How Does a Snorkel Work Underwater?

Basic snorkeling equipment consists of a snorkel and mask, allowing you to see the underwater world while floating on the surface without needing to surface for air.

Next, let's take a closer look at how snorkels work, the different types of snorkels, and other snorkel gear you might want to consider to maximize your snorkeling experience.

It may take some time to get used to using the snorkel. It's best to try it first in shallow water or in a pool before going to deeper water.

1. First make sure your diving mask fits well and adjust the straps to fit your head. Snorkel masks should fit snugly and create a seal around your face so they don't fill up with water or fog up.

2. Next, you need to make sure your snorkel is securely attached to your snorkel mask. The snorkels have a mouth-facing clip or a snorkel holder that you can use to attach them to the mask strap.

3. When ready to enter the water, put on the mask and place the snorkel mouthpiece in your mouth. Your lips should hold the snorkel in place and create a watertight seal around it. You can bite the mouthpiece lightly, but be careful as biting too hard can cause jaw fatigue.

4. Slowly immerse your face in the water, making sure the top of the tube stays above the water.

5. You should try to breathe slowly and deeply. This helps you save energy and ensures good air exchange.

6. Once you are comfortable with your breathing, swim around slowly, making sure you continue to breathe deeply.

Unlike scuba diving, where you have your own air supply, a snorkel won't let you breathe when you're fully submerged in the water.

If the snorkel is submerged below the surface (for example, waves crashing against you, or you dive underwater to get a closer look at sea life), the snorkel may become full. Sometimes, the snorkeling mask will also get water or fog up, making it difficult to see clearly.

Beginners often get water in the snorkel or mouth, so it is important to know how to remove water and how to clean the mask.

First of all, don't panic, remember you're close to the surface so you can surface for air, blow out the snorkel to let the water out, and remove your mask if you need to clean up.

Water can be removed from the snorkel while your face is still in the water. Just exhale forcefully, which will force all the water out of the tube. It pays to practice this trick before you hit the water.

The answer is no, there are actually several different types of snorkels you can choose from, depending on your level of snorkeling experience.

A wet snorkel is a J-shaped tube, also known as a J-snorkel or a classic snorkel.

Wet snorkels are suitable for experienced snorkelers and are often used by spearfishers and freedivers.

These traditional snorkels have the most basic design without any special features to help prevent water from entering the snorkel, so if you are a beginner, this is not a good choice.

The most common type of snorkel is the semi-dry snorkel.

They combine comfort and functionality, making them an excellent choice for anyone planning to swim underwater, such as freedivers and spearfishers.

Scuba divers also use these types of snorkels to move on the surface to conserve their air tank supplies.

Semi-dry snorkels have a splash guard at the top of the tube.

This splash guard helps keep water out of the snorkel where waves or splashes from other swimmers splash into the snorkel.

Semi-dry snorkels also have a purge valve. The bleed valve is located at the bottom of the snorkel, allowing you to drain water from the tube very easily.

Dry and semi-dry snorkels have the same features, such as a purge valve, but dry snorkels also have a float valve.

When the snorkel is fully submerged, the float valve seals the snorkel from water.

If snorkeling in waves, a dry snorkel is a good idea and is perfect for beginner snorkelers.

However, the float valve does trap air in the tube, creating additional buoyancy and drag if diving underwater.

For this reason, dry snorkels are not a good choice for scuba divers, freediving, or spearfishing, where you will spend more time fully submerged.

The above has introduced the working principle and usage of the diving snorkel. If you want to buy a diving snorkel, please contact us.

Shengbailong is a professional custom swimming and diving equipment manufacturer. Professional raw silicone swimming caps, diving masks, swimming goggles, snorkels and other products. The factory is equipped with mold CNC machines, injection molding machines, hydraulic presses and related anti-fog mirror processing equipment. The production cycle is less than 30 days, and the monthly production capacity reaches 300,000 pieces. We are proud to be a reliable partner of some of the world's most famous brands.