Snorkeling Gear: Scuba gear will be provided for the pool portion of your class. This includes tanks, buoyancy compensator vests, and regulators. The snorkeling equipment, however, is not included. This includes a quality mask, scuba fins, snorkel and weight belt. As a student you'll receive a 15% off discount on these items at Sub-Aquatic Sports & Service.
Buy Right and You'll Buy Once: The most beautiful reef in the world is no fun if your mask leaks, the fins leave blisters or the snorkel causes you to drink salt water. Take some time to try on an array of gear to make sure you've got the right fit. This stuff lasts for years and is well worth the time and money investment.
Buy Right and You'll Buy Once: The most beautiful reef in the world is no fun if your mask leaks, the fins leave blisters or the snorkel causes you to drink salt water. Take some time to try on an array of gear to make sure you've got the right fit. This stuff lasts for years and is well worth the time and money investment.
STUDENT DISCOUNT ON SNORKELING GEAR
15% off
Mask, Fins, Snorkel, Weight Belt and Dive Boots
As a Sub-Aquatic Sports student, you’ll receive a discount on the following snorkeling gear: mask, fins, snorkel, weight belt and boots. To receive the discount, you must purchase a minimum the mask, fins and snorkel. These items must be from our scuba line of equipment not the snorkeling/cruise line gear. Student discount cannot be combined with other sales discounts and the offer is only good through the classroom/pool portion of your course.
15% off
Mask, Fins, Snorkel, Weight Belt and Dive Boots
As a Sub-Aquatic Sports student, you’ll receive a discount on the following snorkeling gear: mask, fins, snorkel, weight belt and boots. To receive the discount, you must purchase a minimum the mask, fins and snorkel. These items must be from our scuba line of equipment not the snorkeling/cruise line gear. Student discount cannot be combined with other sales discounts and the offer is only good through the classroom/pool portion of your course.
Facts on Fins
- Snorkeling fins rarely work well for scuba diving. You need a strong enough fin to push you and the scuba equipment underwater. Most snorkeling fins are very 'weak'. A strong fin does not necessarily mean a stiff fin. There are wonderful designs on the market today that move you through the water with minimal effort.
- There are two styles of fins, STRAP and FULL FOOT fins. Strap style fins work best for people diving in both colder Michigan environments and also the Caribbean. Full-foot fins only work in warm water. Most strap fins require a dive boot for comfort and for warmth.
- Fins should have a buckle system that offers easy adjustment and release. The newest trends in fin buckles are using bungees or springs. They make donning and doffing the fin considerably easier than traditional style buckles.
- Blade designs are constantly evolving. The traditional 'paddle style' fin was overshadowed by the 'split fin' for years. Split fins move the water differently and are easier on your legs. The latest trend, however, is the hinging style fins. They are big performers with minimal leg stress.
- Sound like a diver. Don't say 'flippers', say 'fins'. Flipper was a dolphin.
It's All About the Mask
Masks are the most personable piece of equipment you'll own. As mentioned above, it doesn't matter how great the dive is if your mask leaks or fogs up. Try on an array of styles and models. See what works best for you.
It's all about the fit.
Masks are the most personable piece of equipment you'll own. As mentioned above, it doesn't matter how great the dive is if your mask leaks or fogs up. Try on an array of styles and models. See what works best for you.
It's all about the fit.
- When you're trying on masks, look for air leaks. Where air leaks, that's where water will leak.
- Does the bridge of your nose rub on the frame? It may not seem like a big deal now but I guarantee you'll think it's a big deal an hour into the dive.
- All scuba masks must be made out of silicone rubber skirting (not PVC) and temperate glass.
- Do you have a mustache? Consider a purge valve mask or one that is cut high by the nose area.
- Can't see? Consider wearing contact lens or check out our array of prescription lens available both in stock and made-to-order.
- Wide Face? Make sure the backup seal is not too close to your eyes.
- Narrow Face? Make sure the outer skirt is not in your hairline.
- Confused? Come into Sub-Aquatic Sports. Our staff is well versed in helping you find a mask that will last for years.
- Sound like a diver. Don't say 'goggles', say 'mask'.
Snorkels
How much technology is in a plastic tube, really? Actually, there is quite a bit. This is what you will need:
How much technology is in a plastic tube, really? Actually, there is quite a bit. This is what you will need:
- Inside diameter should be 3/4" for an adult. If it's too small, it's like breathing through a straw. If it's too large it hard to clear water from.
- Length: 12-14" tall
- Dry Snorkels: There are a lot of bad designs in snorkels, many of them touting to be 'dry'. The problem with dry snorkels is they usually prohibit your exhalation for exiting the tube. You'll feel out of breath from breathing in CO2. Another problem is the flap that keeps the water from entering can stick closed. This obviously prohibits breathing.
- Purge Valves: This is a one way valve at the bottom of the snorkel and it helps to remove water from the tube. You want one that creates a small reservoir.
- Quick release: Most scuba mask come in a protective case so you'll want a snorkel that can easily be removed when storing.