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ot every one wants
to dive and, to be honest, the Great Barrier Reef
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most accessible Barrier reefs and offers excellent snorkeling as an alternative to scuba diving.
The only requirements for snorkeling are an ability
to swim, fairly good fitness as it is a strenuous
activity, and the ability to laugh at yourself
when you first don the gear and feel rather like
a fish out of water.
If you plan sailing holidays on a crewed sailing yacht in the Whitsundays, you will find that most of the Whitsunday Islands day trips offer instruction and include a guided tour as well. Some even take you to sandy
cays or island resorts where you can walk straight in
off the beach instead of jumping from a boat.
Sometimes large resting buoys are placed short
distances from each other so you can snorkel from
float to float and rest when you need to. Or if
you are still a little apprehensive some companies
offer float coats designed to give you extra buoyancy,
and all you have to do is kick and gaze.
Snorkeling is a great way to see coral and all
that's needed is a face mask, snorkel and fins
- go snorkeling in shallow water when the sunlight is
bright and you'll be amazed at the colour of the
reef coral formations and the variety of reef
fish. All bareboat charter boats, and day boats carry snorkeling equipment so you do not need
to bring your own. But if you do intend doing
much snorkeling you should consider purchasing
your own mask and snorkel. As Australian travel agents specialising in scuba diving trips and snorkeling packages, we can often help if you have questions about snorkeling equipment. Just contact us.
- Consider spending extra to get a good silicon
mask which is softer, more comfortable and seals
readily.
- To check that a mask fits properly, put the
strap in front of the faceplate (out of the
way) and holding your hair out of the way, with
the other hand put the mask in place. Hold it
lightly against your face with your index finger,
then breath in gently through your nose... when
you take your finger away, your snorkeling mask should stay
in place by suction, and no air should get in
around the seal...shake your head gently from
side to side, the mask should still stay in
place, if it does you've got a good fit.
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Snorkels come in a variety
of models, some with features such as adjustable mouth
pieces and purge valves, which make them very comfortable
to use, but basically a snorkel is just a simple tube,
and the simplest model can be quite adequate. They're
not expensive, so when buying a mask, it's a good idea
to get the snorkel as well, and that way they will always
be together in your bag, properly assembled.
Snorkeling fins come in three or four size ranges, and it's usually
quite easy to find a pair that fits among those provided
by the cruise operator.
- Always ensure your mask fits snugly (follow the
steps above)
- To clear your snorkel of water, inhale slowly and
gently (so as not to draw in any water trapped in
the U-bend of the snorkel) until your lungs are full,
then `blast' exhale quickly
- Float on the surface 'finning' gently with your
finds in a straight-legged action to get movement
across the water
- Look up regularly to check your position in relation
to boat, pontoon or shore
- Limit time to approximately 30 minutes to avoid
becoming cold. A wetsuit with short sleeves and short
pants (a 'shorty') may give added comfort in the cooler
months, although the minimum average temperature of
22ºC in mid-winter is certainly not too cold for ordinary
swimming
- Apply sunblock to back and legs, wearing a tee-shirt
is to be highly recommended.
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| Mask
and Snorkeling equipment |
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 Fog
will form on the inside of the mask lens unless the lens is
coated with a substance to prevent fogging. Commercial anti-fog
compounds are available, and saliva works well. Put some compound
or saliva on the inside face of the lens, rub it in and around,
then rinse the mask quickly with water. This should prevent
fogging unless the oily film on a new mask lens has not been
removed, or the mask has been flooded several times, removing
the anti-fog coating.
Mask strap adjustment and snorkel adjustment should be correct,
but check them after donning the mask. Develop the habit of
keeping the mask in place, once positioned, until exiting
the water. Propping your snorkeling mask on the forehead is a habit which
should be avoided because if can result in losing the mask.
To don the mask, hold it firmly in place
with one hand while positioning the strap with the other hand.
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Snorkeling Fins |
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 Wet
your feet to make donning the fins easier. Have someone steady
you as you put on one fin at a time as shown in the illustration.
Be sure to work your foot well into the foot pocket before
pulling the heel portion of the fin into place.
Always put your fins on at the water's edge, as walking in
fins is clumsy and can be hazardous. If you must walk with
fins, either in or out of the water, shuffle them, and walk
backwards or sideways looking over the shoulder.
Be sure you can control your balance when donning snorkeling fins.
Avoid walking with fins. If necessary to do so, walk backwards
or sideways, watch over your shoulder, and shuffle your feet. |
Entering the Water |
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 The
best entry is the easiest entry, with as little impact with
the water as possible. If you can wade in, or lower yourself
in, that's fine. The idea is to get in without becoming disoriented
or displacing any equipment. Some general rules for entries
include:
- Be sure the entry point is clear.
- If you use a Buoyancy Control Device when snorkeling
have it about 50% inflated to provide immediate buoyancy.
- Be sure your buddy is prepared to
enter.
- Hold your face mask firmly in place
if there is a possibility of it becoming dislodged.
- After entering, clear the entry area,
wait for your buddy, and watch while your buddy enters the water
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