubble2Bubble]

A Snorkel ???

Answer to #3
A snorkel can be a affective tool when applying CPR. you use it as a block between
the victum and You when you give mouth to mouth...

Ummm... thats about the only good reason I could think of in carrying one.

Well if you where snorkeling it would come in pretty handy

B2B

[Walter]

In the US, there are usually very few laws regarding diving. What comes to mind are ones similar to Florida's law requiring us to fly a diver down flag while diving, some local ordinances not allowing diving at some beaches and the ordinance in Laguna Beach, California requiring divers to have a buddy and a snorkel.

[BeachBunny]

Trace, I am most impressed with your "Brokeback Reef" scenerio. Kuddos!!! Someone wants to see the cowboy movie, eh??? Even more impressed with the reference to Castaway.

Ray has convinced me to get a folding snorkel. I have been thinking about it....don't suspect I will ever use it BUT should an opportunity like the Humpback whale situation arise NO WAY am I missing out on that one.

Michelle, the fact that you have enough sense (or is it cents, I can never remember) to buy $300 shoes automatically makes you one of the cool kids. I wear a 7, just in case you are feeling like sharing the love!!!

[gcbryan]

Trace, I am most impressed with your "Brokeback Reef" scenerio. Kuddos!!! Someone wants to see the cowboy movie, eh??? Even more impressed with the reference to Castaway.

Ray has convinced me to get a folding snorkel. I have been thinking about it....don't suspect I will ever use it BUT should an opportunity like the Humpback whale situation arise NO WAY am I missing out on that one.

Michelle, the fact that you have enough sense (or is it cents, I can never remember) to buy $300 shoes automatically makes you one of the cool kids. I wear a 7, just in case you are feeling like sharing the love!!!

Keep in mind that if you are ending your dives with plenty in reserve if you should ever have the Humpback Whale situation mentioned you could just float on the surface with your regulator in your mouth. Whatever air you have left would last a long time at the surface.

[Latitude Adjustment]

"Have you used it? Can you get it cleared? I bought one to do my BOW with. I never learned how to get it completly clear of water. I guess it is due to the ribs of the compactable pipe. I just never got used to the sound of gergeling water in a pipe I'm trying to breathe through.

Let me know any tricks if you have them."


Dive Buddy, the Avid is definetly not a dry snorkel but I'm used to the gurgling as I've never had a dry snorkel.
The longest I've used it was maybe 45 minutes when we were snorkeling with the humpbacks and another diver borrowed it to jump into a pod of Pilot whales and he didn't have any complaints. I think both of us had way too much adrenalin flowing to notice any problems with the snorkel

[chinacat46]

Another use for a snorkel which I don't think anybody has mentioned is for playing with seals and/or sea lions. The cubs are quite playful and like to bite things. A snorkel waved in front of them will usually brings some great results.

[CaptSaaz]

... 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!

Bah to peer pressure. Use and do what you are comfortable with. If someone has a problem with it, it's their problem, not yours.

[cmt489]

Michelle, the fact that you have enough sense (or is it cents, I can never remember) to buy $300 shoes automatically makes you one of the cool kids. I wear a 7, just in case you are feeling like sharing the love!!!

Sorry darling, size 9 here... You would look like you were wearing your mom's shoes

[Latitude Adjustment]

Another use for a snorkel which I don't think anybody has mentioned is for playing with seals and/or sea lions. The cubs are quite playful and like to bite things. A snorkel waved in front of them will usually brings some great results.

Oranges and banana peels are cheaper sealion toys

[Brinybay]

I used a snorkel for first few years of diving, then dropped it a couple years ago. No real need for it, I surface swim mostly on my back, and it makes handling the mask much easier w/o it.