by Roy on September 24, 2010
This was a fun question and you probably expect a smart remark, but my friends, this is science. When a person floats or sinks is dependent of how much water they displace in relationship to their own body weight. If a person weighing 300 lbs displaces 310 lbs of water then they will float. If the 300 lb person only displaces 290 lbs of water, then they will sink.
The explanation of buoyancy was expressed around 287 BC by a gentleman by the name of Archimedes who was a noted astronomer, inventor, physicist, mathematician and engineer. The explanation has endured where today it is know as the “Archimedes Principle” on buoyancy. I wrote an article that is easy to understand on Archimedes Principle.
Actually there is a difference between a snorkeler and a skindiver. The snorkeler remains at the surface the entire time. They remain a snorkeler until they submerge on a breath hold dive. Snorkelers that go below the surface of the water are called skin divers. There is also more of a distinction being made nowadays between skindiving and freediving. People are starting to consider freediving more of an extreme form of skindiving.
We offer a great Snorkelpedia for your enjoyment.
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!
My compliments on your question and for showing a maturity level not often seen these days. Even though snorkeling is more enjoyable when it is a shared activity, there are situations where you may be the only one that wants to snorkel. If this is the case, it is a good idea to take some additional precautions, one of which is to where a highly visible snorkeling vest.
This will make you easier to spot for anyone looking from shore or a boat. The vest is usually worn deflated or partially inflated. if you get tired out you can inflate it orally to allow you to rest, relax and recover.
Having a whistle with you is also a wise idea should you encounter a problem and need assistance. Make sure the whistle isn’t made of shiny metal as we humans tend to use shiny things as fishing lures. This is also a good reason not to wear jewelry while swimming or snorkeling in the ocean.
Having someone you know on the beach is always advisable but letting someone know where you will be snorkeling, how long you plan to be out there and when you expect to be back should always be a part of your snorkel plan.
Courtesy of SAIL WORLD
With so many of our readers living on the water coasts, this means many own their own boats or know those that do. It makes snorkeling for you and your family a different type of snorkeling which is not beach snorkeling but boat snorkeling.
I found this article from Sail-World and it is a great introduction or reminder on how to anchor in waters with coral. We will give you the numbered tips but we recommend that you take time to read this great article from Sail-World.
1) Arrive when the sun is behind you
2) Eye ball your way over the coral
3) Chart your way in and out
4) Alway have someone at the front while entering the coral
5) Those scouting for coral must wear sunglasses
6) When anchoring use two-way radios or clear hand signals
7) Know what the color of water means
Always anchor in sand
Thank you Sail World for the sound words.
Snorkels are designed to allow the user to breathe while keeping their face under the water. In order for this to happen, the mouthpiece end needs to be in the mouth and the non mouthpiece end of the tube needs to remain above the waterline. Should the entire snorkel go below the waterline, one of two things will happen:
1. An open end snorkel or semi-dry snorkel will fill with water, cutting off the access of air to the user.
2. A dry snorkel will close off the top portion of the snorkel meaning that no water will get in but again the access to the air at the surface is cut off to the user.
For more information on how to chose a snorkel, read Snorkels, Select the Right One.
by Cathy on April 14, 2010
Boat that aground off Kahe Point successfully removed… this article is about the winds that picked up in Hawaii and pushed the sailboat towards the shore and left the snorkelers behind.
This reminds me of the time we were on a snorkeling boat in Turks & Caicos and having a great time. We were suppose to be in the water for an hour and then we were to go to a beach for a picnic lunch. Well when we turned around to go back to the boat, it was gone. I laughed but there was many who were in the verge of panic. And all of a sudden the theme of “Jaws” was playing. We could see the shore but it was far and I am making excuses for the captain of the boat, he had an emergency at home or he went to get the lunches and wanted for us to continue to play in the water… so everyone calmed down and we continued to have fun. We figured that someone will see us eventually since there was at least 10 of us in bright yellow jackets and a boat would be coming by soon.
A boat did happen to drive by (2 hours later) and picked us up but it was not our original boat or our captain… it seems that our captain fell asleep (which is a HUGE NO NO) and the line that was tied to the mooring, came untied and the boat drifted off.
Whenever you find your self in a non-planned situation, DO NOT PANIC… and everything will turn out fine.
