Snorkel or not?

[ratown]

I hate wearing a snorkel.

[Black-Gorrilla]

Originally Posted by wolfen42

Any recommendations on decent folding snorkels? I'm not getting any results when I search ST.

the folding ones are soso... and i wouldn't use it for snorkeling... maybe a short surface swim at tops....

im almost spending 60 bux for one of the new atomic ones... those things are nice(but not folding)

[spatman]

the only time i use a snorkel is when i go snorkeling. if i have a tank on my back, no snorkel for me. it just gets in the way.

[wolfen42]

Originally Posted by Black-Gorrilla

the folding ones are soso... and i wouldn't use it for snorkeling... maybe a short surface swim at tops....

im almost spending 60 bux for one of the new atomic ones... those things are nice(but not folding)

Thanks, it doesn't sound like I'll want a folding one since I'm likely to end up randomly snorkeling with my full scuba gear on at times...

[huvrr]

a snorkel is about the cheapest safety device you can carry for fatigue or surface swims.

[Zyxistal]

Originally Posted by wolfen42

Thanks, it doesn't sound like I'll want a folding one since I'm likely to end up randomly snorkeling with my full scuba gear on at times...

I carry a folding snorkel in my BC pocket and keep a 'dry' snorkel in my gear bag in case I feel like using it between dives.

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by wolfen42

Any recommendations on decent folding snorkels? I'm not getting any results when I search ST.

ScubaToys carries a couple of folding snorkels worth owning.

First up is the Oceanic Pocket Snorkel. Probably the best pocket snorkel made... although it doesn't fold up quite as small as I'd like. Still, that's probably part of the reason why it's actually a decent snorkel. Definitely highly recommended.

Second is the Tusa Platina II HyperDry. This one isn't on the ST site, but I have no doubt they could get one for you quite easily. IMO, the best semi-dry (purge) snorkel made. Not advertised as a folder, but the tube is actually quite flexible and folds no problem. I know a few people that use theirs this way, although I'll admit it makes me nervous as to whether the plastic will withstand the frequent folding long term. Still, a great snorkel any way you shake it, and so far the plastic has held up just fine for those I know who fold them.

Of course, I don't use a snorkel unless I'm snorkeling or teaching. I do have a pocket snorkel that I sometimes bring along, and I wear one of the Tusa's when I'm assisting a PADI course where it's a requirement of the shop to wear one (and PADI).

[cmburch]

I use the TUSA Platina from ST. Tusa Platina Hyperdry Snorkel, Snorkels, Tusa, Tusa Platina Hyperdry Snorkel

It is very low profile and DRY. I got a black/red one - just a little red on the mouthpiece valve. When I spit it out of my mouth it is out of the way. I use it most of the time for freediving and SCUBA.

When I am in rough seas or racing I tend to use an Aqua Lung Impulse 3 non-flex. It has a large bore for unrestricted breathing and a slightly longer tube for white caps. The flex tends to oscillate when moving through the water fast or when surfacing.

[Eurodiver]

Originally Posted by chinacat46

Sometimes. Why? Cause PADI requires me to when instructing.

The only time our instructor dude had us use one was the part where you put on your mask and use the snorkel and swim a few laps.
He said he hates them causes too much drag so to use one or not was personal preference. He does keep a fold up one in his BC. Our class learned with out.

[Zatharas]

I do not wear my snorkel. I keep it attached to my BC some way or in one of my pockets. I know the day I decide to dive without it; will be the day I want to use it or need it.