Diving Mask And Snorkel

1. Basic Structure of the Snorkel

Wave-Resistant Design
A snorkel is essentially a J-shaped plastic tube. One of its most functional features is the wave-resistant design found in certain models at the tube opening, which helps prevent excessive water from entering. It's important to note that, regardless of the snorkel type, even those with a flap on the mouthpiece cannot completely prevent water from entering. However, the amount of water that gets in varies by snorkel type, which we'll explore in more detail later.

Bottom Water Reservoir
Snorkels are primarily designed for portability. The longer and thicker the tube, the more effort is required to clear accumulated water. It also increases the dead air space, making breathing more difficult. However, the tube shouldn't be too short either, as that would cause water to backflow into it frequently. The optimal snorkel length is about 35–40 cm, with a diameter of approximately 56 mm. The length is measured from the tube opening to the bottom bend, and the diameter is based on the mouthpiece width.

This bottom bend is the lowest point of the snorkel, acting as a reservoir where water can collect. This design allows for normal breathing even when a small amount of water is present. But once the water level rises too high, it's time to use a clearing technique to expel it.

Mouthpiece
The mouthpiece greatly affects comfort while using a snorkel. It's made of silicone, which is elastic and non-irritating to the mouth. However, most snorkels have non-replaceable mouthpieces, making them one of the first pieces of personal gear divers usually purchase, often together with a mask. If you don't buy your own, you can use disposable mouthpiece covers when renting for hygiene purposes. It's advisable to keep a few spares on hand.