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)
Articles form 2020
Snorkeling: How to Breathe Like an Expert (Breath and Buoyancy Control)
So you've just arrived at the beach with some new snorkeling gear. You've never used a mask and snorkel before, but how hard can it be, right? Being able to see underwater and breathe without always lifting your head up feels awesome! And yet, maybe not as awesome as you were hoping... Perhaps you find yourself accidentally inhaling some water, feeling out of breath, or getting a sore jaw. When snorkeling, how you should breathe is not as simple as sticking a tube in your mouth and continuing as … [Read more...] about Snorkeling: How to Breathe Like an Expert (Breath and Buoyancy Control)
January Round-Up: Beginner Freedivers Rejoice!
Welcome to a new decade! I hope you had a restful and well-deserved respite over the holidays! Did you manage to fit in some aquatic adventures? Perhaps try something new? The start of the year is a great time to reflect on personal goals. What are some of the things you've accomplished in the last year, or last 10 years, that you're especially proud of? What would you like to achieve this year and the next 10 years until 2030? Personally, I'd like to dedicate my aquatic pursuits to … [Read more...] about January Round-Up: Beginner Freedivers Rejoice!
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