Snorkeling is one of the few sports which allows the widest range of participants. It is less discriminating with regard to age, gender or body size. The important thing to remember while engaging in any sport is to recognize your limits and strive not to exceed them. Water is a denser environment than air and does require that more energy be used while moving through it. Most people who engage in snorkeling are involved in the visual aspect of the marine environment that they don't realize that they are engaging in exercise. Snorkeling is a great activity to include in a person's exercise regimen. Fitness swimmers often include mask, fins, snorkel in their workouts to build endurance and increase their cardio vascular efficiency.

There are some limitations as to whether a person can or can not engage in snorkeling which usually deal with severe respiratory and/or cardiovascular disorders. With regard to your snorkeling health, anyone who is under a doctor's care for respiratory and/or cardiovascular disorders would be wise in consulting their physician prior to engaging in snorkeling activities. In many instances, physician's encourage in water activity as a form of therapy. Any other medical questions regarding snorkel activities should be referred to your physician. The physician is interested in your overall health in the same way we are interested in your snorkeling health. A healthy snorkeler is a happy snorkeler.

Water is about 800 times denser than air and moving through it does require more energy than moving through an air environment. Developing proper snorkel techniques such as proper fin kicking and streamlining will help the snorkeler utilize this extra energy more efficiently. Taking a snorkeling course is always advised. Most stores that offer courses in scuba diving will also offer snorkeling/skin diving courses. There is a difference between snorkeling and skin diving. Snorkeling is always at the surface of the water whereas skin diving is learning how to submerge using snorkeling gear to depth. Scuba diving facilities usually teach the combination rather than just snorkeling. If there is no Scuba dive training facility near you, you might check with local YMCA's, Health Clubs and in your area to see if they offer any instruction. High Schools and Colleges may also offer this as part of their curriculum. Professional facilities will more than likely require that a medical statement (which may require a physician's approval in some instances) to be completed prior to participation for liability reasons.

There is no certification required that will prevent participation in snorkeling but a piece of advice that should always be foremost is to know your limits and don't exceed them. Improving your snorkeling health may also prove to be a positive thing for your overall health.