Is snorkeling hard?

Author:

steve

Published:

October 11, 2022

Updated:

August 31, 2023

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Snorkeling is a fun and exciting activity that allows you to explore the beauty of the underwater world.

But for some people, the thought of putting on a mask and breathing through a tube can be a bit daunting.

So, how hard is snorkeling, really?

While snorkeling does require a certain level of fitness and swimming ability, it is generally an activity that even beginner swimmers can enjoy with relative ease. With a little bit of practice almost anyone can learn how to snorkel.

How hard is snorkeling?

To get a better idea of how hard snorkeling is, let’s break it down into its component parts.

Snorkeling consists of three main elements: swimming, floating, and breathing.

Let’s take a closer look at each one.

Swimming: Most people that can swim confidently in a pool will have no problem swimming in the open water.

However, even if you’re a strong swimmer, there are some things to keep in mind.

First, the ocean is more fatiguing than a pool because you have to fight against the waves and currents. You also need to be more attentive and aware of your surroundings and your own physical condition.

You should always be able to return to the shore when swimming in open water and must remember that the swim outwards is always easier than the swim back to shore.

Second, salt water is more buoyant than fresh water, so you’ll find it easier to float in the ocean than in a pool.

Overall, swimming is not too difficult but there are some things to keep in mind.

However, if you are not a strong swimmer or if you get claustrophobic when your head is underwater, then snorkeling may be more difficult for you.

That being said, even if you are not a strong swimmer, there are still ways that you can enjoy snorkeling.

For example, you can wear a life jacket or floatation device so that you do not have to worry about staying afloat.

You can also choose to snorkel in areas where there are very few currents or waves which will make things much easier for you.

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Floating: Floating is much easier in salt water than it is in fresh water because salt water is more buoyant.

You’ll be able to float with very little effort.

The only thing to keep in mind is that you may get tired from treading water if you’re in an area with waves or currents.

Breathing: Breathing through a snorkel is relatively easy and takes very little practice.

The most important thing is to make sure that you’re using a quality snorkel and a mask that seals well around your face so that water doesn’t leak in and ruin your day.

With a good mask, breathing through a snorkel is no harder than breathing through your nose and mouth while swimming on the surface of the water.

Snorkel from the beach and not a boat

Some types of snorkeling are more difficult than others – beach snorkeling is easier than snorkeling from a boat.

As a beginner snorkeler or if you are not the most confident of swimmers, then taking your first steps into snorkeling is much easier if you do so from the beach.

Although a boat will offer you greater scope in terms of areas to explore and depths of water, for a beginner to snorkelling it is not the best choice.

By starting from a beach you can easily control the depth of water that you are comfortable with.

You can sit down in shallow water while wearing your mask and snorkel and simply look around with your head beneath the surface while breathing through the snorkel.

This is an ideal first step if you have not used a snorkel before or if you are nervous about putting your head underwater.

The beach also allows you to gradually increase the depth of water that you are exposed to, allowing you to remain in your depth for added peace of mind and safety.

Final Words

All in all, snorkeling is not a very difficult activity.

Anyone who is comfortable swimming in a pool should have no problem swimming in the ocean.

And with a little practice, anyone can learn to breathe through a snorkel and to use a mask with ease.

So if you’re thinking about taking up snorkeling, don’t let the fear of difficulty stop you from trying something new—you might just surprise yourself.