Focer font of knowledge snorkelling

[fazersharp]

Have done some a long time ago and just again last month in Spain on a little trip that included a bit of snorkelling and now looking to get my own mask and snorkel to take with me next time.But I don't want to waste my money on rubbish but also don't want to spend the earth on professional scuba gear.Have been looking at stuff in decathlon but it seems very cheap, so any advice from snorkelling focers

[BBROWN1664]

for snorkelling, go with something that fits and is comfortable. You should be able to hold the mask up to your face, without the strap on, and just by trying to breathe in through your nose hold the mask in place (no hands)
.
No need to spend a fortune on a mask, save that for some huge fins to help to swim against the tide/current

[fazersharp]

for snorkelling, go with something that fits and is comfortable. You should be able to hold the mask up to your face, without the strap on, and just by trying to breathe in through your nose hold the mask in place (no hands)
.
No need to spend a fortune on a mask, save that for some huge fins to help to swim against the tide/current

Thanks I have just seen this one https://www.sportsdirect.com/gul-threshe...e=88101424 problem is trying it on. But I do have a pin head so I am even thinking of a junior one https://www.sportsdirect.com/gul-threshe...e=88200006 as my head is only 54cm circumference  :eek
Fins wont fit in my hand luggage, I am already jettisoning my weeks supply of pants (2 pairs) to make room for the mask 

[BBROWN1664]

Cant really go wrong with that one at that price.

[fazersharp]

Cant really go wrong with that one at that price.

Yep think I will give them a try so long as they are not just toys. Been looking at pro masks and even they are not that expensive. 

[darrsi]

You’re gonna ride in the rain aren’t you?  :rollin

[BBROWN1664]

Yep think I will give them a try so long as they are not just toys. Been looking at pro masks and even they are not that expensive. 

Try to find a local Decathalon or diving shop and go try a few masks on for size. Different masks all fit differently. Some will leak even though they appear to be the same size as the one next to it that doesn't. Once you find one you like that fits, go and find it online or bite the bullet and pay up in the shop.


A good mask isnt expensive. An expensive mask isnt nessesarily good. Just the same as crash helmets really.

[fazersharp]

[quote author=fazersharp link=topic=24642.msg285642#msg285642 date=1539891449]
Yep think I will give them a try so long as they are not just toys. Been looking at pro masks and even they are not that expensive. 

Try to find a local Decathalon or diving shop and go try a few masks on for size. Different masks all fit differently. Some will leak even though they appear to be the same size as the one next to it that doesn't. Once you find one you like that fits, go and find it online or bite the bullet and pay up in the shop.


A good mask isnt expensive. An expensive mask isnt nessesarily good. Just the same as crash helmets really.

[/quote]Do decathlon have samples loose to try on then

[fazersharp]

You’re gonna ride in the rain aren’t you?  :rollin

:lol

[YamFazFan]

[quote author=darrsi link=topic=24642.msg285643#msg285643 date=1539891695]
You’re gonna ride in the rain aren’t you?  :rollin

:lol
[/quote]


:rollin

[tommyardin]

Full face helmet and Duck Tape, can't go wrong

[F4celess]

I used a Full Face snorkel like below, during the summer out in Turkey.
Worked really well, felt unobtrusive, plus I imagine quite similar to wearing a diving mask (without the tethered tank).

With this you have a great field of view plus all your face is enclosed, also you have no snorkel stuck in your mouth, feels natural.
Got it from Amazon for around £40. Was excellent quality and had no issues using it for long periods (couple of hours each session).

Also had an attachment for a GoPro etc. Mine was all Black, did look a little like Darth Vader! 

[Dynspud]

Now, that is one cool looking piece of kit  8)
It IS a rather crap feeling with your nose blocked off and a whopping great piece of plastic stuck in your mouth that you get with a normal mask & snorkel.
Definitely gonna get one of those for my hols next summer.

[BBROWN1664]

I used a Full Face snorkel like below, during the summer out in Turkey.
Worked really well, felt unobtrusive, plus I imagine quite similar to wearing a diving mask (without the tethered tank).

With this you have a great field of view plus all your face is enclosed, also you have no snorkel stuck in your mouth, feels natural.
Got it from Amazon for around £40. Was excellent quality and had no issues using it for long periods (couple of hours each session).

Also had an attachment for a GoPro etc. Mine was all Black, did look a little like Darth Vader! 

Having done snorkling and diving for about 40 years now I have never understood these masks. Masks can, and do, get water in them due to your face moving more than the rubber seal can tolerate or because they get knocked. With a normal mask, it is possible to take the thing completely off underwater and re-fit, then clear the water without the need to lift your head out of the water. or just clear the water if some has crept in. Is it possible with these?

[tommyardin]

With a tradition snorkel if water enters the breathing tube you can force it out with a big puff of air, how does it work if the breathing tube just enters the top of the mask without a mouth piece.
If that is the way it works.

[fazersharp]

Yes I did come across these, but not used. They have a float in the top of the tube to prevent water getting down.They are £24 in Decathlon

[BBROWN1664]

Yes I did come across these, but not used. They have a float in the top of the tube to prevent water getting down.They are £24 in Decathlon

Water can still get in

[fazersharp]

[quote author=fazersharp link=topic=24642.msg286060#msg286060 date=1540922524]
Yes I did come across these, but not used. They have a float in the top of the tube to prevent water getting down.They are £24 in Decathlon

Water can still get in
[/quote]Thought so. I forgot to add "supposed" to prevent.
I have brought the set in sports direct for £9.99 and went for the junior size and it seems to fit ok. But I do have a tache that may cause issues. I got on ok whilst in Spain on my jollies with a set off the boat that everyone uses.
The sports direct set has a release valve in the bottom of the snorkel, not sure how well that will work 

[Flooky]

I would avoid all valves gimmicks etc..Buy a good mask from a dive shop, ( clear silicone is good, lets in loads of light) you need access to be able to hold your nose (clear ears/ equalize ) . just a plain snorkel. (no co2 build up )  if you dive under, as you surface look up, this will clear water by gravity and snorkel will be all but empty at surface. When snorkeling breath out of your nose, this will clear mask with every breathe, even with facial hair. strap needs to be loose, water pressure will keep mask on. I been diving for years ( british sub aqua club, "dive leader ") none of you holiday P.A.D.I. rubbish.

[BBROWN1664]

none of you holiday P.A.D.I. rubbish.

Oi, I resemble that remark :pokefun