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Snorkeling is your entry into the underwater world of beauty. While floating or swimming slowly on the surface, the snorkel (breathing tube) and mask give you the ability to have uninterrupted viewing of the wonders beneath you. If you're new to this wonderful recreation, there are steps to make sure you're comfortable and safe in the water.

1. Learn how to use the mask and snorkel in shallow water, ideally a pool. It takes awhile to learn to breathe through the snorkel with your nose covered by the mask. Practice until the sound of your own inhalation and exhalation gives you a sense of peaceful harmony with the water. Since a mask can easily become fogged or a snorkel filled with water, practice clearing both until you can do so with ease. Clearing a snorkel is easy; simply, exhale with a force to send the water flying (like a whale spouting!) Clearing a mask involves making a space for the water to drain out. You can lift your head and pull forward on the mask. Some masks actually have a purge valve which allows the snorkeler to clear the mask by blowing air out his nose.

Talk to an instructor about the best way to put on your gear. Some people like to put it all on including the fins and then wade backwards into the water or in the case of a boat dive, fall backwards into the water. Others, including me, are not comfortable with that approach and prefer to put the mask and snorkel on but to walk into the water frontward and then do a back float while putting on the fins.

2. Safety. While snorkelers don't have to worry about the depth and oxygen concerns that scuba divers do, everyone in the water should have basic swimming skills. Many snorkelers stay close to shore so they should scope out the landscape including the currents before entering the water. Are there rocks that waves could smash you against? Are there undertows? Be aware before you enter. Likewise, snorkelers in open water should know the currents and wave conditions. As with any form of water exploration, snorkeling is best done with a buddy.

3. Fins are your friends. Fins allow you to be more fish-like in your movements. At first, they may feel heavy on your feet, but practice using them with a slow flutter kick (no splashing) until you are comfortable. Kicking with fins at about 20 kicks per minute can move you quickly across open water. If you know how to do the dolphin kick, you can use it with great efficiency also especially for forays underwater. Practice, practice, practice with your fins until you are competent both floating face down in water and upright in a treading position.

4. It's even prettier underwater. If you'd like to see that sea turtle skimming along the bottom closer up, try diving underwater. Remember that you need to hold your breath while the tip of your snorkel is under the surface. It is difficult to reach the bottom when your lungs are full of air, so expel a little air as you descend. There are many forms of dives but my favorite is the one I learned as a kid a surface dive. Simply pull your knees up to your chest, put your head down, pull forward with your arms and straighten your legs as you begin a vertical descent. Know your limitations. Don't try to stay underwater longer than your lung capacity allows. If you become tired, simply float on your back on the surface while gently moving your fins until your strength returns.

5. Care for your equipment. Be sure to rinse your mask, snorkel, and fins in fresh water after you're done for the day. Be sure that sand and grit are washed away. Store them in a cool, dry place.

I first learned to snorkel in my teens. Now in my 60's, it's still an enjoyable gentle way to view the beauty of the ocean and its creature up close.

Learn more about this author, Cynthia Wall.
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