by Ray Fauteux

Created on: September 29, 2008   Last Updated: January 08, 2009

Most of the snorkeling I had done over the years was usually in some local lake. My first truly exotic snorkeling adventure was in Kona, Hawaii. It was almost like venturing into a whole new world. It's one thing to see schools of hundreds of multi-colored tropical fish on T.V., but it's a whole new experience to see them just in front of your face.

Fortunately I had gone to a store that specialized in snorkeling equipment and they gave me some sound advice as to what I should look for in gear and how to properly use it.

They suggested I get a larger and slightly wider set of fins for better control and a stronger kick because of my size. They also made sure the mask sealed properly over my face to prevent water seepage. Proper fitting for a snorkeling mask is vital as not everyone has the same size or shape of face and may require a mask fitted specifically to them. There is also a proper method of hooking the snorkel through the strap of the mask to ensure that it fits properly, does not slip, and remains straight up and down and stays clear of the surface of the water while you are snorkeling.

I found in Kona that I was so enthralled by what I saw that I seldom looked up as I kicked my way around the Bay. When I did finally look up, I was a long way from where I had started. It wouldn't hurt to check your bearings every once in a while to keep track of exactly how far you have traveled from your starting point. Without realizing it, I had traveled over a kilometer away from the back of my seaside condo where I had started.

Also, in the tropical heat it's easy to forget that you can get quite a sunburn on your back when snorkeling. It's exposed to the sun all the time you are out there and the sun reflecting off the water makes it even easier to get a burn. However I had been warned about that and had bought a top to wear that was specifically designed for wearing while you snorkel. It was perfect! At the very least wear a sunblock to protect yourself from the rays of the sun.

Some people have the misconception that when you snorkel, you just paddle around the surface of the water but that's not true at all. I was snorkeling with a friend one day and he showed me how to take a deep breath and kick my way to the shallow ocean floor and hide behind big rocks as thousands of pink, blue, red, yellow, black and white striped fish glided past us in a never-ending kaleidoscope of color.

That's precisely why it was important to have fins that have a large enough surface to give you the power to swim against the force of the upward pressure of the water. I had been given good advice and was able to easily kick my way to the ocean floor.

Also, taking in a big breath of air just before you headed for the bottom was extremely important. That way when you re-surfaced and the snorkel broke through into the air, you could use that oxygen you took in to blow the water out of the snorkel so you could begin breathing again. It worked really well and there was a stretch where we were diving up and down without ever completely surfacing for almost half an hour.

Whenever possible it would be wise to always snorkel with partner. Snorkeling is a very safe sport, but anytime you venture into the water it's wise to have company in case something does go wrong.

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