If you've been on a casual snorkeling trip, you probably didn't think much about what was on your feet beside the fins themselves. Perhaps you used a simple pair of rental fins that you just slipped over your bare feet. However, perhaps you also found that your fins felt loose and slippery, even if they were the right size. Or maybe the fin pocket chafed around your ankles, leaving uncomfortable blisters. To take your snorkeling to the next level, you can optimize these imperfections by wearing … [Read more...] about Wearing Socks with Fins (Choosing Thickness, Styles, and Materials)
Snorkeling Articles
You'll find all my posts related to snorkeling here. Most of these articles target beginners, but I like to challenge my readers. That means even experienced snorkelers could learn something new! The articles include gear and clothing guides, reviews, tutorials, and techniques.
Sun Protection Clothing for Snorkeling (A Shopping Guide)
We've all heard the news about thinning ozone and increased rates of melanoma. On the other hand, we've also all heard the news about vitamin D and seasonal affective disorder. Doctors keep telling us how important it is to cover up in the sun, but in the same breath emphasize how healthy sun exposure is too. Add snorkeling to the mix and things get even more complicated. Swimwear typically offers less coverage than regular clothing, and sunscreens may have devastating effects on coral reefs. … [Read more...] about Sun Protection Clothing for Snorkeling (A Shopping Guide)
How Your Snorkeling Fins Should Fit (Full-foot and Open-Heel)
You've just bought a new pair of snorkeling fins. You tried them on at home and they fit your feet perfectly! And yet, when you finally get in the water with them for the first time they start slipping off your feet mid-kick! What happened? If I'm on a snorkeling tour, I'm almost guaranteed to spy a lost rental fin floating by at some point. The thing is, how your snorkeling fins should fit is a bit different from how you fit shoes or other footwear. But with a bit of know-how, you won't have … [Read more...] about How Your Snorkeling Fins Should Fit (Full-foot and Open-Heel)
Yes, You Need Fins For Snorkeling! (Five Reasons Why)
Do you really need fins for snorkeling? This is a disturbingly common question I see on Reddit and Quora. Snorkeling is an activity that gets more popular among vacationers every year. That means every year, countless people are going to try snorkeling for the first time in their lives. Of course, when trying any new sport you'll have a lot of questions... But folks, asking whether you need fins for snorkeling is kind of like asking if you need poles for skiing. I mean, technically you can … [Read more...] about Yes, You Need Fins For Snorkeling! (Five Reasons Why)
Open-Heel Vs. Full-Foot Fins for Snorkeling
With the sheer variety of fins on the market these days, new (and even experienced!) snorkelers can be confused about what choice they should make. Perhaps the most obvious difference among fins is whether they have a closed foot pocket like a slip-on shoe or an open pocket with a strap that goes over your heel. Why do fins come in these two types? And which kind is best for your next snorkeling trip? Let's take a closer look at the differences between open-heel vs. full-foot fins! The key … [Read more...] about Open-Heel Vs. Full-Foot Fins for Snorkeling