Vacationing to an island or beach feels incomplete without enjoying the beauty of the underwater scenery. The uniqueness of the various shapes and colors of coral reefs and marine animals unfortunately it feels if passed. There are many ways to enjoy the beauty of it as with SCUBA diving, free diving and snorkeling. For beginners, snorkeling is the easiest and cheapest way.
Snorkeling is a swimming or diving activity performed on the surface of the sea using a breathing apparatus in the form of snorkel (J-shaped hose) and a mask that serves to protect the eyes and nose from the water. To increase the thrust on the feet, divers usually wear frog legs (fins). For those who are not good at swimming do not have to worry because you can use the buoy.
In addition to the equipment is quite simple, the level of risk was not as big as SCUBA or free diving. In addition we do not need to bother taking training courses to get a certificate, so almost everyone can easily do snorkeling activities. However, there are some things to note especially for those of you who the first time are doing this activity. Here are some snorkeling tips for beginners:
1. Do not snorkel yourself, do not stay away from friends
It’s so fun sometimes to keep us apart from friends. If this happens, get back to it. The presence of friends beside you is very useful if there are difficulties or something that is not desired to happen. It does not have to be better than you. At least he can seek help or notify someone if there is a danger to you.
2. Check the equipment condition first
Check first before you use a mask, snorkel or fins. Wear a mask that size fit so not easy to infiltrate water. Use a mask and snorkel that is still good and not leaking, cracked or torn. Use frog legs that are still flexible and fit with the size of your feet to be comfortable and not detached during use.
3. Use the mask properly
When installing the mask, make sure no hair or other objects are tucked between rubber mask with skin. Press the mask so tightly and vacuum. Put the mask strap with fitting, should not be too tight or too loose. To prevent the occurrence of dew, apply a little toothpaste or baby soap on the mask.
4. Get used to breathe with a snorkel
Before getting into the water you should practice getting used to breathe with your mouth through a snorkel. Pull and exhale air slowly & regularly through the mouth. First it may be a little difficult but you will get used to it.
5. Make as comfortable as possible in the water
Begin lifting the foot from the base and positioning your body facing down, open your arms and legs a little wide so you float on the water. Breathe through the mouth. Then swing your legs with flutter kick technique like freestyle pool movements. Imagine as if you were merging with the ocean and enjoy all its beauty.
6. Pay attention to the surroundings
Natural beauty under the sea sometimes make us complacent and make us less alert. Keep a close look, notice the change in ocean currents to avoid strong currents. Watch your friends, do not get separated. Pay attention to the foothold if we want to stop for a moment, not to step on the coral or sea urchins.
7. Mask & Snorkel Clearing
When snorkeling sometimes there is water seeping into the mask, this is quite disturbing. To clean it you do not need to remove the mask. Stay in the water, take a deep breath through the mouth and exhale strongly through the nose so that air mixes with water in the mask out. If water enters the snorkel passage, exhale strongly through the mouth to water out through the snorkel filter in front of the mouth, then breathe with the mouth as before.
8. Do not panic
Do not panic, stay calm. The panic will only make you do unnecessary moves that waste energy and dangerous. If your mask or snorkel comes in water, do the clearing technique by staying calm. If you have trouble, stay calm and ask your friends to help.
9. Enjoy the beauty under the sea by keeping it up
During snorkeling, in addition to paying attention to personal safety, you also must pay attention to the preservation of the underwater nature. While snorkeling, you should not take action that could damage coral reefs or other marine biota. If not for forced, do not step on or touch the coral reefs. Cannot leave trash. Must not feed the fish because it will disturb the balance of the ecosystem. Enjoy the beauty by keeping it up.