Among the three main pieces of snorkeling equipment, special attention must be given to your snorkel mask since it is more expensive and important in ensuring your safety and enjoyment. Carefully stored gear can be used on these rare occasions, just make sure that your mask, snorkel, and fins are free from any damage over the winter.

Keeping your mask in good condition is possible, just make sure that you follow the maintenance and storage guidelines that come with them when bought. Before use, make sure that the lens is free from any cracks and its straps free from signs of rust, wear or tear.

Among the pieces of a snorkel set (snorkel, snorkel mask and fins), it is the mask that allows you to maintain clear underwater vision, making it possible for you to explore the diving area’s diverse marine life and amazing coral reefs. With its silicone or rubberized skirts molding into the face to create an airtight seal, preventing water from seeping inside the mask.

In the past, older versions of snorkel mask used rubber for their straps and skirts. Thanks to the advancement in technology, high-tech materials are now used to manufacture high-quality masks. New materials such as silicon and other modern rubberized materials ensure longevity and air-tight reliability features.

With that in mind, never even consider buying non-silicone masks. The same thing applies with the mask lens. Make sure you choose a tempered glass lens instead of a plastic one since it will break easily. Invest more in quality for it entails safe and long-term service that complements your snorkeling.

If you happen to be one of those people who are considered as “blind as a bat” you can bring your prescription lenses to a dive shop and order a custom made snorkel mask. When the word “custom made” easily rings “expensive” to your ears, think again. It is actually not that expensive. While a conventional masks costs an average of $50 – $100, you can get your prescription lens for an additional cost of only $30 approximately.

Diving mask lenses usually come in three increments of 0.5 diopters. Although not an exact copy of your prescription glasses, ordering custom lenses for your mask is a wise decision, allowing you to enjoy more details of nature’s underwater treasures.

If you ask any snorkel enthusiast, they will agree that when choosing and buying a great snorkeling mask, quality should come first. While certain mask are available for as low as  $15 or $20, relatively high-quality masks can be bought in the $30 – $40 price range. Top of the line masks can cost as high as $80 a piece.

The snorkel mask and fins are the three things that make up a complete set of snorkeling gear. To be able to remain comfortable in wearing them, make sure that they are properly used, cleaned and stored.

Here are some of the pointers that may help you keep your mask snorkel set and fins in good condition:

MASK

Silicone has replaced conventional rubberized materials for manufacturing new designs of snorkel masks. This allows the mask to easily mold or conform to the shape of your face, achieving a reliable seal under water. Compared to rubber which tends to harden and become brittle with age, silicone is a material that is more flexible, and lasts longer.

However, caution must be used when storing the mask. Make sure that you thoroughly rinse off all saltwater from the mask with cool or lukewarm freshwater so as keep it looking and working like new. Make sure you store your mask in a dry and cool place, out of direct sunlight. Invest in a protective box or case to protect it from any form of damage – especially if you plan to take a long break from snorkeling.

SNORKEL

Snorkels refer to the tube that is attached to the snorkel mask that delivers oxygen to your mouth via a mouthpiece. Usually, this tube is maintenance-free. However, it is wise to make sure that no seawater plant or plankton remains get stuck into the tube or you may swallow them. Keep it in its original shape by practicing correct storage procedures. Like other diving gear, the snorkel tends to wear out and become damaged with age. Just make sure that it isn’t already damaged when you use it as a diving safety precaution.

Snorkels are usually attached with a mouthpiece, snorkel keeper and purge valve. For mouthpiece maintenance, make it a habit to regularly examine the tabs that are used to hold them in place. Repeated use may eventually damage the mouthpiece. Thankfully, direct-fit replacements are conveniently available.

When you are having problems with your snorkel keeper, have it immediately repaired. Never go underwater with problematic equipment. Remember to keep this equipment dry to prevent it and its components from breeding mold or mildew.

FINS

Just like any other snorkeling equipment, make sure you wash the seawater off your fins. Use lukewarm or cool freshwater to do that. Keep it from direct sunlight to prevent premature cracking or breakage. Among the three diving essentials, the fins are the most abused. That is why careful attention must be given to their maintenance.

Aside from correct usage, proper storage and maintenance is essential in handling all your equipment. Also, keeping them in good working condition will result in significant savings, eliminating the need to buy new set of equipment whenever you go on a tropical vacation.

Since this will be your primary vision underwater, using a good snorkel mask can make a whole lot of difference. Not only that it keeps you comfortable while doing your undersea explorations, it also ensures your safety in the sea.

Among all your equipment, choosing the best snorkeling mask is probably the most important. You have to consider the snorkel mask’s fit and comfort. Avoid buying a mask that is too big or too small for you. This is determined by the spaces and gaps between the mask and the shape of your face or head. Insist on having to fit the mask before buying it so that it won’t allow water to seep in while you are out in the sea. This small feature can make a lot of difference. Just hoping for the mask to fit right is not good enough to ensure your safety and enjoyment while diving.

When you are going to buy a new mask, go to a dive shop. There you can find a rack that exhibits various designs and brands for swim masks and snorkel masks. Take time to compare prices, materials and quality.

