Snorkelpedia
Barefoot Fins - Style of fin which does not require the use of wetsuit boots or water shoes. Traditionally barefoot fins were of one style whose foot pocket was more of a slip on shoe style. Manufacturers began investigating the possibility of creating strap fins which could be worn barefoot by using softer materials in the foot pocket area. Read more on Snorkeling Fins.
Blade - Flat paddle-like part of the fin which is used to propel the wearer through the water when kicking. Read more on Snorkeling Fins.
Blast Clearing - Method of clearing the snorkel of water following a surface dive by quick and forceful exhalation of available air in the lungs.
Bore - In snorkeling, this refers to the diameter of the opening of the barrel portion of a snorkel. Snorkels are either large bore or small bore. Read more on Snorkels.
Breaking Waves - Breaking waves or “breakers” occur when water moving toward shore move through shallower areas. The base of the water column slows due to the increasing incline of the land while the top of the water column continues at it’s original speed. This causes the top of the water column to fall over upon itself. Seeing waves break offshore is usually an indication of a shallower area. It could also be an indication of a strong current in the area.
Buckles - A fastening device primarily used to keep equipment in secured to the snorkeler.
Cold Water Fins - Any fin requiring the use of Thermally insulated neoprene boots or water shoes. Read more on Snorkeling Fins.
Color Correction Mask - A mask that uses reddish tinted lenses to compensate for loss of the color red at depth. Read more on Snorkeling Masks
Coral - A living organism whose very existence is vital to the marine ecostructure.
Crotch Strap - A 1 inch flat adjustable nylon strap with a fastening device found on most snorkeling vests. The crotch strap goes down the back & is brought up between the legs where it is mated to the corresponding fastener found on the front of the vest. Read more on Snorkeling Vests.
Current - Water movement caused primarily by wind moving accross the water. Currents move in a clockwise pattern in the Northern Hemisphere and counter-clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.
Diopter Lenses - Magnification lenses that replace existing tempered glass lenses in two window masks that have removable lenses. They are manufacturer and mask specific and do not take into account other vision corrective needs such as astygmatism. (see prescription lenses)
Dolphin Kick - Type of fin kick in which the fins are used in unison on the downward and upward strokes as opposed to the one fin up and one fin down stroke used in the flutter kick.
Dry Rot - Dry Rot is a condition which affects rubber goods. It is a deterioration of the rubber. Signs include small cracks in the rubber. Snorkeling equipment such as fins and masks with rubber skirts and straps pieces that can be affected. The effects of dry rot to rubber goods, for the most part, is irreversable.
Dry Snorkel - Type of snorkel which, when completely submerged closes the snorkel bore keeping water out of the snorkel barrel. Read more on Snorkels.
Dry Suits - Type of exposure suit designed to act as a barrier between the snorkeler and the water by use of neck, wrist and ankle seals which are usually composed of a thin latex rubber.
Environment - From an ecological standpoint environment would pertain to air, water, minerals and organisms as well as all other outside factors that that surround and have an affect on a given organism at any time. Snorkelers could be in an air environment, land, water or marine life environment.
Exposure Protection - Anything that will act as a barrier between you and any portions of the surrounding environment which may cause adverse reactions. This is inclusive of sun, wind, heat and cold. Sunscreen, hats, windbreakers and wetsuits are just some of the examples that would fall into the exposure protection category. Read more on Neoprene vs Lycra.
Exposure Suit - In snorkeling an exposure suit could be made of something as simple and nylon or lycra which would be more of a protection against sun and ultra violet rays. It could also consist of neoprene rubber which adds a measure of insulation which slows down the body’s heat loss. Read more on Neoprene vs Lycra.
Fins - Foot gear used by snorkelers and scuba divers which provide locomotion through the water. Read more on Snorkeling Fins.
Fin Strap - Device, usually made of rubber. which is used on open heel fins to affix the fin to the foot. They adjust to accommodate a wider range of foot size. Read more on Snorkeling Fins.
Fish - Aquatic organisms which are cold blooded and a great source of enjoyment to snorkelers.
Fitness Fins - Style of fin usually used in pools and confined water environments for the purpose increasing leg strength and endurance. Fitness fins can be full foot style or the open heel style but both are generally worn barefoot. The fitness fin blades are shorter than travel ready and regular size fins. Read more on Snorkeling Fins.
