snorkle?

[black_straws]

I was wondering if there was some secret way to breath through a snorkel without freaking myself out?

I tend to feel like i'm not getting enough air but this is a feeling i think i could figure out if i could just stop sucking the mask to my face.

is this something i'm just gonna have to suck up and get used to? or am i doing something wrong?

[Erik]

Remember that with a snorkel, you are creating another 12"+ of 'dead air' space, ie: used air that has more carbon dioxide in it. Therefore, you need to breath deeper than normal. Breath slowly and with awareness of your breathing- this serves a few purposes, one of which is to relax you, whether you are going to dive or not. Relaxed is good!
Hold your tongue up near the back of your teeth to stop any water that slips into your snorkle from getting aspirated.
If you do get water in your snorkel either from diving or inadvertently, give a quick and short blast of air (don;t empty your lungs entirely to do it) that will clear it, then get your tongue back in position for the first few careful, slow breaths.
As for the mask getting sucked to your face, be aware that you are pumping air into and out of your mask and stop it when it happens. Eventually you will automatically close the passage that goes from your mouth to your mask.

The main thing here is relax, then relax some more. Be aware of tension in your muscles, including your face. Let the tension go, breathe slowly, deeply, and then you can enjoy the experience. Remember that you are fighting a genetic reflex that tells you you can't breath while your face is in the water... it will take a little practice to overcome, but it will come.
Cheers,
Erik

[black_straws]

Thanks for the info dude. Very informative.

Suppose i should put some pool time in for floating about with the snorkel.

[Britney Spearz]

Yes you just need to completely relax and become one with your underwater environment. It may help to think about that it isn't going to kill or harm you so everything is fine. You'll most likely eventually get used to the breathing and then have lots of fun. Good luck!

[Fargus64]

I had to get over this too. I remember what really helpped me was breathing very deeply, like Erik said. Just really think about your breath for awhile and eventually you will just develope a habit of good breething.
Really, all it is, is some good practice.

[jcjkspearfish]

one of the biggest things also is the type of snorkle you are using. Those ones that look kinda cool i guess(they have the water blockers at the top) are not good for diving.

[flying_spanner]

Originally Posted by jcjkspearfish

one of the biggest things also is the type of snorkle you are using. Those ones that look kinda cool i guess(they have the water blockers at the top) are not good for diving.

I agree the scuba diver freindly snorkels with the fancy splash guard, & purge valve . . . . . . .

Well they just plain bark like a dog!

I once forgot my nice simple apollo J pipe snorkel and borrowed a mates areformentioned scuba (read:crap) type. It felt like I was trying to suck my litres of air through a 3mm straw!!!!!

I now am extra careful not to forget any part of my gear.

[blaiz]

Originally Posted by black_straws

I tend to feel like i'm not getting enough air but this is a feeling i think i could figure out if i could just stop sucking the mask to my face.

The feeling of your mask sucking to your face is probably because you are leaving the air-passage between your nose and your mouth open (im not a doctor so I dont know the scientific name for this ). You need to try to learn to keep this closed untill you need to equalize your mask (let air into your mask through your nose) during dives.

The only way I can think of demonstrating the passage im talking about is... well... kind of like the area you feel when you are hocking a loogie