How do snorkels work

Have you ever found yourself feeling fatigued or dizzy while snorkeling? Perhaps even a slight headache? Generally, larger snorkels work well with larger people and vice versa. Larger snorkels have larger volumes, so your lungs must have the capacity to exchange that volume on each breath. In its most minimal form, a wet snorkel is only a silicone mouthpiece attached to a J-shaped tube.

Some wet snorkels will also have a flexible tube and a purge valve, though these features are more common on dry and semi-dry snorkels. That means you must be able to expel water out the top of the snorkel if it floods.

The semi-dry snorkel represents something of a compromise between the classic wet snorkel and the dry snorkel. Semi-dry snorkels are characterized by splash guards, flex tubes, and purge valves. Splash guards help to keep water from choppy waves, splashes, or spray from getting in through the top of the snorkel tube. The splash guard is typically a molded piece of plastic that sits on top of the snorkel opening.

When well designed, angled slits and baffles on the splash guard effectively shunt water away from the opening without impeding airflow. Most semi-dry snorkels also have a purge valve. The purge valve is housed in a reservoir below the mouthpiece where excess water can collect. The bottom of the reservoir has a soft silicone mushroom valve that will open when you forcefully exhale to clear the tube. Tip: Choose a snorkel where the purge valve is indented into the reservoir somewhat, not exposed on the outside.

An exposed purge valve is more prone to accidentally opening due to currents or even quick movements of your head and body.

The main advantage of flex tubes is that they give you the freedom to adjust the positioning of the mouthpiece, which makes for a more comfortable fit.

Some folks appreciate this, while others may find the dangling mouthpiece annoying. Chances are the first snorkel you ever tried was a semi-dry snorkel.

For casual activity, a dangling mouthpiece from a flex tube is a plus for occasionally popping above the surface to have a chat with your buddy. Semi-dry snorkels also come in a broad range of styles and sizes, meaning sleeker models can be used for breath-hold sports too. A snorkel mask lies above the eyebrows, on the cheeks and on the chin on the face. The edge of the full masks is made of silicone.

The flexible material is waterproof and airtight to the face. The masks are divided into two parts, one for the air circulation and the other for the visor. The nose and mouth are separated from the main visor. In this way it is possible to breathe freely without the moist breathing air fogging up the snorkel mask. However, the mask must be cleaned thoroughly just like normal diving goggles in order not to fog up.

Apnoea divers free diving use different snorkels than normal snorkelers. Free diving is all about overcoming your limits and reaching new depths. But the sport is also very dangerous, which you can see at the Blue Hole. In contrast to normal dry snorkeling, snorkels for the apnoea diver do not have a blow-out valve to flush the water out of the tube.

The special construction of the free diving snorkel ensures that it does not need this extra time. With a snorkel for apnea diving, you can breathe immediately after ascending.

Snorkeling enjoys great popularity. Many people travel to places known as the best snorkeling spots in the world. They do this to explore new underwater worlds. The fantastic landscapes, the unique vegetation and wildlife make you forget all about time and worry. But if you want to start your first adventures soon, you have to learn the basics about sports and equipment.

The knowledge of how the snorkel works and which snorkel equipment is important is definitely part of it. A successful snorkelling trip and some great hours on the water are now a thing of the past!

How do Snorkels work Easy Explanation Last update: April Anyone who comes into contact with underwater sports is almost certainly dependent on a snorkel. Learning this technique and increasing the amount of time you can hold your breath will allow you to immerse yourself deeper in the underwater world and get closer to coral reefs and other marine life.

Make sure to avoid hyperventilating before diving since this can have harmful effects. Understanding how snorkeling works and what kinds of skills and equipment are required are important first steps for those interested in trying snorkeling.

Now that you know the answers to these questions, you should be more prepared for a safe and enjoyable snorkeling adventure. Keep in mind that it takes time to master snorkeling techniques. Take it slow, be patient, and have fun! Toklu, A S et al. Elliott, David H et al. Rebecca lives next to the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, where she guides kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and snorkeling tours. She is passionate about outdoor activities and enjoys writing pieces that inspire others to get outside.

Snorkeling Scuba Diving Destinations. Topics Snorkeling Scuba Diving Destinations. Types Product Guides Tutorials Destinations. Us About Subscribe Contact. Snorkeling How does snorkeling work? Last updated 29 June Table of contents How does a snorkel work? Can you breathe underwater with a snorkel?

How to use a mask and snorkel Types of snorkels Additional snorkeling equipment Skills required for snorkeling Conclusion. Rebecca Jambrovic. The tube part is the actual snorkel. In olden times, snorkels were made from reeds or bamboo that were hollowed out. Nowadays, snorkels are made of plastic. The snorkel has a mouthpiece which, surprise, surprise, goes in your mouth. It usually has two prongs that you can bite onto for a better grip if needed.

The mouthpiece is connected to the tube with an elbow joint. In higher-end snorkels, there is usually a flexi-tube between the mouthpiece and the hard tube. This allows you to fit the snorkel more comfortably. The snorkel attaches to the mask with a small clip. Depending on the type of snorkel, you may also notice a purge valve and a guard on the snorkel. More on these in a second. The point of a snorkel is to give you a constant supply of fresh air while you swim.

The snorkel top sits above the water allowing you to breathe air through the mouthpiece under the water. The mask allows you to see underwater without hurting your eyes.

It also stops you from breathing through your nose which would be useless underwater. Snorkeling is not like diving. A snorkel is designed to deliver oxygen from the surface to your lungs. The length of your snorkel will determine how deep you can go. Most snorkels are about 10 inches long. The longest possible length of a snorkel is 16 inches.