Diving down while snorkeling??

[preschool teacher]

HELP. Please....I have tried and tried to dive down when I snorkel and I can't do it...what are the tips, tricks, secrets to dive down??

 

Thanks to all who help me!!!!

[omeinv]

It's impossible to diagnose the difficulty you're having from your description. If you're not able to initiate the descent, that's one problem of technique. If you're not moving well enough below the surface to get where you want to go, that's a separate technique issue. If you're not able to clear your snorkel when you return to the surface, that can be addressed with either technique, equipment or both.

 

If you Google search for "Dive Shops" in your area, you will likely find several, and all likely offer a snorkeling class. The cost should be less than $50.00 (Here in Denver, we get $25.00), and the class only takes about 2 to 3 hours in the pool. Snorkeling - like many things - is fairly simple, but taking the time to get some specific instruction will give you a lot of information that will vastly increase your enjoyment.

 

Some hints: The instructor will doubtless be a SCUBA Instructor or Asst. Instructor (Dive Control Specialist). However, they should be clear that you're learning the distinct, albeit related, sport of snorkeling. They shouldn't be pushing you into a SCUBA course, beyond mentioning that it is something a lot of people move to from snorkeling. They SHOULD be looking at your equipment. It will likely seem like you're getting a "Sales Pitch", if you have either no gear of your own; or "one size fits all" gear from a big box store. A real key to diving (snorkeling or SCUBA) is having equipment fitted to you, and of decent quality. You certainly don't need to break the bank, but you will be much happier with your own good gear than you will be with either cheap stuff or the rental gear at resorts.

 

A mask that fits well is the very thing that makes snorkeling worthwhile, since it allow you the vision below the surface. It also lets you equalize the pressure as you drop down, so your ears won't hurt. Fitting a mask takes some time, and trying on several options, in the presence of someone who knows how to help you with it. Fins are what give you the power to move underwater in a meaningful way. I recommend the "open heel" style. These require neoprene boots, and thus the total cost is higher, but they're more comfortable, and the boots protect your feet when you shore dive, if you need for walk on rocks or gravel. Finally there's your snorkel. The cheap ones are nothing but a plastic tube, and often not even a sufficient one of those, as they are frequently of too small a diameter. A good snorkel will have a purge valve at its lowest point to make clearing it, upon return to the surface, very easy. And many have designs that limit the entry of water to the snorkel, which can make things much more comfortable, both for diving, and swimming on the surface.

 

Taking a class and looking at equipment could really pay off for you. Consider the cost and time of even one snorkeling excursion on vacation, and then figure you'll at least double your enjoyment with these steps. Heck, you may even have fun in the class. :)

 

Harris

Denver, CO

Edited September 2, 2014 by omeinv

[preschool teacher]

Good info Harris....thanks after reading your post I will add more info about my problem .....I am a very experienced snorkeler....my issue with diving down is this...I plunge down head first, I go down a little ways and then I pop right back up....I will do as you advised

[omeinv]

Well, it's still not certain what's going wrong for you, but I suspect your trying to "swim" down, rather than dive. It's a little difficult to make clear in writing, but your dive should consist of a very deliberate movement where your upper body turns nearly straight down into water, then your legs left nearly straight up - momentarily out of the water. This causes the weight of your legs to push you down. Then it's a matter of positioning your arms so they don't create drag, and kicking efficiently to get the power from your legs transmitted through the fins.

 

This will make better sense when you take a class, and someone can first demonstrate; then evaluate what you're doing.

 

Harris

Denver, CO

[Capt_BJ]

Good info Harris....thanks after reading your post I will add more info about my problem .....I am a very experienced snorkeler....my issue with diving down is this...I plunge down head first, I go down a little ways and then I pop right back up....I will do as you advised

 

you are buoyant ... aka you naturally float.

 

I'll not surmise why

 

wear a weight belt ... start with 2 pounds .. then add 2 at a time until you find comfort ..

 

for a SCUBA diver this is what's done to find neutral buoyancy . . .

 

once neutral .... it is EASY to free dive when snorkeling

Edited September 2, 2014 by Capt_BJ