Grits53 Posted November 10, 2008 #1 Share Posted November 10, 2008 We were on an excursion last month, in which our snorkel time was limited. We have our own snorkel and mask, but we need to rent fins and vests. We have found fins readily available at all locations, but vests have been harder to come by. We lost too much of our limited snorkel time, waiting in line to rent vests last month. Therefore, we want to buy snorkel vests that will fit easily in our luggage and beach bags. We will be using them about twice a year, as we only snorkel on cruises. Suggestions, please. Links to recommended vests would be great. Thanks! Jan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Host Star Posted November 10, 2008 #2 Share Posted November 10, 2008 We were on an excursion last month, in which our snorkel time was limited. We have our own snorkel and mask, but we need to rent fins and vests. We have found fins readily available at all locations, but vests have been harder to come by. We lost too much of our limited snorkel time, waiting in line to rent vests last month. Therefore, we want to buy snorkel vests that will fit easily in our luggage and beach bags. We will be using them about twice a year, as we only snorkel on cruises. Suggestions, please. Links to recommended vests would be great. Thanks! Jan snorkel vests fold flat and take up very little room packing...do a search on line for snorkel equipment or purchase at your local dive shop Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vista03 Posted November 11, 2008 #3 Share Posted November 11, 2008 I ordered the ScubaPro Currents Vest from my local dive shop. It was my favorite of the various rental vests that I had tried. Pro: Has a crotch strap so the vest will not ride up when it is inflated Con: I found that the blue printing on the vest is not that permanent. The black printing is fine. The blue printing gets tacky and transfers. My vest now has smudges of blue in other areas. http://www.scubapro.com/americas/english/scubapro-products/snorkelpro/vest/currents-vests Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevesan Posted November 11, 2008 #4 Share Posted November 11, 2008 I ordered the ScubaPro Currents Vest from my local dive shop. It was my favorite of the various rental vests that I had tried. Pro: Has a crotch strap so the vest will not ride up when it is inflated Con: I found that the blue printing on the vest is not that permanent. The black printing is fine. The blue printing gets tacky and transfers. My vest now has smudges of blue in other areas. http://www.scubapro.com/americas/english/scubapro-products/snorkelpro/vest/currents-vests Just want to reinforce the crotch strap recommendation. It's an essential item! There are usually only two sizes, so if there are no shops in your area ordering online isn't a problem: Child (under 100lbs) Adults (over 100lbs). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harryjr Posted November 12, 2008 #5 Share Posted November 12, 2008 Leisurepro.com has a good selection--very reasonable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grits53 Posted November 12, 2008 Author #6 Share Posted November 12, 2008 Thanks for the replies. I have checked the "local" dive shop (60 miles away), but their prices are very high. That's why I came here for a recommendation. I will check out the suggestions. Thanks again! :) Jan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jandjboo Posted November 14, 2008 #7 Share Posted November 14, 2008 We just went on the Internet looking for "snorkel vests" and found lots of sources. We bought some inflatable ones that take up no space in the luggage (and allow my husband to deflate his when he wants to dive deeper) and they were quite cheap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Host Star Posted November 15, 2008 #8 Share Posted November 15, 2008 definitely the crotch strap!!!!!... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VonChap Posted November 15, 2008 #9 Share Posted November 15, 2008 We were on an excursion last month, in which our snorkel time was limited. We have our own snorkel and mask, but we need to rent fins and vests. We have found fins readily available at all locations, but vests have been harder to come by. We lost too much of our limited snorkel time, waiting in line to rent vests last month. Therefore, we want to buy snorkel vests that will fit easily in our luggage and beach bags. We will be using them about twice a year, as we only snorkel on cruises. Suggestions, please. Links to recommended vests would be great. Thanks! Jan Jan, We found ours in April at ScubaToys dot com. They are like a vest with buckles in the front and only the front inflates. No need for any other straps. Very easy to pack and worked great--even in some rough water. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
honeybeedeb Posted November 16, 2008 #10 Share Posted November 16, 2008 has anyone snorkeled with a ski belt, this is our first time Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCUBA Mark Posted November 17, 2008 #11 Share Posted November 17, 2008 has anyone snorkeled with a ski belt, this is our first time A ski belt would work but it is pretty bulky to pack. You don't normally inflate the snorkel vest when you snorkel. It is really for an emergency. If you get too tired kicking, you can inflate the vest and just float. Saltwater is a lot more buoyant than fresh water and most people float naturally without any extra help. The snorkel excursions provide everyone with mask, fins, and snorkel. If you have your own gear and want to snorkel on your own, you might want to have snorkel vests for the less experienced and/or weaker swimmers. I have one for DW that she wears when we snorkel. Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimw Posted November 17, 2008 #12 Share Posted November 17, 2008 A vest is not needed except when required by a snorkel trip operator. Most people float like corks in salt water, even those who have difficulty floating in frest water. If you are comfortable in the water, try snorkeling without a vest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.