Snorkel and Mask

Glowing

Hi all,

Any recommendations for a good Snorkel and Mask, and where to buy one in the Dublin area?
Thanks!

locum-motion

Glowing wrote: »

Hi all,

Any recommendations for a good Snorkel and Mask, and where to buy one in the Dublin area?
Thanks!

A good mask is one that fits your face. Don't buy without trying it on. Also check that you're happy with your field of view.

A good snorkel is one that has a smooth inside bore not corrugated, and is shaped so that it's close to your head and the opening is high enough above your head to not be vulnerable to water ingress, but yet not too long to minimise dead air space. You might also want a valve at the bottom for easy clearing and/or a valve at the top to avoid water ingress. once again, try it on, preferably with the mask you've chosen.

The "Dublin Area" is a big place, but if you're on the Northside, I always recommend Adventure Diving in Bettystown.

t1mm

Definitely a good idea to try on as many masks as you can - you can check for a good seal by inhaling lightly through your nose and seeing if the mask stays put without the strap fastened. I use the black Beaver Frameless mask, I find it fits me well.

Wouldn't be half as picky with a snorkel. As long as the fastener to connect the snorkel to the mask strap isn't digging into my head throughout the dive I'm happy.

locum-motion: Why do you discourage the purchase of a snorkel with a corrugated inside bore?

locum-motion

t1mm wrote: »

Definitely a good idea to try on as many masks as you can - you can check for a good seal by inhaling lightly through your nose and seeing if the mask stays put without the strap fastened. I use the black Beaver Frameless mask, I find it fits me well.

Wouldn't be half as picky with a snorkel. As long as the fastener to connect the snorkel to the mask strap isn't digging into my head throughout the dive I'm happy.

locum-motion: Why do you discourage the purchase of a snorkel with a corrugated inside bore?

If the inside is corrugated, it causes turbulence in the airflow through the tube, which increases the work of breathing required.

tedshredsonfire

My 2 cents on the snorkel get a simple soft flexible one large bore and no wave or purge chambers. These things just cause drag underwater and are a pain in the arse imho.

T-Square

get a cadence snorkel

Glowing

Very helpful, thanks everyone!

Unfortunately Bettystown is a bit far from me - I'm based in the South Side. Any decent shops in the south or the city centre?

Thanks again all!

t1mm

Haven't actually been to this shop yet myself, but they'll more than likely have what you want! Dive shop inside a ship, Grand Canal Dock

http://www.flagshipscuba.com/

The Green Pixie

t1mm wrote: »

Haven't actually been to this shop yet myself, but they'll more than likely have what you want! Dive shop inside a ship, Grand Canal Dock

http://www.flagshipscuba.com/

Just looked at the website. Looks very professional, with prices to match.
I need to buy snorkels and masks for my kids (ages 8 and 9). Not silly toys but not professional standard either. Does anybody have any ideas?

seadeuce

Hey - Green Pixie - I normally would ignore a post to what appears to be an outdated thread, but in your case I must make an exception.

You asked about safety equipment for kids.

Yes - safety equipment. I don't know you nor your qualifications re: snorkelling/diving, so, with respect, I must err on the side of caution and assume you know less rather than more.

DO NOT LET THE DEALER (whoever they are) SELL YOU THE PRODUCT WITHOUT SPECIFYING WHAT YOUR CHILD WILL NEED!

• a snorkel that is the correct bore diameter
  
• a mask that has been seen to fit your child's face with strap unattached
  
• fins that are adjustable, do not cramp toes, nor have a foot pocket
  that's too generous

A nine-year-olds lungs do not have the blowing power needed to clear an adult's snorkel when full of water!

I can go to a beach any day, anywhere, and see kids happily swimming with their Daddy's snorkel. Sure - it gives them plenty of air - but God help them if conditions do not allow clearing with ease, i.e. able, within their own depth, to stand up after failing and coughing.

THEY SHOULD HAVE A SUITABLE SNORKEL!!

The following links, although from America, say the right thing and give good advice:



http://www.snorkelonline.com

http://www.kidscantravel.com/tipstravelkids/activity/howtosnorkel/index.html



Your kids can enjoy the water in safety, but they must have suitable equipment to do so.


Seadeuce

P.S. When they do get hooked on the game, have them receive training for the sport. Otherwise they'll just continue splashing about without the added benefit and safety of knowing:

• the environment - salt versus fresh water: differences in motion/water quality/drowning
  
• breathing thru the tube - how not to do it
  
• weighting for depth - how much is right?

... and a whole lot of other stuff besides.
After which they might just be old enough to learn to dive ...