Learn To Snorkel Safely
Know Your Position - Ocean Currents - Winds & Swimming Distances
Learn to snorkel 101 - know where you are! When we are in the water we are always paying constant attention to how far we have swam, how far back we have to go, and if we are being taken anywhere by currents in the water.
It is very important for you to know if you are being pulled by any ocean currents one direction or another. Even a minor ocean current that you are swimming with on the way out, will make it much harder to swim back. And it is entirely possible for you to enter the water with little to no current, only to have the tide change and the current start. So you have to know if it is you moving you through the water, or the water running like a river and dragging you along.
Ocean currents can move left to right along the shore, or pull you away from shore, be strong close and weak farther out, or weak close and stronger in different areas that you swim into. Once in Kauai we could hardly stand up stepping into the sandy water because of a very strong left to right current, but then once we swam out a short distance over some coral, the current was much reduced.
With some experience you can start to see ocean currents from shore. And sometimes, if you know which way the current is flowing, you can just enter the water, and let it carry you down the beach before getting out. Then you don't have to fight it at all.
In this video of a reef channel you can hear the swiftly moving waters and even see the currents moving parrallel to shore.
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Sometimes you have to be very aware of channels in the coral that lead out to sea. The water may be entering the protected coral area on one side, and be leaving through a channel with some force. If you get caught in one of these channels that leads out to sea, you could be in big trouble. Whenever possible get local knowledge, and view the reef from above to see where the water is flowing.
So how do you know if you are in a current when you learn to snorkel? The easiest way to know is to stop swimming, and look down at the ocean floor. Can you detect any change in your position in relation to the non-moving ocean floor? Yes? How fast are you moving? Can you very easily swim back over the top of point you were just looking down at? Or does it take a bit of effort to swim back or keep in the same place? Besides just looking down at the bottom, we also use a method where we find a point that is close to us on the bottom, and a point farther away in a straight line. If you are moving in relation to the bottom, it will be very clear that you are not in a line with these two points, and watching the points in relation to each other you will see your movement. You can also pick out points in a line on land to watch. If you use this method from two different angles you will be able to tell if you are in a current, and which way you are moving. Try it right now from where you are sitting. Pick a point in the room that is 5-10 feet away, and then in a line pick a further point that is another 10 feet away. Now, move your head back and forth while looking down the line at these two points. Do you see what happens? They are no longer in line, and from this you can tell that you are moving.
When you learn to snorkel always err on the side of caution. It is hard work swimming any distance through a current, and sometimes it is not even possible.
Along with currents, you can be blown along by a wind. Be wary of winds that blow you away from shore. Again, watch the bottom to see if you are being moved by the wind.
Also with waves be aware of swimming over anything too shallow. Ocean heights can change very quickly with different sized waves rolling along, and you don't want to be dropped on top of coral or rock suddenly. In wavy conditions it is better to be cautious and swim around shallow obstructions.
Now read some learn to snorkel etiquette about how to swim without hurting the sealife.
See the next Snorkel Tips On - Reef Etiquette
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