Humans have been using snorkels for centuries. Whether it was sponge farming in ancient Greece or "human submarines" spearfishing in the 1930s, a hollow tube is an intuitive solution for uninterrupted below-water activity. Because the basic idea of the snorkel is so intuitive, most folks don't give them a lot of extra thought. However, there's more to how snorkels work than meets the eye. Most modern snorkels don't look anything like a simple hollow reed, after all! Modern snorkels are … [Read more...] about How Do Snorkels Work? (Wet, Semi-Dry, and Dry Snorkels)
Gear Guides
Ultra Clear and ARC Glass in Dive Masks Explained
Glass in dive masks seems like it should be a pretty basic topic, right? Every dive mask needs glass lenses or a faceplate, and glass is glass! However, anyone who wears optical glasses knows that there's a lot of complexity that goes into glass manufacturing. There are all kinds of anti-reflective coatings, polarizing tints, and anti-scratch treatments you can get for your lenses (to the point it is something of a racket). Technologies that have been common in optics for decades are now making … [Read more...] about Ultra Clear and ARC Glass in Dive Masks Explained
Top 5 Freediving Fins for Beginners
Buyer's Guide Freediving is the sport of diving down to recreational SCUBA depths on one’s own breath. Recreational freediving has had spurts of increased popularity in recent years, and even PADI (known for SCUBA training) now also offers freediving courses. Experienced snorkelers and SCUBA divers often find themselves drawn to this remarkable sport. That means you likely already have most of the equipment, like a basic mask and snorkel, to start freediving. However, you will need to … [Read more...] about Top 5 Freediving Fins for Beginners
Gifts for Snorkelers and Divers (That They’ll Actually Use!)
Getting gifts for people is hard. At least it is for me! There's a special kind of anxiety associated with gift shopping, isn't there? After all, this is your chance to show a person just how well you know them! That's why I love it when my friends and family have very obvious interests and hobbies. Snorkelers and divers are usually very vocal about their affinity for all things ocean. So that makes your job a little easier. Watersports are activities, so it's not difficult to get gifts for … [Read more...] about Gifts for Snorkelers and Divers (That They’ll Actually Use!)
What To Look For In A Dive Mask (Top 5 Quality Indicators)
Are you looking to get yourself a new mask for snorkeling, SCUBA diving, or freediving? If you're not a veteran of these sports, finding equipment that is both high quality and personally suitable for you can feel like an overwhelming task. There are so many different masks to choose from! However, there are a few critical features you should always look for in a dive mask to ensure it meets basic safety and performance standards. It doesn't matter if you're new to diving, or just a casual … [Read more...] about What To Look For In A Dive Mask (Top 5 Quality Indicators)