Snorkeling

Summer is here!!! If you are a water rat like myself you may want to do a little snorkeling whether you are at home in BC or away on a beach holiday. Your underwater experience will be greatly enhanced if you know a little about snorkeling.

#1 - The Mask - perhaps the most important piece of gear is your mask. You will need a night quality mask with a tight-fitting seal. Silicone is considered preferable to rubber for the skirt of the mast. The easiest way to test the fit of the mask is to lift the strap over the top of the mask and press the mask to your face (being sure not to capture any strands of hair, some individuals don't have to worry about this!). If it creates a slight vacuum and stays tight to your face, you've got the right fit, If not, move on until you find one that does seal properly.

# 2 - The Snorkel - There are varying designs and looks, simply find one that is comfortable, delivers air easily and breathes as dry as possible. This can be difficult if you are not in the water - either a pool or the ocean.

# 3 - Fins - Your fins give you mobility and speed (getting away from those big critters). Not all fins are created equal eg. Foot pocket design, size and shape. You have a choice between full-foot fins (ones that fit like a slipper around your heel) or open-heel fins. In either case, your fins should fit snugly but not too tight. The blade is what gives you're your propulsion. Most typical fins for snorkeling are 12-16" in length, if possible try before you buy.

# 4 - Outerwear - Depending on water temperature and other conditions you may want to wear a nylon dive skin, thin wetsuit or a t-shirt for sun protection, warmth and protection from little stinging things (in salt water). A burned back is one of the sure signs of a novice snorkeller.

So where to go?? Hawaii is probably my favourite destination, as you can certainly snorkel off many of the marine parks and often right in front of your accommodation if you are on Maui, Kauai or the Big Island. Traveling a little further to the Cayman Islands affords you an opportunity to rub noses with neon fish, float over colourful coral gardens and even stroke a friendly stingray at Stingray City.

No matter where you go, there is a world under the water.

Arlene