Fixed Tube Snorkel - Fixed Tube snorkels are the ones that the bottom 1/3 is stationary and tends to remain close to the mouth when not in use. The may swivel but for the most part they are little or non-moving. These are also called “J” type snorkels because of their resemblance to the letter J. Read more on Snorkels.
Flexible Tube Snorkel - Flexible Tube Snorkels are those that fall away from the mouth when not in use. They usually employ the use of silicone or a softer grade rubber in the lower tube portion of the snorkel. The flexible portion looks corrugated in design. The inside of the corrugated portion is not corrugated so as not to trap any water after clearing it. Read more on Snorkels.
Flutter Kick - This is the most common means of propelling one through the water while wearing fins. This kick is usually done with little or no bending of the knees. When skin diving or scuba diving these kicks are usually wider than the flutter kick of a snorkeler. The snorkeler moves the legs un an up and down motion while horizontal in the water. While one leg is moving in an upward thrust, the other is moving in a downward thrust.
Foot Pocket - Contrary to what it sounds, a foot pocket is not a place to put your feet when they are cold. It is actually the part of the open heel or full foot fin where the foot goes in order to wear them. Read more on Snorkeling Fins.
Fresh Water - Water that is on a salt free diet. In snorkeling, fresh water can include inland lakes and sometimes even slow moving rivers. The marine life in fresh water is usually less colorful than salt water marine life but it can just as diverse. There are some forms of marine life that can exist in either environment such as manatees and salmon but they are more the exception than the rule.
Frog Kick - This is a type of kick where the fins are kept together with the toes pointed as the snorkeler is bringing them closer to the torso by bending the knees. Then the fins are separated while bending the anklesat a near 45 degree angle. The snorkeler then thrusts the fins by straightening the legs until the fins are back in the original together position. This kick tends to use more energy than the flutter or dolphin kick but when done correctly is can be effective.
Full Foot Fins - Style of fin which does not require the use of wetsuit boots or water shoes. (see barefoot fins) Read more on Snorkeling Fins.
Halogen - Halogen in the case of snorkeling refers to the type of lighting used in camera strobes and various underwater lights. It uses a tungsten filiment which is surrounded by a gas from the Halogen group which is housed in a quartz envelope rather than glass which used in conventional light bulbs. When activated, the bulbs provide a hotter and brighter light.
Hand Signals - A form of nonverbal communication using hand gestures to convey directions and/or information.
Hook and Loop Closures - Hook and Loop closures consist of 2 pieces of nylon material, one of which is a series of stiff bristles while the other is a spun nylon material. When joined together, the bristles become enmeshed into the spun nylon materials to effectively form a decently secure closure. This material is commonly on outside pockets of equipment and snorkeling bags.
Housings - Waterproof cases designed to allow cameras and video recorders to be used in the water. Because of the varied camera and video recorder designs, the cases are camera and video specific. They can be make out of heavy duty clear plastics or metal.
Kelp Kick - This is one of the three types of surface dives that are an option for skin divers. Unlike the pike and tuck surface dives which are head first, the kelp kick is a feet first descent. The skin diver would separate the legs as far apart as possible (one fin in front and the other in back). Their hands are brought up from the sides of the body at a 90 degree angle. The hands are cupped with fingers together and palms facing down. In a simultaneous motion the hands are brought quickly down to the sides while the fins are brought together. Very much like a soldier coming to attention. This causes the skin diver’s upper body to raise out of the water. The hands are then put together as if in prayer then raised above the the head. If done correctly, the combined weight of the torso and the hands will allow the skin diver to go under the water. This is one of the least effective of the three styles of surface dives available to the skin diver.
Kicking - In snorkeling it is the action used in conjunction with fins to provide locomotion to the snorkeler. There are different styles of kicks. (See dolphin kick, flutter kick and frog kick)
LED- LED is the abbreviation used for “light emitting diode”. These diodes are an alternate form lighting which does not use a filament as does the traditional light bulb. It is also a more energy efficient means of creating light. More of the electrical energy is directed toward the production of light rather than heating up a filament as is found in tradional light bulbs. In snorkeling, LEDs can be found in underwater lights. The light emitted from an LED is a white light as opposed to having a yellowish hue.
Lens - In reference to to personal snorkeling equipment, the word lens is usually referring to the tempered glass eyepieces in the snorkeling mask. Tempered glass lenses are preferred as they are good for snorkeling as well as scuba and skin diving. They also resist scratches better than the plastic lenses. Lens can also refer to vision corrective inserts (see Diopters and Prescription Lenses).
