Getting started with snorkeling has never been easier with the tips for beginners that we offer today. Discover the sea bed in complete peace of mind. You'll be amazed!
Every year as the summer holidays approach, you make the same resolution. "What if I tried snorkeling?" (in French palmes masque tuba or PMT). But you're not sure where to start so you give up. It's such a shame to miss out on these beautiful sessions underwater, alone or with others. With these simple advices to get started, you can easily discover the underwater wealth. Corals and starfish are waiting for you!
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The equipment
Since the practice has become more popular, brands offer many products adapted to snorkeling. Even if the water in which you plan to practice is warm enough for your taste, it may be useful to invest in a wetsuit. For example, there are short- or long-sleeved wetsuits that stop at the thighs or the feet. The thickness of the fabric will also depend on the temperature of the water. There is no need to spend a fortune to start, especially if you only use it during your holidays. We don't always realise it, but during a trip underwater, fascinated by your exploration, time passes and the body cools down quickly. You will appreciate the comfort of the wetsuit at this time.
Concerning mask and snorkelAgain, you will find something for every budget. Some include the snorkel directly in the mask, which can be very practical. Take the time to test and adjust your equipment before jumping into the water. The mask should not leave red marks on your face (too tight), and the strap should be adjusted so it is not too loose.
Fins are not necessarily necessary to start, especially if you are not used to them (cramps can sometimes appear at the beginning). They would be useful to cover a certain distance, which will certainly not be the case for your first tests. On the other hand, for a few euros, buying a pair of water shoes with sole seems wise. To take a break on the rocks or in case of water entering the mask, you will be better protected to put your foot on the ground (be careful, the spines of the sea urchins can still cross the sole on some models).
If you don't use a wetsuit, or for uncovered areas, consider waterproof sunscreen. This will prevent you from getting sunburned in the cool of the water. Another solution is to wear an approved anti-UV suit. It will not have the same thermal effect as the wetsuit, but you will be well protected from the sun (especially for children).
The preparation
A snorkeling trip will require a little preparation, in order to find a good spot and to ensure your safety. You can ask local people or professionals for information, as some clubs offer snorkeling trips. The web will also give you precious advice on a locality, and in particular the presence of fish to observe. Be aware that a very popular site that is crowded may take away the animals you were hoping to see.
Study the currents and the tides, to avoid being surprised once in the water. Choose a spot that is easy to access, for the entry as well as for the exit of the water (without rocks...).
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The day
The ideal for a first time would be to be accompanied by someone who will stay on the sand and make sure you are doing well (we have no doubt about that!). Enter the water gradually to get your body used to the water temperature. The wetsuit may take a few minutes to work, as the water has to penetrate inside and warm up on contact with your body (the principle of so-called "wet suits").
For your first moments, stay close to the shore, to get an idea of the current. Also, if you practice with children, it is preferable that they always have their feet on the water and remain under your supervision at all times. A short session will allow them not to get too cold. Fix a point high up and out of the water that you will look at every two minutes or so, a building for example. This technique will allow you to get your bearings and see if you're moving more than expected. You might be tempted to do a little snorkeling to get closer to the fish, but we don't recommend it for beginners. You will already have enough to do by staying on the surface with your mask and snorkel.
The enthusiasts know it, the rocks shelter more life since the animals can hide there. Approach slowly and without sudden movements if you don't want to scare them away (give few strokes of your fins for example). Always be aware of the current if you don't want to end up in the sea urchins. Some stretches of grass, also called seagrass beds, will surely offer you beautiful encounters. Their clarity in case of good water visibility can be remarkable.
Finally, there is an unavoidable rule when snorkeling: do not touch either the animals or the coral. You risk stressing the former and damaging the latter. As we know, the underwater flora is highly threatened, so it is essential to leave it as intact as possible. In any case, we doubt that Mr. Octopus will let you approach him easily.