What Equipment and Supplies Do You Need for Snorkeling?

If you are on your vacation in Australia, one activity that you should not leave the country without trying is snorkeling. Snorkeling involves exploring underwater with equipment that helps you breathe the surface air and see clearly under the water.

Through snorkeling, you can get a different view of the beautiful ocean wildlife. But, to fully immerse yourself in the experience, you need to have the appropriate gear.

Here is a quick rundown of some equipment and gear that may improve your comfort and experience while snorkeling.

Snorkel Mask

The snorkel mask is the part of the gear that helps to protect your eyes and nose from the seawater. It provides you with a clear view of the underwater that would be blurry with your naked eyes. You should purchase a snorkel mask with tempered glasses for increased safety.

You can opt to use a traditional version that looks like wide goggles with a silicon nose cover, or you can choose to get the modern versions that cover the whole face. Regardless of your decision, it should fit on your face without causing any discomfort to your eyes and mouth while allowing you to breathe naturally.

Therefore, knowing your face’s dimensions can be an excellent start to helping you choose a mask that properly fits.

Dry Snorkel

A dry snorkel is what enables you to breath underwater comfortably without raising your head out of water. It allows you to breathe through your mouth by sucking air from the surface at a natural pace. If you are new to snorkeling, you may have to learn the best breathing methods. However, it becomes more comfortable with time.

Traditional snorkels could cause jaw fatigue due to their rigidity. However, modern versions are comfortable to wear and come with safety features that help prevent the chances of water entry. Choosing a snorkel may seem to be simple, but it comes in various sizes and styles. You should select one that correctly fits your mouth shape.

Snorkeling Fins

When snorkeling on the Sunshine Coast, you may need to be ready for the changing ocean conditions, such as the onset of a strong current. Snorkeling fins allow you to propel yourself in water with more speed making them handy if you want to escape dangerous situations.

Moreover, they allow you to swim more efficiently, making it easier to navigate in shallow waters and between reefs. You can find various fins depending on your strength and skill level. You can choose between open heel and full foot options. To make your selection, you should consider how you plan to get into the water.

Life Vest

Anyone can enjoy a snorkeling experience, from beginners to advanced swimmers. If you are new to snorkeling, you should consider getting a life vest to protect yourself, especially when swimming in depths deeper than 10 feet.

A life vest will ensure that you remain on the surface of the water even when you get tired from continuous stroking. It is common to be supplied with a life vest while on tour. But it is still okay if you can carry your own.

Wet Suit or Rash Guard

When swimming in the water, you need to protect your body from the sun’s UV rays, skin irritation from jellyfish stings, and saltwater. It also helps to maintain your temperatures when swimming in the cold ocean water. You should choose one that is long enough to cover your body comfortably. It should fit just like a second skin without sagging or bunching in the arms and legs. When the suit is loose, plenty of water will flow through it, making it less effective at keeping you warm. It also reduces your mobility when swimming.

Snorkel Camera

Missing out on capturing the magical underwater wildlife is a big letdown. As such, you need to have a good waterproof camera that you can use both on the surface and under the water. Rather than keeping the whole experience to yourself, you can take amazing pictures that you can share with your friends and family.

Alternatively, you can make use of waterproof smartphones too. Most modern smartphones can deliver an outstanding photo quality that can rival professional cameras. Although they may be waterproof, you should also remember to carry an underwater phone case.

Summing up

With the above gear in your arsenal, you can be sure to enjoy your next snorkeling tour of the Sunshine Coast. Do not forget to follow every safety precaution that comes with every snorkeling equipment you purchase. While you may get an option to rent the equipment while on holiday, it is a good idea to own your own.