3 Steps to Stress-Free Snorkeling
by Shayne Benowitz
During our seven mile trek south on the way to the coral reef Snorkel School commences and we gather all of our passengers for class a on what you will see at the reef, how to use your gear, and how to safely get in and out of the water. Often times, the majority of our passengers are trying snorkeling for the first time. For some people it is even their first time swimming in the ocean. Whenever I’m conducting Snorkel School, I always tell passengers to talk to me before they get in the water if they are nervous or if they are not strong swimmers. I’d like to fill you in on a few tips that I give beginner snorkelers so that they have an enjoyable, stress-free experience while swimming at our reef.
People have fears about everything from little fishies coming to nibble on them to sharks swimming by and swallowing them whole. I always tell customers that if I get in the water and feel safe swimming at the reef every day, you should too, which leads me to my first tip:
1. The best thing to do when you get in the water is relax and notice how easily you are floating. You are swimming where the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean meet, which means there is twice the salt density as other bodies of water. That’s good news because it also means that you will be naturally buoyant. If you panic and tense up, it will be harder to concentrate on simply floating!
2. Alright, you’re in there, you’re floating, now what? Well, it’s time to put your propellers to work. You’re swimming in the ocean, which means there will be some degree of a current and a chop. We lend all of our snorkelers a pair of fins to use so that they can compete against Mother Nature easily. The best way to use your fins is to push your legs behind you and make long, smooth scissor kicks digging your fins under water. All of the work is in you legs, so just relax your arms at your sides or out in front of you like Superman!
3. When you’re snorkeling, your nose is inside of your mask, so you can only breathe through your mouth. Some people are not used to this and get panicky and claustrophobic when they use the snorkel to breathe through. If you are having trouble, don’t use the snorkel at first. It’s not a magical device that makes breathing easier. Get yourself accustomed to breathing through your mouth and just hold your breath when you look in the water. Once that is comfortable, give the snorkel a try. Remember, the snorkel only works if one end is out of the water (you don’t want to suck in a mouthful of that salty seawater, trust me)!
That’s it. Those are the basics. If the conditions are a little choppy on the day that you are snorkeling keep thinking back to the first step and float over the ocean swells instead of fighting them. It’s fun! And if you’re still having trouble with the first step, we can provide you with noodles for extra flotation. Remember, there are always two lifeguards in the water with you to give you further tips and assist you with any of your gear. See you out there soon!
Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crewmember and freelance writer who is working on her debut novel. Shayne can be reached at sbbenowitz@gmail.com.