Snorkeling is a breathtaking means of exploring all that Mother Nature has to offer from her underwater wonderland. The first thing a beginner must realize is that they should learn to relax while in the water. Practice will enhance both your skills as well as your confidence in this aquatic paradise. We have supplied several tips and instructions specifically for the new snorkeling fan.

Foremost ensure that your mask is the proper size for your face. Start by holding your snorkel mask to your face. Through your nose, forcefully breathe in. Your mask should provide a perfect seal and remain on your face without you having to hold it up if you are breathing in. In the event that air may be able to leak in you can rest assured that water will also. Make certain to keep any of your hair out when making the seals, if you sport a moustache you might consider the use of a decent amount of Vaseline below your nose allowing it to function as a sealant.

The Mask strap will fit snuggly only at the widest position of your head, which will be towards the back. Should it be at the bottom of the skull water may leak in. In the event that you discover that water is seeping into your mask, reach behind your head and ensure that the strap has not shifted and slipped down. Be sure not to tighten the strap too tightly as this will cause the seal to be broken and the mask to leak.

When selecting fins ensure they are not too tight but merely snug. Should they hurt your feet or cause your toes to curl up then you are likely to develop cramps while you are snorkeling. Should they slip easily from your heals they are obviously too large, however it is better they be a slight larger then to be too small. Fins tend to slide on easier when the feet are wet then when they are dry. Always start with shorter fin lengths and work your way up in size as your legs begin to develop strength.

There is no point in learning to snorkel and to use your mask if you simply cannot see under the water. The problem faced you here is that the heat generated by your face tends to fog up your mask in a matter of a few minutes since the water is much cooler than that of your body. Before getting started; wet the inside of the mask, dump out the water, spit into the mask and rub it around and wash it out. This will prevent fogging to a degree. There are several products that are made specifically to prevent this fogging so be sure to check them out.

As a training exercise before actually going into the water, you could practice breathing with your snorkel. Put on your mask and ensure it is properly adjusted and fitted to your head. Since one of the hardest situations to get comfortable with in snorkeling is having the snorkel held tightly inside your mouth while no longer breathing through your nose this exercise will develop those habits you need to actually snorkel successfully in the water.  In the next exercise you will need to practice floating in water while in the horizontal and face down position.

Your mask should not be wet on the inside however occasionally it may fill with water accidentally. As we have mentioned previously this usually occurs when your mask strap slipped down. Should you experience a flooded mask simply raise your head while pulling the bottom edge away from your mouth and draining the water out.

The effective use of your fins involves what is known as a flutter kick. You should try to maintain your ankles and knees relaxed to prevent leg muscles from starting to cramp and practice maintaining your fins just below the water level. You should avoid using a bicycle type of kick. As you become proficient at this exercise, you will discover that your fins easily propel you in the water. After a while, you will find that you no longer require your arms to help propel you.

Upon mastering your new equipment, you must then practice your movement control in the water. Nothing comes overnight and as you increase your experience level in the water so will you increase your confidence.