Snorkel gear?

[wildflower810]

Anyone know anything about snorkel gear? We're going on vacation next month and I'll be able to go snorkeling... I'm trying to find a set on Amazon by myself without H holding my hand the whole time. DNW to spend a fortune. 

I think this set looks good? Link

[ironbaby]

That set looks perfectly fine. The good thing is that it has a valve, so if you dive under and the top of the snorkel goes underwater, it will close and won't fill with water, meaning you don't choke down the sea when you surface again.

[ellabee]

*lurking*

It might be easier to just use the gear they provide at the resort if it's just going to be a one (or few) time thing.

If you really want to get a set specifically for you, I would almost recommend finding a local dive shop and going in to try on different masks. The seal around your face is the most important part. Some masks just don't fit certain face types that well and you'll spend the whole time in the water clearing leaks (annoying).

I'm a scuba diver, so that's where my recommendation comes from, but if you're going to be doing a ton of snorkling now and in the future, it may be worth it to get a mask that fits perfectly.

[spicysalmonroll]

I was going to say the same as ironbaby,. We bought ours on Amazon for around the same price, don't even know what brand but as long as it has that valve at the top you should be good to go!

[ironbaby]

I also bought my mask at a dive shop for use with SCUBA, but those can get pricey. I think you're okay with the set you chose if this is just a fun one-or-two times a year thing. It couldn't hurt to find a local dive shop and try a couple masks, though!

[wildflower810]

May 24, 2016 7:51:49 GMT -5 ugaqueencity said:

Where are you headed? I don't know much about snorkel gear, but every time I've gone I've just rented it from the resort or gone on a tour that provided everything we needed

Maui. I'm thinking I'll use it once or twice... but I'm not sure. H has his own set, that's what's making me look for my own.

[wildflower810]

May 24, 2016 8:40:09 GMT -5 ellabee said:

*lurking*

It might be easier to just use the gear they provide at the resort if it's just going to be a one (or few) time thing.

If you really want to get a set specifically for you, I would almost recommend finding a local dive shop and going in to try on different masks. The seal around your face is the most important part. Some masks just don't fit certain face types that well and you'll spend the whole time in the water clearing leaks (annoying).

I'm a scuba diver, so that's where my recommendation comes from, but if you're going to be doing a ton of snorkling now and in the future, it may be worth it to get a mask that fits perfectly.

Oh. Hmm. That's good to know. 

[ldubhawksfan]

May 24, 2016 8:02:33 GMT -5 ironbaby said:

That set looks perfectly fine. The good thing is that it has a valve, so if you dive under and the top of the snorkel goes underwater, it will close and won't fill with water, meaning you don't choke down the sea when you surface again.

Yep this is a fine basic set to start with. The valve is good. It's also good to have fins that tighten easily so you can put them on out past the waves (depending on where you are going this might not be applicable). I have problems with fogging no matter what defogger I use, but that might be another good thing for you to get for your trip (unless it's awesome warm water in which, can I come?!). I would recommend trying toothpaste. I agree about trying the mask on though. They should sell similar sets at sporting stores.

[billyhorrible]

Something else to think about - and this might only be a "me" problem, is the size of your face. I have a snorkel set that's made for children because I've got a pea-sized head and it was hard to find rentals. The plus side of that is that children sizes are generally a little less expensive.

[♪♫choppinbroccoli♫♪]

May 24, 2016 11:27:26 GMT -5 wildflower810 said:

May 24, 2016 7:51:49 GMT -5 ugaqueencity said:

Where are you headed? I don't know much about snorkel gear, but every time I've gone I've just rented it from the resort or gone on a tour that provided everything we needed

Maui. I'm thinking I'll use it once or twice... but I'm not sure. H has his own set, that's what's making me look for my own.

Have you been before? If going to Lahaina, there are rental spots all along the west coast. That's what my husband and I did. I think it was like 7 bucks/day.

Ignore me if you are dead set on buying one!

[♪♫choppinbroccoli♫♪]

Also, SO JEALOUS. I want to go baaaaack.