Snorkel
is a J-shaped long tube used for breathing by swimmers and divers when
fully submerged in water. It is about 12 inch (30cm) long. A snorkel is
fitted with comfortable mouthpiece, made of plastic or rubber, which
adjust gently in swimmers mouth. It has a piece of rubber that attach it
to the exterior of the strap of snorkeling mask. Snorkels are used for two purposes:
Snorkels allow to peep into the world of water without the limitation of coming out from water each and every time to take a breath. They can help you in other ways too.
- Enable you to surface swim and breathe when you just want to
play in the water without fully submerging.
- When scuba diving, they allow you to conserve air in your tank when you surface
In general snorkels are made of plastic and rubber. In particular the materials used are:
- PVC
- Stiff Rubber
- Dry Snorkel: These snorkels have
a self regulating valve that senses the difference in weight between
air and water, so the snorkel top "shuts off" when
submerged and automatically "opens up" when you surface.
It prevents the snorkeler or diver from clearing the snorkel of
water when it is in use.
- Semi Dry Snorkel: A deflector
type of device is used at the top of these snorkel which is used to
check water from entering the snorkel.
- Purge Snorkel: These snorkels have a one way valve at the bottom of the snorkel that help to release the tapped water. It needs less air to clear it.