When you are ready brush your hair out of the way so you can firmly push the mask into your face. If the mask stays on unsupported, then you have found a good fitting mask, since it has a good seal. At this point, you may consider the comfort aspects of the product. Is it comfortable to use? Is it so hard on your face that you feel like being punctured every time it is fitted or used?

Before getting too committed to a particular mask, consider other factors such as field of vision and strap quality. The strap is as important as the mask since it holds the mask on your face in strong currents and waves.

A good mask creates a reliable seal. It must have a stiff body that ensures a snug fit to your face. This can also be achieved if it has soft and flexible skirts. Ask your diving buddy to fasten the straps. Most divers agree that it is better securing the mask as well as snorkel this way, allowing your diving gear to be correctly and comfortably positioned.

Before diving into the water, it is important that you make sure that you have correctly and securely positioned your snorkel mask relative to the snorkel tube. Make sure you have checked your diving gear for signs of wear and tear and other forms of damage that might cause water to leak or disrupt air flow.

Never forget to apply a defogging solution on the mask, so as to prevent fogging when water temperatures and currents suddenly change. All these troubles are worth it as they ensure a safe and exciting adventure for your snorkeling experience.

In addition, correct usage eliminates the chances for accidents where the line of air can be cut off or water may seep through the mask. During these cases, we immediately think that our snorkeling equipment may be broken. That is not always the case. Often, it is caused by improper positioning and incorrect use of the snorkel and mask.

Here are some safety guidelines:

•    If possible, fit your gear with a diving buddy. They will help fit and fasten everything you need to stay safe, breath and maintain vision underwater.

•    Avoid using ear plugs with snorkeling gear for the pressure that they apply may cause damage or injury to your ear.

•    Never use snorkeling equipment as a tool when learning to swim. However, snorkel and mask can be used by experienced divers or swimmers who can maintain a basic level of swimming.

Snorkeling is fun and exciting, but it can be dangerous when the mask snorkel set is not properly used. To prevent accidents, here are some tips in the correct usage of snorkel mask and snorkel. When setting up your snorkel gear, consider applying a small amount of mild soap or toothpaste in the inside of a new snorkel mask. This is to remove the manufacturing compounds that may cause the lens to fog as you dive.

When it comes to using the snorkel, the key is keeping it in upright position as you swim face down. To do this, adjust the snorkel strap and fasten it in conjunction to the mask strap. Most people agree that it is better if the snorkel is fastened well forward, almost against the mask. It is better if somebody can help you fit your diving gear, hastening and securing the adjustments done on your gear.

After use, it is important to rinse the sea water from your snorkel mask and snorkel. This is important because usually seawater causes silicone or rubberized materials to harden, expand and eventually become brittle. Also, anything that may get stuck into your gear can promote damage. Make it a habit to clean your diving gear with freshwater every after use.

The proper use of snorkel mask and snorkel all depends on how it fits you. Make sure that you are comfortable with them on. So when buying, make sure that the mask conforms to the shape of your head and sufficiently covers the area.

Also, avoid compromising quality with value. Products are usually expensive for a reason. Do not risk ruining your snorkeling experience as well as your diving safety with cheap yet potentially sub-standard  equipment.

Aside from that, there are other famous places such as the Bahamas and other exclusive islands where priceless snorkeling vacations can be spent. Tropical waters will never fail a die-hard enthusiast. With some good snorkel equipment you can explore the underwater treasures that these places have to offer.

What makes snorkeling more exciting is the opportunity to explore new and exotic territories. Actually, any tropical island vacation destination can do. However, you must take caution on which site to dive. Choosing the best snorkeling site depends on many factors. First, you have to consider the climate or weather conditions.

In this department, it is best to ask the locals for their suggestions. Usually, these places have dive shops. You can go there are ask for an advice. Secondly, the diving site should have calm waters or have not much of a current. A bay on which river empties is a risky site for snorkeling due to low visibility; the current stirring the sand or the soil underneath the river will only fog your snorkel mask.

Just to be safe, make a research on the place where you decided to spend a snorkeling vacation. Make sure that you are aware of the permits, fees or regulations that may be implemented at its diving areas. Also, be aware of the place’s known diving hazards. For instance, the Pacific Coast of Oaxaca is known to have corals and not coral reefs. Corals are usually razor sharp and can easily cut the skin upon contact.

Also, beware of sea urchins; the black spherical sea creature that has thin black spines which can be embedded and inject venom into the skin upon contact. Lastly, take caution is the site has moral eels and sharks. As we all know, they have sharp teeth and they bite.

Lastly, when planning for an exciting snorkeling vacation, you will have to prepare your mask snorkel set. Without a complete snorkel mask fins kit, such a vacation will never be possible. If you do not own one, you may rent the needed equipment at your destination’s local diving shop. If you decide to buy new equipment, invest on a good snorkel mask for it makes a great difference to your diving experience.

For any diver, what makes a snorkeling vacation priceless is the experience that it brings. It’s not about the place or how great your snorkel mask is, what makes the experience priceless is the adventure that diving brings. Add up the excitement of exploring the beauty of an exotic island at an underwater angle and you get a holiday like no other. Just remember to make all the necessary preparations and take all the necessary precautions so as to prevent your vacation from turning into a disaster.