Lake Snorkeling Advice please.

John_Rambo

Hi experts.

I am an experienced waterman, sailing, canoeing, rowing and snorkeling, but I've never snorkeled in fresh water lakes and I want to try it soon. I was swimming in the lake in question recently and it was colder than the sea (was surfing in the sea a week later). So, I'm going to wear a 5mm suit and a hood.

I'd really appreciate any advice. Thanks in advance.

nathan184

Not sure what kind of advice you're looking for so I'll keep it general.

Obligatory safety points:

• Maybe not so relevant in lakes but I think you should have a buoy and line attached to you so you are visible and in case you get into some difficulty.
• If you are doing any breath holding I don't recommend going alone. Find a local club and some like-minded people. Much safer and probably more enjoyable anyway.

I'm a beginner free-diver and I use a 5+7mm Cressi Tecnica apnea suit. Apnea suits will keep you warmer and give you increased flexibility at the cost of being more difficult to get on (wet inside of the suit with warm water/conditioner mix before putting on). There are no zips so there is no rush of cold water when you jump in. I was in a lake in March for an hour and a half in this suit.

What other advice do you want?

John_Rambo

That's perfect thanks, just general advice. Never done fresh water snorkelling before, looking forward to it now.

loctite

if you are used to snorkelling in the sea be sure to adjust your weight belt for the loss in buoyancy due to fresh water (assuming you are using one).

John_Rambo

loctite wrote: »

if you are used to snorkelling in the sea be sure to adjust your weight belt for the loss in buoyancy due to fresh water (assuming you are using one).

Thanks loctite, sorry for the late reply. Advice appreciated.

rje66

Hi experts.

I am an experienced waterman, sailing, canoeing, rowing and snorkeling, but I've never snorkeled in fresh water lakes and I want to try it soon. I was swimming in the lake in question recently and it was colder than the sea (was surfing in the sea a week later). So, I'm going to wear a 5mm suit and a hood.

I'd really appreciate any advice. Thanks in advance.

was thinking the same but in canal or lough ree,and keeping it safe by having a buddy with me.
two questions
1 is it necessary to have weights on, as i dont have any?

2 do you see much fish?

Irish Underwater Council

Hi there,

Inland snorkelling can be great fun. There is a lot of life to be seen in most inland lakes and waterways, just be careful and make sure someone is with you. Check out http://diving.ie/site/snorkle-diving/snorkelling-in-ireland/ for a video on snorkelling in Ireland especially inland waterways. If you would like to join a snorkelling club contact us on 01 2844601 or email me louise@diving.ie and I would be happy to help you find a local club.