Lycra Skins - This is a form of exposure protection which can also be referred to as a rash guards, diving skins or just plain skins. They are worn over the swim suit or swim trunks (please wear something underneath as they leave little to the imagination). They offer little in the way of thermal insulation but are often worn underneath wetsuits which makes the donning and doffing of wet of wetsuits a lot less frustrating. They do give the snorkeler more protection against sunburn and are a decent barrier against smaller jellyfish encounters. Read more on Neoprene vs Lycra.
Marine Life - Marine life is a broad term used to define organisms, plants and animals who either spend the bulk if not their entire existance in water. This can include warm blooded mammals such as whales, manatees and seals as well as cold blooded animals such as fish and reptiles. It can also be used in a more definitive sense by adding a classification such as Salt Water Marine Life and Fresh Water Marine Life.
Mask - An air space is needed in front of the eyes when one wants to see something under water. The mask is the vital piece of equipment which helps to provide that air space. Masks for snorkeling consist of one or more lenses, a face skirt which is usually made of some sort of silicone or rubber and an adjustable strap which keeps the mask comfortably in place. It is interesting to note that due to refraction (the bending of light rays as they travel through different media), objects viewed underwater while wearing a mask appear about 25 percent larger and closer than objects seen through a mask in an air environment. Read more on Snorkeling Masks
Mask Buckles - Made of either lexan plastics or metals, mask buckles are used to keep the mask’s strap affixed to the mask. It also keeps any strap length adjustments made for personal fit from loosening. Read more on Snorkeling Masks
Mask Strap - This is usually a strip of silicone, rubber or a combination of nylon weave with neoprene material which helps to keep the mask on the head. The thinner ends of the strap are placed through mask buckles which allow addjustments for fit. The middle of the strap is wider which allows for more comfort to the one wearing it. Read more on Snorkeling Masks
Mouthpiece - Part of the snorkel that is placed in the mouth. It is usually made of one of three different materials which are rubber, silicone or a PVC. The mouthpiece a lip flange and two bite tabsbite tabs. When placed in the mouth the lip flange will rest between the inner lips and the teeth. When the mouth is closed the teeth will be resting on the bite tabs. Many of the higher end snorkels have mouthpieces that can be replaced. Some can be replaced with generic mouthpiece replacements but with the many different designs being made over the years, snorkel mouthpieces are becoming manufacturer specific. Read more on Snorkels.
Neoprene - A synthetic rubber which was developed in the 1930s. In snorkeling and scuba diving, neoprene rubber is primarily found in wetsuits, hoods, boots and gloves. It is a great insulator. It also offers more protection against abrasions, stings, sunburn and cuts than bare skin. Common thicknesses found are .05mm, 3mm, 5mm, 6mm and 7mm. The thicker neoprene provides greater insulation than the thinner neoprene. Read more on Neoprene vs Lycra.
One Time Use Cameras - Usually found in major chain stores, the one time use cameras are a relatively inexpensive way to take pictures on land and underwater with the underwater versions. The complete camera is turned in to be developed afterwhich it is disposed of and in some cases recycled. The ones made for water will have a depth rating.
Open Heel Fins - Style of fin which traditionally requires the use of additional water related footwear such as water shoes or wetsuit boots. Open heel fins are made to fit a broader range of foot sizes because of the adjustable fin strap used to keep them on the feet. There are open heeled fins on the market that are made to be worn barefoot. Make sure to read the packaging or product description for clarification. Read more on Snorkeling Fins.
Paddle Fins - This refers to the blade portion of the fins. Paddle fin blades are usually narrower at the foot pocket and wider at the fin tips. This type of blade can be found in both the full foot fins and the strap fins. The blade can be one solid piece or a combination of materials. Paddle fins can also have vents in them which reduce some of the energy energy needed to use them. Read more on Snorkeling Fins.
Pike Surface Dive - This is one of the three methods skin divers use to get below the surface of the water. It is best to perform this surface dive while in motion. The skin diver kicks horizontally at the surface to get a sort of running start. When ready to actually do the pike surface dive, the skin Diver bends the torso forward at the hips while simultaneously bringing both unbent legs out of the water. The weight of the legs and hips along with gravity will aid in getting the skin diver below the surface with minimal effort.
Prescription Lenses - These are for vision correction and are based on your personal vision correction needs as prescribed by a licensed optometrist. In snorkeling these are either chemically bonded to existing faceplates in masks with 1, 2, 3 or 4 windows or can be custom ground for 2 and 4 window masks whose lenses are able to be removed. The can also include bifocals. Read more on Snorkeling Masks.
