Snorkeling
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Snorkeling refers to swimming and diving without a breathing apparatus using a snorkel . Snorkeling is often used to observe the underwater world or to rescue water . Snorkeling can also be viewed as a special form of apnea diving .
equipment
Snorkeling is usually done with ABC equipment consisting of a diving mask with a snorkel and diving fins , with the fins being optional. The mask should fit well and comfortably, the maximum length of the snorkel of 35 cm must not be exceeded. If the snorkel is too long, there is a risk of pendulum breathing , so that the exhaled air is inhaled again and no fresh air is supplied. Furthermore, a pressure difference can arise between the lungs and the surrounding tissue, which can lead to circulatory collapse. In colder waters, diving suits and gloves can be part of the equipment. Since a neoprene wetsuit provides buoyancy, carrying small amounts of lead may be helpful. Specialist shops continue to offer snorkel vests that are inflated with the mouth and thus provide buoyancy in an emergency. In warm holiday regions, snorkeling is particularly attractive due to the colorful diversity underwater. Due to the strong solar radiation, dermatologists recommend wearing UV protection to protect against sunburn and skin cancer. Instead of a thick wetsuit, ultra-light and breathable UV shirts and UV shorts with UV protection of up to 300 are worn in hot destinations.
technology
The basic requirement for snorkeling is that you can swim safely . When snorkeling you swim on the surface of the water with a view into the water, and you breathe through the snorkel . In this way, swimmers can keep their eyes on the underwater world without having to lift their face out of the water to take a breath. Diving is also part of snorkeling. However, this should not be confused with apnea diving . When snorkeling, too, attention must be paid to the pressure equalization in the inner ear and the sinuses in order to avoid barotrauma . Since water runs into the snorkel when diving, it is important to force it out by exhaling vigorously before inhaling. Some snorkels are equipped with an exhaust valve, which makes it easier to blow out. There are also dry snorkels in which little or no water runs when diving.
application
Snorkeling offers the opportunity to easily and safely participate in the underwater world and is a popular leisure activity; also in combination with underwater photography or films. Furthermore, when scuba diving, the way to the dive site or back to the boat can be covered by swimming on the water surface with the help of a snorkel to save breathing air. The snorkel as part of the diving equipment can serve as an additional air supply. Snorkeling is still used in underwater sports such as underwater hockey or underwater rugby for movement, and it is also suitable for fitness training .
Various water rescue organizations from Germany, Austria and Switzerland as well as diving schools offer a snorkel diving badge or something similar.
sports
Various sports have developed around snorkeling. In underwater rugby, as in underwater hockey, snorkeling is used to move around on the surface of the water, while the actual game takes place during the diving phase. In these sports, snorkeling is used in addition to fin swimming and apnea diving as fitness training.
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ Spomedial, ABC equipment
- ↑ a b Into the water, tips for snorkeling equipment . FAZ , July 30, 2012.