Snorkeling

Snorkeling denotes the swimming and diving without breathing apparatus using a snorkel. It is often snorkeled to observe the underwater world or in the water rescue. The snorkeling can also be regarded as a special form of apnea diving.

Equipment

The snorkeling is usually done with an ABC kit, which consists of the diving mask with snorkel and dive fins, the fins are optional. The mask should be well and comfortably seated, the maximum length of the snorkel of 40 cm must not be exceeded. The snorkel is too long, there is the danger of the swing breathing, in which the volume of the exhaled air is less than the volume of the breathing tube. So that the exhaled air is inhaled again, and no fresh air is supplied. Furthermore, a pressure difference between the lung and the surrounding tissue may result, which can lead to circulatory collapse. In colder waters wetsuit and diving gloves can be part of the equipment. As a diving suit neoprene provides buoyancy, the entrainment of small amounts of lead may be helpful. In stores snorkel vests continue to be offered, which are inflated with the mouth and so provide emergency buoyancy.

Technology

Basic requirement of snorkeling is that you can safely swim. Snorkeling is floated on the water surface with views of the water through the snorkel is breathed. So the float his gaze through directed at the underwater world without having to lift to breathe the face out of the water. Descent also part of the snorkeling. However, this should not be confused with the breath-hold diving. Even while snorkeling is to pay attention to the pressure balance in the inner ear and the sinuses to avoid barotrauma. Since when diving water runs into the snorkel, it is important herauszubefördern this prior to inhalation by vigorous exhaling again. Some snorkels are equipped with a purge valve, which facilitates the blowout.

Application

The snorkeling offers the opportunity to participate in the underwater world easy and secure and is a popular recreational activity; also in combination with underwater photography or films. Furthermore, the way to the dive site or back to the boat on the water surface can be floating back down with the help of a snorkel when scuba diving to save breath. The snorkel as part of the diving equipment placed to serve the additional air supply. Snorkeling is still used in underwater sports such as underwater hockey and underwater rugby, also for fitness training it is suitable.

Various water rescue organizations from Germany, Austria and Switzerland as well as scuba diving schools offer a snorkel diving badge or equivalent.