Purge Valve - Purge valves are one way valves used in some snorkel and mask styles that allow the snorkeler to vent any water that may have gotten in without having to remove the mask or snorkel. Read more on Snorkels.
Rash Guard - Term for dive skins which are usually a shirt or shorts or combination of both. The name was originally coined by surfers who wore these to prevent chaffing of the chest and thighs from contact with their surfboards (See Lycra Skins) Read more on Neoprene vs Lycra.
Reef - A complete self contained ecosystem comprised of various soft and hard corals and marine life.
Replacement Parts - Usually a kit made up of user replaceable items such as mask straps, fin straps, batteries and any other part that can be replaced.
Safety Equipment - Any item used to summon assistance or used to alleviate a possible problematic or panicky situation. Items can include a whistle, signal mirror and signal sausage.
Safety Sausage - Also called a signal tube, the safety sausage is considered an emergency signaling device. It is usually made of polyurethane with a brightly colored nylon laminate exterior and with an oral inflator tube. It is in tubular in design and it can vary in length anywhere between 40 and 60 inches. Should the snorkeler find themselves in a situation where assistance is needed, they need only to inflate the signal sausage and hold it perpendicular to the water’s surface. The color is a sharp contrast to the water which makes locating the snorkeler needing assistance a lot easier. When not in use the signal sausage is rolled up and attached to the snorkeler’s vest within easy reach.
Salt Water - Water that has salt in it, of which, three quarters of planet earth’s surface is covered.
Semi-Dry Snorkel - This is a specific style of snorkel which is designed to keep splashed water from entering the top of the snorkel. There are many different variations but they all share the sam principle, which is to deflect the water away from the top bore opening. The snorkel tube will fill with water if the snorkel tube gets completely submerged, hence the name Semi Dry. Read more on Snorkels.
Signal Tube - See Safety Sausage
Signaling Devices - These are items used to draw attention to the person wanting attention. For the snorkeler they are either visual, audio or tactile and can be divided in two classifications. The first classification would be those items used to gain your snorkeling buddies attention while the second would be items used in distress situations. Whistles are recognized as distress signals and should never be used just to get your snorkeling buddy’s attention. There are noisemakers that scuba divers use to get their buddy’s attention. Some of these work just as well for snorkelers and Skin Divers. Usually snorkeling buddies are in close enough proximity to one another to simply reach out and tap them on the shoulder.
Silicone - A type of material that is soft and used for masks, snorkels & fins.
Skin Diving - Using snorkeling gear with the intent of going completely below the surface of the water while holding one’s breath also called breath hold diving and freediving.
Snorkel - A tubelike device which allows a person on the surface of the water to breathe while they are in a face down position. Read more on Snorkels.
Snorkel Keeper - Device used to attach the snorkel to the mask. In the case of some snorkels the snorkel keeper may actually be integrated into the snorkel itself. Read more on Snorkels.
Snorkel Vest - A snorkeling vest is an important part of a snorkeler’s equipment. It isusually constructed of a single polyurethane bladder with an outside nylon material laminate, adjustable nylon strap webbing and an oral inflator hose. The snorkeling vest is usually worn deflated or partially inflated while snorkeling. Its primary function is to add positive bouyancy to a snorkeler should they need to rest. It is not considered a life jacket and should not be used with that intention. Older model snorkeling vests employed the use of CO2 (carbon dioxide) cartridges which, when activated, filled the vest without having to orally inflate it. Manufacture of snorkeling vests with CO2 cartridges was abandoned when it was discovered that the actuator device could malfunction due to corrosion. Newer models must be orally inflated. Read more on Snorkeling Vests.
Snorkeling - An in water recreational activity which, through the use of specialized equipment, allows one to comfortably view and explore the underwater world while remaining at the water’s surface.
Snorkeling Equipment - Apparel and devices designed to allow a person to engage in the sport of snorkeling and/or skin diving. Basic items include mask, fins, snorkel, snorkeling vest and suitable exposure protection. Read more on Snorkeling Masks, Snorkeling Fins, Snorkels & Snorkeling Vests.
Snorkeling Hazards -
Spare Parts Kit - A waterproof bag or box that consists of an extra fin strap, mask strap, flashlight batteries, snorkel mouthpiece, snorkel keeper, etc.
