Kelp Clippings: Masks, Snorkel, Fins . . . Oh My!
by Dave Jensen
Becca Svihra at Dive N Surf and Body Glove Rep Matt Walls trying on masks.
It’s time to upgrade your snorkeling and other skin diving gear. You have done some research and talked to a few friends, but now you walk into your local dive shop to make the purchase.
This can be an overwhelming experience due to the number of mask and snorkels on display. And let’s not forget about all of those fins. Long ones, short ones, and what’s the deal with that split in the center of the fin? You are about to turn and run when the friendly retail clerk welcomes you to the store.
You say, “I’m looking to get some snorkeling gear.”
Now the retail clerk has you. This person could tell you anything, so you remember the most important things about this gear are 1. comfort, and 2. fit. Knowing these two things will help you eliminate many of the choices.
You want a mask with a silicone skirt. Anything else will not seal properly and is a waste of your hard-earned money. Don’t worry about the colors of the display masks, or whether they have a mask strap attached. Just start with a mask that grabs your attention. Place the mask on your face, making certain the silicone skirt fits comfortably. Make sure your hair is not under the mask skirt. Inhale through your nose gently. The mask should create a seal around your face. Ask yourself, “Does this mask feel comfortable?” If it feels good set it aside and try another one. Find several masks that work for your face. Once you have several masks that work you can easily narrow it down to your favorite.
Fins come down to function and price. Everyone has an opinion on what is the best fin. The correct fin depends on your type of diving: recreational, drift, warm or cold water or technical.
If you are going to be diving in Californiayou will need a bootie. Select the bootie based on your shoe size, and then have the fin sized to your foot while wearing the bootie. Listen to what the clerk tells you about the different fins. They vary from blade, to split to hybrid – a fin that combines the functionality of a blade and a split fin. Only you know what type of diving you plan to do so tell the retail clerk.
Don’t underestimate the importance of a good snorkel. This is not an area where cheapest is best. Ask yourself, “Am I going to do a lot of snorkeling or is this purchase for my scuba course?” If it is strictly for snorkeling you want to make sure you select a sturdy snorkel with a good purge valve. The last thing you want while you’re floating along, enjoying the beautiful underwater scenery, is an unexpected gulp of sea water because your snorkel has sunk below your head!
Purchasing snorkeling/skin diving gear doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Just keep in mind “Fit, Comfort, Function.”
Dave Jensen is the Dive N’ Surf dive master. Send your questions and comments to david@divensurf.com.