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Buying Basic Gear for Diving and Snorkeling by Linda Gettmann

A mask, snorkel, and fins open the window to a fascinating underwater world. With this basic gear you can float effortlessly over teeming coral reefs and interact with the marine environment. The right equipment will last for years and give you many hours of enjoyment. Whether you're going diving or snorkeling, these basic pieces of equipment will serve you well if fitted properly and maintained.

What to Look For When Buying a Mask

Undoubtedly the most important piece of gear for peering into the watery depths, the mask provides an air space in front of our eyes so they can focus and you can enjoy the scenery. THE most important thing when buying a mask is GET ONE THAT FITS YOUR FACE. If it doesn't, it will leak. A couple tips to help you determine if it fits:
-Take the mask and place it on your face while tilting your head back and looking up. Does it rest evenly around your face with no gaps?
-Now the sniff test. Bring your head down and inhale slightly. The mask should fit comfortably around your face and stay in place without holding it.
-Check the strap, adjust it to fit snuggly, but not too tight. With the mask strapped on, check for gaps.
-Put a snorkel in your mouth and check for gaps again.
-The mask nosepiece should fit around your nose, not touching or squeezing it. The mask skirt should fit comfortably around your face, above your lip, over your forehead and temples. Be sure and pull any hair out of the skirt for a proper seal.

Manufacturers have made significant improvements in masks with the addition of side and bottom lenses to increase your peripheral view. Corrective lenses are available from many manufacturers, so you can be sure and see even the tiniest of creatures. Check out the manufacturer websites in the list of links or your local dive store for some of these favorite brands: Oceanic, Scubapro, Dacor, Mares, Beuchat, Apollo, and H2Odyssea. All manufacturers make different sizes, colors, and shapes so you can find the one that's just right for your face.

Snorkel Tips

This handy invention has seen great improvement with the advent of new designs and the "dry" and "purge" snorkel. They're easier to clear, don't let in water like the old ones, and have more comfortable mouthpieces. There's no such thing as a "completely dry" snorkel, unless you're in the desert, of course! But the new flexible tubing, curved design and dry airways make it much less likely that you will get a mouth full of water. Purge valves on some models make clearing the snorkel easier, but also add to the bulk and cost. An adjustable mouthpiece is worthwhile, adding to fit and comfort. If the mouthpiece seems too big or small, change it to achieve a better fit. Pay attention to how the snorkel attaches to the mask strap, sometimes this little gizmo can cause your mask to leak and keep the snorkel at a funny angle. Make sure it works with the mask you've chosen. Highly rated snorkels include: Action Plus, Aqua Lung/US Divers, Beuchat, Dacor, Genesis, H2Odyssea SS-1, Int'l Divers Dry Pro-flex, Mares Cyber Dry, Scubapro, Sherwood, and Zeagle.

Picking Fins

Last but not least, your feet. Fins are not mandatory to enjoy snorkeling, however they do facilitate your ease in moving about the reef, and certainly aid in swimming if you need to travel any distance from the beach to the reef. Fit, feel, and comfort are your primary concerns and different people will like different fins. Three basic types are the standard long, wedge-shaped scuba fin, the short, wide force fin design and split fins. Tests have proven the force fin to be less effective for surface swimming, but some people still prefer them to the standard design as they are smaller. The split fins get varied reviews, get what works best for you; try out a couple different kinds if possible before you purchase yours. The standard scuba fins are designed to propel you underwater, so a modified kick bending your knees and keeping the fins submerged usually works best.

Prevent a flooded mask by taking the time to buy one that fits. A fogged mask is just as annoying as a flooded one, and impairs your vision. Before using your mask for the first time, scrub the inside and outside of each lens with toothpaste using your finger. This removes any film and allows the lens to be "defogged". Buy a commercial defog solution and apply a few drops onto your lenses before starting out. Rinse it around with a little water and put the mask on and put your face in the water right away. Heat from the sun and your face will fog up a mask if you put it on and walk around.

Rinse your mask with fresh water after each use and dry it out of the sun. Keep a spare strap handy for repairs, and store the mask in a dry place in a box or bag to prevent damage to the lenses.

The two footpocket choices are full-foot and the heel-strap style that requires wearing booties. Most snorkelers prefer the full footpocket style made of pliable, soft rubber which is both easy to put on and remove as well as comfortable and non-abrasive on your bare skin. Standard scuba fins worn with booties or surfwalkers are fitted with adjustable straps for easy on and off over the booties. Top fin manufacturers: Apollo, Beuchat, Dacor, H2Odyssea, Scubapro, Mares, and US Divers. Fit is the most important element in buying any dive or snorkel gear. Get what works for you, is comfortable, and enjoy floating in the world's oceans. Snorkeling is a skill easily learned by anyone comfortable in the water. From kids to grandparents, all ages can enjoy this family sport. So those of you who have non-diving family members, get them a good set of mask, snorkel, and fins and show them the underwater world they've been missing.

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OZAN YILDIRIMIN ABİSİ-1970