Split Fins - A style of fin designed and developed by a company called Nature’s Wing out of California. The split fin technology is easy to identify as the fin blade looks as if it is sliced in half lengthwise. This design created a whole new category of fin, the result of which, was the creation of a fin with excellent propulsion without requiring the energy needed with conventional fins. Read more on Snorkeling Fins.
Strap Fins - (See Open Heel Fins) Read more on Snorkeling Fins.
Streamlining - In snorkeling streamling is the conscious arrangement of both equipment and body position with the intent of creating less resistance while moving through the denser water environment.
Submersible Lights - Illumination devices that are specifically designed for underwater use. Submersible lights are all battery operated and use Halogen, Xenon light bulbs or a light emitting diode (LED) for the actual illumination. The amount or intensity of the produced light is measured in Lumens, Watts and or Candlepower. The bulbs and LED all create heat when in use but the heat is dissipated when the lights are submerged. Submersible lights are not recommended for prolonged use out of the water with the exception of those with LEDs. The amount or intensity of the produced light is measured in Lumens, Watts and or Candlepower. The higher numbers of these measurements simply mean a brighter or more intense light as well as a hotter temperature. Lights using LED technology produce less heat when in use. (See also Halogen, Xenon and LED)
Surge - The rythmic movement of the water usually toward shore caused by wave action. The “surge” is the stronger forward movement of the water. Snorkelers moving through surge have described it similar to walking 10 steps forward but ending up 5 steps back.
SPF - SPF is the abbreviation for Sun Protection Factor which is the numerical rating found on sunscreen and sunblock products which indicates the amount of time that it takes for the ultraviolet rays to begin affecting the skin. The higher the SPF rating, the longer it takes for the sun’s rays to begin affecting the skin.
Sun Protection - Products and/or apparel used to slow or block Ultra Violet Rays from the sun which can be harmful to bare skin. (see also Exposure Protection and Exposure Suits)
Sunscreen - Term applied to liquids, lotions and creams applied to bare skin which are formulated to delay or block the effect of the sun’s harmful rays. All sunscreens and sunblocks are numerically rated as to the amount of protection that they provide. (See also SPF)
Surface Dives - Surface dives are an in water means for a snorkeler to turn into a skin diver. The three most common to Skin Divers are the Pike Surface Dive, Tuck Surface dive and the Kelp Kick. All of them are based on the principle of getting as much of the body out of the water and allowing the weight of the out of water parts to get the skin diver under the water (See also, Pike Surface Dive, Tuck and Kelp Kick)
Tide - Water movement caused by the gravitational forces of the sun and the moon. Most shore entries for snorkelers are encouraged during what is call High Slack Tide. This is the time between the end of High Tide and the start of Low Tide.
Travel Ready Fins - Fins that are shorter and lighter that fit into a suitcase. Read more on Snorkeling Fins.
Tuck Dives - Type of surface dive used in skin diving in which can be done stationary or while kicking forward. The concept being that while the skindiver starts orienting their body position head down (perpendicular) to the surface of the water their knees are brought in forming a compact rotating ball. When properly positioned the legs are quickly thrust up and out of the water. This action uses the weight of the legs and the hips to naturally aid in submerging the skindiver. Once the fins are submerged the skindiver begins to kick to obtain additional depth.
Undertow - The subsurface backdraft (seaward) movement of water caused by waves breaking on shore. This can also refer to any subsurface current that moves in a different direction than the surface current.
Underwater Digital Cameras - Cameras come with housing that allows you to go underwater
Underwater Film Cameras - Cameras come with housing that uses 35mm film and allows you to go underwater
Underwater Light - Hand held illumination device specifically designed for in-water or under water use. For snorkelers and skin divers underwater lights are a must if engaging in night snorkeling. You also lose colors in water which are lost in a particulor order as depth increases. The first color lost is red followed by orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and finally violet which may be remembered by the term Roy-g-biv. Feel free to impress your friends with this new found knowledge. Lights using krypton, halogen or xenon bulbs should not be used out of the water for extended periods as they tend to heat up (the water cools them down) LED lights are a “cooler” light so they are good for in water and out of water use.
Underwater Video - Means of recording and capturing moving memories of the underwater world using electronic imaging devices which usually require a device specific waterproof housing.
Warm Water Fins - Fins that have a foot pocket and generally lighter and easy to travel with. Read more on Snorkeling Fins.
Waves - Rises and falls primarily caused by currents in open water.
Weights - Made of lead weight in a solid form or shot form and comes in ankle weights.
Wetsuits - Usually made of neoprene material and is considering exposure protection. Read more on Neoprene vs Lycra.