 |
 |
|
|
|
|
What is Snorkeling ?
Snorkeling is one of the water game
where the person will be swimming at the surface of water body
by covering his face with a mask and a short tube called
snorkel. Snorkeling is considered to be a popular recreational
water game especially in tropical resort areas. Snorkeling
requires calm water where there will not be any disturbance to
snorkel due to the waves. Snorkeling is generally carried on in
tropical resort destinations where there is good protection
against the effect of strong waves and this water game can also
be done in lagoons. Snorkeling does not require any special
training. The only possible requirement is that the person
should have the ability to swim and breath through the snorkel.
A Snorkeler feels that the world beneath the surface has got
some secrets and they think that water surface is the beginning
of their activity and their knowledge. A Snorkeler will have a
good idea about the underwater world, the inhabitants and rich
life found under the water surface. Many discoveries about
underwater world are done by Snorkelers.
Snorkeling is a reachable to everyone. It does not require any
expensive means and the basics are very easy to learn.
Snorkeling has become very common game so that many people
worldwide prefer to spend their holidays at ideal places that
are suitable for Snorkeling. This water game is suitable for
people of all age groups and is an perfect family game or
suitable to play with friends. Scuba divers also practice
Snorkeling when near the surface. Some search and rescue
missions employs Snorkeling as part of a water-based research.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The basic attraction of Snorkeling
is the opportunity to observe underwater life in a natural
setting. A Snorkeler can see coral reefs and their denizens,
such as fish, octopuses, starfish, sea urchins, mollusks,
various flatfish, various forms of seaweed, jellyfish, sea
turtles, and anything else which may be found in the ocean. It
will be a good experience to observe many organisms in reef
locations. Most of the organisms will be extremely colorful and
will be present abundantly. Snorkeling is most common game than
the other water games like Snuba (a blend of Snorkeling and
Scuba diving), Free-diving (Any form of diving without berating
equipment), Bog Snorkeling (type of Snorkeling popular in Great
Britain) and Spearfishing (Fishing using a spear, it is done
with Snorkeling equipment)
Things needed for Snorkeling
The essential equipments needed for
Snorkeling in Warm waters are |
|
Fins:
Fins are used to drive efficiently through the water.
Mask: Mask helps to protect
our face and enables us to see clearly when we are under the
water surface.
Snorkel: Snorkel provides
breathing facility when we are under the water surface. We can
breathe comfortably even though our face is in the water. Along
with these equipments, we can use a wetsuit also in cooler
waters. With these tools the snorkeler will be able to observe
underwater attractions for extended periods of time with little
effort. All these equipments are usually made of rubber and
plastic compounds. They equipments are very flexible and will
fit well without any discomfort. Quality of the equipment is an
important factor since low quality equipment with low attractive
price may make the snorkeler to feel uncomfortable and such kind
of equipments will not be effective to use for Snorkeling.
Protection: During
Snorkeling, it is very important to protect us from strong
sunlight. Even if we use sunscreen creams it will get washed off
because of the water flow over us. So it is preferable to wear
T-shirt’s to protect the sensitive areas of our skin. If we stay
long in cool water, we need some thermal protection also. This
Thermal protection can be provided by lycra or neoprene suit,
which will keep us warm and also protects us from other effects.
How to start Snorkeling
If we know some of the tips given below we can enjoy Snorkeling
more effectively
• What to look for
• Where to look for it
• What to wear
• What your limits are
• What could go wrong
• What to do in an emergency
• How to help others
If we are planning to spend our holiday in any Snorkeling
destination it is better to get some instructions, so that we
can make use of the opportunities for enjoyment. There are some
Snorkeling clubs available in many countries that provide
instructions for Snorkeling.
|
|
Fitness:
Physical fitness is important and Snorkeling expects reasonable
fitness level. The fitness level depends on the adventurous
activity we are planning to perform. Before participating in
Snorkeling, it is better to consult a Doctor to know our
physical condition.
Snorkeling locations: Water
should be clear and free from disturbance of waves. Snorkeling
locations are found in tropical regions mostly in the islands of
Caribbean, the Pacific and Indian oceans, the Mediterranean,
coastal areas of Red Sea or Florida. While selecting the
destinations for Snorkeling, we should avoid places where there
are more boating activities, shipping, water skiing or jet
skiing. Selecting a proper location is a reasonable factor since
enjoying Snorkeling is really a rich experience than just
staying in the beach. |
|
|
|
Snorkeling can be practiced in any water
body, but Snorkelers generally prefer locations where there are
minimal waves, warm water and places where there will be interesting
and adventurous experience.
Legal Requirements for Snorkeling
All snorkelers should be aware of some legal practices to be
followed:
• Damages to coral or removing coral from the sea are considered as
illegal activities and such kind of actions are punishable.
• We should not damage corals in cairns (The Cairns Area is well
known for its stunning reefs and abundant wildlife including
dugongs, whales, dolphins, turtles and seabirds, The Cairns Area is
one of the most highly visited regions receiving approximately 47%
of total tourism) and Whitsunday planning areas (this area covers
waters and islands from Cape Gloucester in the north to Repulse and
Thomas Islands in the south).
Best Environmental Practices
Before starting Snorkeling, it is better to be aware of some
environmental practices:
• We should check your capacity properly before starting diving.
We should practice and prepare ourselves that we should not create
any damage to coral and reef animals. This is referred as taking
buoyancy control away from coral and reef animals.
• If we are beginners, we should practice Snorkeling techniques away
from coral and dive over sand until we have mastered buoyancy
control.
• We should have all security accessories such as secondary
regulators and gauges.
• We should not stand on the coral.
• While taking photographs in underwater, we should not lean on
corals or float over corals.
• If we want to take rest for some time during Snorkeling, we can
use rest stations provided.
• We should not touch anything with our fins, should not stir the
sediment and should not disturb the coral.
• Handling some sea animals are very dangerous, so it is better to
observe them than touching or disturbing them.
• We should not chase or block the path of free-swimming animals. It
may cause some serious effects.
• We should not touch, poke, and push any plants or animals.
• If we come across any living or dead organism, or plant, we should
return it to the exact position wherever we found it.
• We should learn in detail about the underwater environment so that
you can better appreciate it.
|
|
Article Contributed By: Shaonli
Dasgupta
|
|
|
|
|
