Imagine you are finally going on your first underwater adventure that you have been waiting for years. You are ready to witness a totally different world filled with colourful coral reefs and a school of tropical fish. But as soon as you dive in, your diving mask becomes foggy, your fins are too tight, and your entire excitement turns into the biggest disappointment of your life. This is why the right snorkelling gear makes so much difference in floating effortlessly in the water without any fear or panic.
What is the point of investing so much in all this equipment rather than simply using cheap or low-quality gear just because you might only go once or twice? Many occasional snorkellers have this question. However, it is still worth trying to make every second perfect while you are in the water. You get to unlock a different world beneath the waves. Many people never experience anything like it in their entire lives. So, investing in these items is never a waste but a ticket to having the best time of your life.
This article will help you understand much more about snorkelling gear and why every person planning to dive should know about it. It will also explain the best gear for adults and how to choose the right one. You will also learn useful tips for maintaining and caring for your snorkel set so it lasts longer.
What is snorkelling gear?
It is the equipment used to explore underwater environments, allowing you to breathe, see, and move efficiently in the water. Even though it might seem like a modern innovation, snorkelling was done long ago, around thousands of years ago, in the Egyptian and Greek civilisations. People back then didn’t realise that it would be one of the forms of adventure for them, while all they were trying to do was just observe or get food for their families.
Today, snorkelling has become the favourite activity for millions of people from different backgrounds. Reports suggest that around 10 million people participate annually, making it one of the most popular sports in the world. This is why spreading more authentic information about the right snorkelling gear is more important than ever, because people should be able to make the right choices without any hesitation when it comes to buying something for their personal safety.
Best snorkelling gear for adults
The snorkelling gear for adults isn’t just about the brand or the price. What really matters is how well each piece fits, its condition, suitability, and performance underwater. Many beginners make the mistake of chasing fancy brands or high-budget equipment, thinking that more expensive gear automatically guarantees a better experience. In reality, even the most premium snorkel set can cause frustration if it doesn’t suit your needs.
The key to the best snorkelling gear lies in choosing equipment based on comfort, function, and your personal style rather than colours, logos, or trends. Below, we’ll explore the essential pieces that your gear should include and the criteria that make each one ideal for adult snorkelers. This guide will help you make informed choices and enjoy a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable underwater experience.
Mask
A mask is very important for having a clear and comfortable vision, since it becomes blurred underwater. So you don’t want to miss the corals and marine life because your mask gets foggy. A loose mask can also let water in and ruin the experience. One of the best options is a silicone-skirt mask because it is flexible, hypoallergenic, and fits well on most adult faces. For beginners, full-face masks are often very helpful. They allow natural breathing through the nose and mouth and help prevent panic underwater.
Snorkels
This equipment, in snorkelling gear, is to help you breathe naturally and effortlessly underwater. It should ideally have features like dry-top valves, semi-dry tips, and purge systems. This will help prevent water from entering the snorkel tubes. It also makes it easier to clear the water if it seeps in. If you want to reduce jaw fatigue, flexible snorkels with ergonomic mouthpieces are a great choice. They are very helpful for longer swims and for people with sensitive teeth and jaws.
Fins
They help you move and flow smoothly while you swim. Fins help conserve your energy and give you better control in the water. Without them, you would need to use more hand and leg movement to stay balanced. This extra effort can drain your energy quickly and even put you at risk of drowning. For adults, the best fins are usually short, soft, long, or rigid, depending on their swimming style and the water conditions. They also need to choose fins they can carry comfortably because they are already supporting their own body weight in the water.
How to choose the right snorkelling gear?
To choose the right snorkelling gear, you need to select the equipment that fits your body properly, suits your swimming style, and improves your comfort and safety. Now, to do this, you need to keep a few points in your mind and consider whether or not the gear that you choose fits those criteria. The points below will help you remember before making the right choice.
- Fit and comfort – All the equipment should be of the right fit for your body and not too loose or too tight. You should also not feel too constrained and be comfortable when you wear them. For example, your mask should create a leak-proof seal without feeling too tight, and the fins should be adjusted accordingly to help you prevent blisters.
