vibrating snorkel +

[HJ]

[FYI: my User Name has changed to "HJ" at my request. Thanks Stephen W.]

Just came back from a pool workout -- my second with my new Omer snorkel (with my Omer Alien mask, which I love). I notice that at speed, the snorkel "vibrates" or "oscillates" quite a bit. It even does at low speed, but going very slow it stops doing this. It's a bit annoying. Any ideas about how to fix this? Note: I'm using the afixed clip for attaching to snorkel strap. I guess I could try a traditional circle gasket instead of the clip. What do you think?

And while I'm on the snorkel subject... This may seem like a silly question, but I'm wondering... why do I need a snorkel? (for my upcoming Bahamas trip for swimming with dolphins and fun freediving) I don't know if it's my inexperience with the snorkel or my feeling that I want the fewest "attachments" whilst in the water (I've always been like that, which is one reason I didn't continue with scuba). Does the advantage of keeping your face in the water really overwhelm the extra stuff, trouble, purging, etc.? Maybe needed for Buddying? I'll take the snorkel on my trip in any case but trying to decide how much to practice with it. And now how to keep it from vibrating.

Thanks for feedback.

(BTW, I sometimes see videos from EU where the freedivers are holding their snorkels in their hands out front... what's that all about?)

[Robbert]

Hi HJ,

Do you "really need" a snorkel? Yes absolutely but it's very easy to test this out yourself on this Bahamas trip - bring your snorkel on the boat and do a few dives without it. You will quickly realize the benefits of just keeping your face in the water.

As far as the vibrations - yes this could have something to do with the type of keeper you have and a old fashioned figure 8 keeper spread nicely on the snorkel tube could help. What can also help is where you position the keeper on the strap - a lot of newbies tend to position the snorkel tube closer to the mask whereas the ideal position is actually much further back - actually as far back on the strap as you can comfortably get it - this will probably help reduce the vibrations.

- Robbert

[island_sands]

Hmm. Where can I buy such a snorkel?

[HJ]

Originally Posted by Robbert

Hi HJ, Do you "really need" a snorkel? Yes absolutely but it's very easy to test this out yourself on this Bahamas trip - bring your snorkel on the boat and do a few dives without it. You will quickly realize the benefits of just keeping your face in the water.

Hey Robbert, good to see you here! Yeah, I'm going to give it the full test on my trip. I'm sure you're right about the ultimate conclusion, but I'll see. I'll keep pool-practicing with it.

As far as the vibrations - yes this could have something to do with the type of keeper you have and a old fashioned figure 8 keeper spread nicely on the snorkel tube could help. What can also help is where you position the keeper on the strap - a lot of newbies tend to position the snorkel tube closer to the mask whereas the ideal position is actually much further back - actually as far back on the strap as you can comfortably get it - this will probably help reduce the vibrations.

You may be right about the keeper, and I'll put on the figure 8 to see. FYI, I've already moved the snorkel way back on the strap (needed to fit comfortably in my mouth), and that's where it's vibrating. Maybe I'm just going too fast!

thanks for advice. -- Harald or HJ

[Robbert]

Hi Harald!

Make the effort to pick up a traditional figure 8 keeper before your trip. Think of it like this, a modern keeper provides only a very small contact point between the strap and the snorkel. The wider that contact point is, the more stable your snorkel will be.

Also, you mentioned in passing "trouble purging"....you might think of getting a better snorkel. The best snorkels clear nearly 100% (or seem that way at least) with just a puff and should be no "trouble" whatsoever! If your left with that gurgling water in the bottom of your snorkel every time you clear. it's time to upgrade...and yes, a purge valve in the right snorkel will make a huge difference.

I recently did a lot of testing on non-purge designs trying to see if we could develop a non-purge that would clear as well as our best purge...so far no luck!

I have some ideas for the absolute perfect snorkel but need some time to work on that project. It definitely does not exist yet!

- Robbert

[Dennis77]

It depends on what you want to do.

If you´re looking for fish and stuff, you need a snorkel. Or let´s say; you don´t need it, but it makes it easier. You can take a look from the surface, before going down.

As I´m an european guy..... *g*, yes, I hold my snorkel in my hands. If I´m going deeper than 10, 15 meters.
I´m using a simple Cressi America Snorkel. I don´t attach it to my mask in any way. I just have it in my mouth, let it "swim". I don´t have any problems with water going in my snorkel. Just before my duckdive I put my snorkel out of my mouth, keeping it in my hands. No problems at all.


If I´m diving on a rope, I don´t like to use the snorkel at all.

[Pastor]

Originally Posted by HJ

[FYI: my User Name has changed to "HJ" at my request. Thanks Stephen W.]

Ah, that explains it! I was wondering.

Who were you before by the way? It doesn't say

[sanso]

Originally Posted by Pastor

..Who were you before by the way? It doesn't say

If the name was changed, then chances are that You don't want to go there.

[spaghetti]

Briefly:
1-throw away the clip and keep the snorkel under your mask strap
2-spit when diving
3-eventually, for deep dives, slip it off the mask strap and put it under your belt
OR, in alternative:
4-under your pants to impress the Mermaids with a prominent lunch bag
(only points 1, 2 and 3 are to be taken seriously: mermaids say size does not matter)

[sanso]

You can also attach (tape works well) styrofoam or neoprene-leftovers to the snorkel and then not attach it, but just spit it out for deep dives. It will then be picked up by Your trusty buddy and wait for You, when You're back up.

[Lockedin]

Cool thread! HJ, if you're spearing, you'd do well do heed Robbert's advice (figure 8 spread high & wide on the mask strap). The bad vibes should stop (and stop scaring fish). Slipping under the weight belt works well, but I had to buy a few snorkels before I just left it on the mask. (I dive in thick kelp - oh, and I'm not that great...)

Going hand held seems to be the way to go for the depth oriented. (IMHO) In the hand / belt is more streamlined than on the head.

Last thing: Spaghetti - stuffing the snorkel down my pants only seemed to impress the eels!

[sanso]

BTW: Sara, If You have trouble with a non-vibrating snorkel, I found a little device that will provide vibration and - from the form of it - it seems to be made especially for being attached to snorkels. What a great idea!
I was lucky enough to find one in a shop where I usually go to get hypoallergenic clothing (made from latex).

[spaghetti]

Originally Posted by sanso

BTW: Sara, If You have trouble with a non-vibrating snorkel, I found a little device that will provide vibration and - from the form of it - it seems to be made especially for being attached to snorkels. What a great idea!
I was lucky enough to find one in a shop where I usually go to get hypoallergenic clothing (made from latex).

oh sure, that's what I always say: "err...it's not what you think, it's just...hypoallergenic clothing!"

[Pablo]

Originally Posted by island_sands

Hmm. Where can I buy such a snorkel?

Dont know... but I'm sure there are other ways I can help you

[HJ]

Wow, some cool ideas I've got to try. Got my next assignments. I really like "swim free" one. THANKS! Will report back.

RE: name change... if I tell you who I was/am, I'll have to kill you. [old American joke]