Snorkels?

[Cichlid]

Does anyone here use them? My wife and I snorkeled in Maui, but that
was because we weren't certified divers. I guess if you were in a
swallow area, it's all you'd need. How often are you guys and gals
taking the snorkels out?

[FishFood]

Originally Posted by Cichlid

Does anyone here use them? My wife and I snorkeled in Maui, but that was because we weren't certified divers. I guess if you were in a swallow area, it's all you'd need. How often are you guys and gals taking the snorkels out?

<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>I use a snorkle quite a bit.However, my dives are cheap, jetty shore dives, or spring fed creeks. A snorkle can come in handy in shallow waters where being on the bottom isnt a needed. (conserve air)</DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>IMO the best option is to get somethign like the AqualungSnap Snorkel, which can rolled up and be stored in a pocket andpulled out when needed.http://www.aqualung.com/products/snap.html</DIV>

[DDGator]

Are you asking if I am using a snorkel with my dive gear?
<DIV></DIV>Absolutely. Every dive so far. I use the snorkel when I first get in the water and am getting my bearings, or if I am waiting on the surface--so as to conserve my air for when I need it.
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>When doing drift dives in a river (Crystal River in Dunellon, FL), I was constantly switching to my snorkel on the surface to conserve air.</DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>I also consider it to be sort of a piece of safety gear. If I were OOA on the surface trying to get to the boat in a bit of a chop, the snorkel would keep me from sucking in a bunch of water and make it much easier to breath and relax.</DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>In my limited experience, Isay definitley yes to a snorkel if you are an OW diver.</DIV>

[dutch552]

While diving I keep an Oceanic pocket snorkel in my BC pocket. Otherwise the snorkel is assigned to snorkeling outings only. I find that it gets in my way and don't miss it hanging off of my mask strap. I could see the advantage if you were in the Crystal river with the manatees or something or in an unfamiliar dive location that has exceptional visibility to scope out potential diving spots.

[Joew]

I think snorkels are great..... for snorkeling. When I dive I never take one with me, unless it's required (when I'm DMing with students). I think it is a piece of equipment that everyone should own, however. I always keep one in my dive bag, and I do use it for snorkeling/freediveing on a fairly regular basis. If you feel more comfortable on the surface with a snorkel, or you think that conditions call for it, than by all means use one.

[tc_rain]

I take mine with me but leave it in the dive bag. If the water is real choppy I will useit just in case I am on the surface for a while waiting on the boat. I think a pocket snorkel would be best in my case but I just haven't got around to ordering one yet.

[texdiveguy]

The only time I use snorkel anymore is the few times I am 'snorkeling'. In rough waters I keep my reg in place to breath.

[frankc420]

Nope, I don't use mine, haven't used mine using scuba since my certification dives. Although, I have used it when attempting (LOL) to freedive. I do carry it with me when I go diving though (in my dive bag), as a 'just in case' measure.

[CompuDude]

Snorkels are great ... for snorkeling.

When diving, I keep a pocket snorkel in my pocket, but I've only used it once in the past two years. They don't help you at all once you're diving, and actually can cause confusion at depth... I've seen a lot of people grab their snorkel instead of their inflator. And I've had my snorkel snag on kelp. And had my mask pulled off my face in surf because of the extra drag from the snorkel. Pockets work grear.

[Queen]

Haven't used mine in years, except when I go snorkeling with my SO (a non-diver).