- Quality and durability – Make sure your snorkelling gear is strong and durable and does not easily break when you bump into anything while diving. For this, you should know which materials will work best and what materials you must avoid.
- Type of snorkelling – Understand the type of snorkelling that you want to do, and then select the gear. For instance, if you are doing casual snorkelling, then short fins and standard masks are sufficient. Whereas for open water snorkeling, you might need longer fins and more secure mask designs.
- Safety features – You should also understand what the safety features for each piece of equipment are and how you can best use them underwater to help you in case of emergencies and save yourself in case of potential emergencies.
- Personal preference and budget – Choose a snorkelling gear according to your comfort and swimming style. Also, remember to analyse your budget first before investing in this gear. For instance, frequent snorkelers must go for a one-time premium one, as they are going to snorkel frequently.
Tips to maintain and care for your snorkelling gear
Along with buying the right snorkelling gear, it is also important to know how to maintain and care for it. This helps keep it in good condition and makes it last longer. However, some snorkellers believe that simply washing it is enough to clean it. They often skip the proper steps and ignore the correct cleaning procedure.
Below are some tips to maintain and care for your snorkelling gear. Make sure to understand and follow them correctly every time after you come from a dive. This is to help you not panic before you head to your other adventure, and always keep your gear in the best condition.
Rinse everything after you use it.
Avoid using saltwater, chlorine, and sand, as they can damage your entire equipment. You should only rinse everything with fresh water immediately after you come back from the ocean. Otherwise, the residue will slowly accumulate and lead to the deterioration of the entire gear if not taken care of on time.
Avoid direct sunlight for drying.
Make sure you don’t let your snorkelling gear get exposed to the direct UV rays. It can lead the equipment to be brittle and fade the colour of the items. You should always keep it in a dry shade where sunlight doesn’t come and give it enough time to dry on its own.
Clean your mask properly.
Make sure you deep-clean the mask using mild soap or a mask-cleaning solution. This helps remove all the oils and salt that have built up. One important thing to remember is to avoid touching the lens while cleaning. This can damage the anti-fog coating and reduce your underwater visibility.
Keep your snorkel mouthpiece germ-free.
Always wash your snorkel mouthpiece with warm, soapy water after you use it every time. Simply because then it will accumulate germs, which will end up going inside your body and make you sick. So make sure to clean it at regular intervals.
Store it safely.
You should never store your snorkelling gear without its designated cases. It can cause scratches and damage. Avoid bending it or forcing it into the wrong storage areas of bags, as this can lead to breakage. Ensure the equipment is 100% dry before packing it for your next trip to prevent mould and unpleasant odours. Mesh bags help keep everything organised and allow proper airflow to protect your gear.
Avoid sharing your gear.
Snorkelling gear should never be shared with somebody else, simply because it is unhygienic. However, if in some circumstances you need to share it, then make sure that it is properly sanitised after every use, and you don’t use it directly.
Plan your next snorkelling trip with Diving First.
Now that you know the importance of having the right snorkelling gear and what you should keep in mind while choosing one for yourself. It’s time you plan for your next adventure, and Indonesia has some of the best places for snorkellers to experience, like Komodo Island, Labuan Bajo, and Flores. It offers a magnificent view that people often can’t see anywhere in the world.
However, make sure you plan your snorkelling trip with proper guidance and support. This will reduce tension and help you feel safe throughout the experience. You can enjoy the water more when you know experts are supervising you. Many people struggle to choose the best service provider because there are so many options in this industry. Each service seems different, which makes the decision harder. To make things easier, you can visit the Diving First website and see what they offer. Their information will show how their services work and how they can benefit your trip.
Diving First is amongst the best guides when it comes to scuba diving, snorkelling, and liveaboard sessions. They even have certified PADI courses for those who really want to upskill themselves in this sport. All of their instructors are certified and highly knowledgeable. They have experience training people with different levels of swimming skills. So, hurry up and book your slot with them. You will receive excellent guidance on snorkelling gear, proper techniques, and how to handle underwater emergencies.