May 2010

National Geographic Ocean Flag Design Winner

by Cathy on May 26, 2010

Everyone loves National Geographic, they appeal to all ages.

The most recent contest asked kids to draw a picture and write a short essay telling National Geographic what ocean preservation and exploration means to them. Out of hundreds of designs and essays, the winner was Rachana, a 12 year old from Illinois.

World Explorers such as Robert Ballard were chosen as judges in the contest. The drawing will be made into a flag and will be hung on the National Geographic Ocean Research Ship this year. You can read Rachana’s essay on the National Geographic site. Congratulations to Rachana!

What Brand of Snorkel Gear Should I Purchase?

by Roy on May 23, 2010

Being in this industry for many years, I have found that the manufacturers offer good gear but some offer more gear with “bells & whistles” than others.

We at SnorkelingOnline do not offer the cheap snorkel gear. Comfort and fit is the main priority. Stay away from plastic lenses as they have a tendency to scratch quite easily and tempered glass lenses are the best.

The skirting of the mask (the part that actually comes into contact with the face) should have a double seal and be made of hypoallergenic soft silicone rather than rubber which degrades faster. Read Snorkeling Masks – Select the Right One, which will help you make an educated decision as far as what you would like you mask to do for you.

There are many different styles of snorkels; open tube, semi dry and dry snorkel. The open tube are the least expensive but do not keep the water from entering the bore from splashed water or should it go beneath the surface of the water. The semi dry snorkel will deflect splashed water from entering the the snorkel bore while in use but will still fill with water when the unit is syubmerged completely below the water’s surface. The dry snorkel incorporates a flapper or a float valve (or combination) which will close the snorkel bore when the entire unit is submerged.

I snorkel as well as scuba dive and personally prefer the benefits of the dry snorkel above all others. They are more expensive but make for a more enjoyable snorkeling experience. My favorite is the Ultra Dry Snorkel by Oceanic.

Do you want more information on the different types of snorkels, read Snorkels – Select the Right One. Or read this for a quick Snorkel Comparison Chart.

The snorkeling fins that are becoming more and more popular with snorkelers these days are what are called “travel ready or travel fins” which take up less room in suitcases while traveling. Fantastic for snorkeling but not so good for scuba diving. I prefer the strap style fins in the travel ready styles personally. And again, to be more educated with snorkeling fins, read Snorkeling Fins – Select the Right Pair.

If you are looking for a complete snorkeling package, we have a nice selection to choose from.

OCEANA – Be an Ocean Hero

by Cathy on May 20, 2010

What an awesome website, Oceana. Watch the video below and then please proceed to pledge to help our oceans. It is up to all of us.

Snorkeling – Want More Interaction?

by Cathy on May 17, 2010

I love snorkeling and proud to say it to the world!! But I often get asked, what is next? For those that want more interaction with the underwater creatures, your next step is scuba. My favorite site to learn more about scuba diving is Visibility Unlimited Scuba. (ok, we own this site also!) But I dont want to get into scuba on this blog, so go to our Scuba Blog to read more. The reason for this post is because we found this awesome video that all underwater enthusiasts will love… what a great catch to see on video.

SeaDine Snorkel Snax – Kids & Fish LUV it!

by Cathy on May 14, 2010

SeaDive Snorkel Snax is fun way to feed fish while snorkeling.

Concceived in the Caribbean, but made in the States, SeaDive Snorkel Snax utilizes a proprietary blend of marine grade fish food that can be used by snorkelers, swimmers, divers and any other recreational water sports enthusiasts.

A few good tips after purchasing the SeaDine Snorkel Snax: Keep the SeaDine out of direct sunlight, as this helps to retain the proper consistency. Kneed the tube prior to using. Wear the elastic band on your wrist or your arm, never around your neck! Snorkel Snax  should never be fed to mammals or humans… have fun in the water!

Tourist Dies While Snorkeling in India

by Cathy on May 11, 2010

U.S. Tourist, Lauren Failla (NJ) died while snorkeling on her dream vacation at the Andaman Islands off the coast of India, after she recently graduated from Southebys Art Institute in London.

“We can confirm an American citizen was killed by a crocodile while snorkeling in the Andaman Islands,” Michael Tran, a U.S. State Department spokesman, said Wednesday, states the NYDailyNews.com.

According to the N.J.com, saltwater crocodiles are the worlds largest crocs, sometimes exceeding 20 feet and weighing more than a ton, according to National Geographic and they can swim great distances at sea.

Our hearts and prayers go out to Laurens family and friends.

When a Snorkel NOT a Snorkel?

by Roy on May 8, 2010

Ok so maybe I am getting a little obsessive. I wrote a previous article about snorkels that are used for Mixed Martial Arts training. My thirst for knowledge sent me back to the internet to figure out a few things. The first thing that I wanted was to find the etymology (origin) of the word snorkel.

The origin of the word snorkel, according to The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology (Date: 1996 Author: T. F. HOAD | © The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology 1996, originally published by Oxford University Press 1996″, is as follows:

“snorkel, schnorkel underwater breathing device, esp. on a submarine. XX. — G. schnorchel.

Well that wasn’t quite as enlightening as I hoped, so delving deeper, I found another reference from the Online Etymology Dictionary which states

” 1944, “airshaft for submarines,” from Ger. Schnorchel, from Ger. navy slang Schnorchel “nose, snout,” related to schnarchen “to snore” (see snore).

So called from its resemblance to a nose and its noise when in use. The Anglicized spelling first recorded 1949. The meaning “curved tube used by a swimmer to breathe under water” is first recorded in 1953. ” This would mean that the word schnorchel (pronounced “shnor-kel”) had its beginnings in Germany in 1944 (during WWII) and referred to an apparatus on a submarine.

The first current english spelling of s-n-o-r-k-e-l was first seen in 1949 and it wasn’t until 1953 that the word was applied to the snorkel of which I am more familiar.

That’s a little better but if the word didn’t refer to what I call a snorkel, then how come is it listed in the 1951 August issue of Popular Mechanics?

Popular Mechanics magazine was always considered ahead of its time back in the day so I guess I will have to settle for that explanation. I am impressed that it was sold at Abercrombie and Fitch which, any teenager today knows, sells status clothing. I also found patents for snorkels dating back as far as May 12, 1863. This particular patent did not use the word snorkel; instead they called it a “Life Preserver”. I’m sure glad that name didn’t stick. I could just imagine the confusion on a sinking ship.

Well I am happy to say that I am satisfied with the information on the history of the snorkel. What bothers me now is: What in the world is a snorkeling jacket?

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