kids snorkeling

Kids Snorkeling Camps

by Roy on June 7, 2010

I hate to admit it but I am a bit envious of the kids of today. They have so many great opportunities out there that are educational, yet fun. The Birch Aquarium in LaJolla, California has a summer Learning Camp for kids where they can learn how to snorkel. What’s best about the program is that it is through the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, California. To quote from their website “Scripps Institution of Oceanography is one of the oldest, largest, and most important centers for ocean and earth science research, education, and public service in the world. Research at Scripps Institution of Oceanography encompasses physical, chemical, biological, geological, and geophysical studies of the oceans and earth.”

Looking for other kids water camp options? Kids Sea Camp offers fun destinations all over the world. Exotic destinations include Grand Cayman, Bonaire, Belize and even Fiji is often visited.

What did people my age do when they were little? Discovered fire, invented the wheel and hunted woolly mammoths. Though these were great achievements, it would have been more fun to just grab a snorkeling mask, a snorkel and fins and and head off to camp. I did try out a snorkeling mask that belonged to my older brother one time but because it was an adult mask all that I got was a mask full of water and a less than enjoyable experience. Stores back then apparently thought that adults were the only ones who would enjoy snorkeling, because snorkel equipment designed with children in mind was either hard to find or nonexistent. Today’s kids have a plethora styles, colors and designs of kids masks, fins and snorkel. I guess I should be happy about the educational opportunities available these days. It makes me wonder what new opportunities the future holds.

How Young is to Young to Go Snorkeling

by admin on October 25, 2009

We get this question all the time and the answer? It depends on the child. Taking the little one to the pool first and introducing them to snorkeling is the first step. Make sure they have all the proper fitting snorkel gear, mask, fins, snorkel & snorkeling vest.

Here is a video that you should review first before the little one uses a snorkeling mask, How To Size for a Good Fitting Snorkeling Mask.

Next, you want to make sure the kids snorkeling vest fits and make sure you that it is partially inflated at all times while they are in the water. Most of the snorkeling vests have locking rings so the kids can not deflate the vest to easily. Here is a video to show you how to wear the snorkeling vest.

Because the ocean is so big, be prepared and understand that if they chicken out when they see the ocean. This is very common so dont force the child, take it slow. When you do get them in the ocean they also may be a little intimidated by what they see as some of the fish maybe “ugly” or “big”. Before you go in the water, review with them the underwater creatures they might see. There are wrist ids, waterproof books & cards that you can do in advance or while you are in the water.

It goes without saying, that adult supervision is always required when children are in or near water. Teach your kids good habits, how we never touch anything underwater and the beauty will be there when your kids have kids.