Learning To Snorkel
Our In The Sea Tips - Wave Sets

Learning to snorkel is pretty easy once you have the basics down. Once you are ready to jump into the ocean there are a couple of handy skills we have learned that you may find makes your snorkeling safer and more enjoyable. Remember though, we are not certified trainers or anything, so enter the water at your own risk.

Getting into and out of the water is the point at which you are probably at most risk to injury. If the water is super calm and clear and there is a nice soft sandy bottom, then there is no problem. But if there are rocks, waves coming in, and not the best visibility, then you have to take much greater care.

Before you set out, decide on how you like to do things. I personally like to put on my mask and snorkel before entering the water. Then when there is enough depth after wading out I like to turn on to my back and put on my fins. Nicole on the other hand likes to wade out with fins and mask in hand, she then puts on her fins, and then puts on her mask, in the water.

Neither Nicole or I like to walk backwards into the water with our fins on. When we were first learning to snorkel we tried that, but we found that walking backwards into the water just feels too awkward. Now we just walk in barefoot, which can be a bit risky, but we prefer the control we have. And normally it is only for a couple of steps before we turn onto our backs and put on our gear. And most often we take off our fins before we get out.

Learning To Snorkel Means Learning That Waves Come In Sets
If it is real wavy and conditions appear rough on the water, we will not risk going out. But once in awhile we will go out through waves, or waves will pick up while we are out, and we have to exit the water through decent sized waves. Either way, it is useful to know that ocean waves tend to come in sets. We watch the water, coming and going for a period, and we notice the sets. You may have three big waves, and then three smaller ones. Or a big one, and three little ones, and then a big one. Once you get a sense for the pattern of the wave sets you can enter or exit the water at safer times.

Once on a trip we had to time coming back to shore through some pretty big waves on a steep sandy beach. We waited for awhile, floating in the water until we were able to exit quickly and safely when the waves reduced in size. But right after we got out, a big wave broke, and some people playing in the surf got trounced by it. A man went away holding his arm and looking very white, with what appeared to be a broken arm.

So the moral, don't go out if there are big waves. But if you are in a situation where the waves have picked up, be patient and make your move between sets.

Now, what is the next step in learning to snorkel? What about ocean currents, surge and wind? And how do you know if you are being moved by an ocean current?

Go to the next Learn To Snorkel Tip - Ocean Currents

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