The Dive shop on the North side of Hillary's Boat Harbour sorted us out years ago - like 10yrs ago. We snorkel reasonably often and all our gear is still going strong. Don't recall paying stupid money either - but did not get flippers - we just use the cheapy sets of flippers - but go a good mask and snorkel - as you don't want leaks in either.
Always wondered if a 5 odd Meter length ,flexi type tube going to the surface would work to extend snorkelling depths ?? But not going to these clunky extremes ( although pretty cool ) p.s I have no real advice on the question
Always wondered if a 5 odd Meter length ,flexi type tube going to the surface would work to extend snorkelling depths ?? Nope. Physiological dead air. You only shift the amount of air in your lungs, so normal snorkling is about 600ml. thats why snorkles are only a standard length; otherwise you will be breathing only your exhaled air..........
JulianRoss said.. Always wondered if a 5 odd Meter length ,flexi type tube going to the surface would work to extend snorkelling depths ?? Nope. Physiological dead air. You only shift the amount of air in your lungs, so normal snorkling is about 600ml. thats why snorkles are only a standard length; otherwise you will be breathing only your exhaled air..........
The bigger reason is the pressure on your chest prevents you from sucking in air at atmospheric pressure from the surface (you could get round the dead air issue with an exhaust valve).
Got a good set from the guys at the dive shop on the foreshore at Rockingham earlier in the year.... great blokes to deal with and they didn't try and sell me gold plated when I was only after just better than budget! All the gear there too....
You can buy mask, fins and snorkel, all for under $50 US. There's nothing to a basic snorkel (bent tube with a mouthpiece). Mask is all about fit. You have to try them on and one that sticks by pressing on (no straps) and stays on for 4 + seconds without sucking in through your nose is a good fit. Standard shoe fins (non adjustable) work great, just wear some running socks to prevent blisters. Keep it simple.
Companies try to come up with something new for marketing, but there has been little improvement in the last 50 yrs, at least for the recreational snorkeler.
If your dive mask is made from clear rubber, the rubber snorkel must be made from the same stuff. Many masks are made from black rubber, which require a black snorkel,,,,,,,,,,,, don't laugh. If you combine a clear mask with a black snorkel, where they touch each other, they will disintegrate each other, something about the chemical make up of the two different kinds of rubber, they don't like each other. The rubber materials must match, but I don't think that applies to plastic.