By Shiromi Nassreen
Snorkeling is a fun way for your child to experience the underwater world. There are plenty of cheap box sets of snorkeling gear that you can purchase, but if you want equipment that will fit your child well and suit his or her swimming abilities, consider getting some professional quality equipment.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Step 1
Shop at your local dive shop. Although basic snorkeling equipment can be purchased from a variety of stores, even your local Costco or Wal-Mart, to get the best quality snorkeling gear visit your local dive shop. You can visit the PADI website to find a dive shop near you.
Step 2
Find a mask that fits. A well-fitting mask can make or break a snorkeling trip. You don't want your child's mask to leak. Have your child try on a few different masks. For fitting, simply have your child put the mask gently against his face and inhale. The mask should stay on your child's face without you having to hold it in place.
Step 3
Choose a child-friendly snorkel. Look for a dry snorkel rather than an ordinary "j" snorkel. A dry snorkel has a float on top which senses when the snorkel is submerged and when it is not. If a wave crashes over the top of the snorkel, the float comes down preventing any water from entering the tube. This is perfect for kids who may start to panic if they find themselves with water in their snorkel.
Step 4
Try on a variety of fins. Fins come either full foot or open heel. Full foot are not adjustable so often it's better to get one with an open heel that you can adjust. That way the fin will neither be so tight that it chafes, nor so loose that it comes off in the water. If you do decide to go with an open heel, consider also getting a pair of dive booties for your child. That way your child's feet won't get cut up on coral. Look for a fin with some flexibility. Some are stiffer than others. The dive shop employees will be able to help you choose the right type of fin for your child's age and swimming ability.
Step 5
Get a waterproof fish identification card. This allows you and your child to have fun identifying fish as you see them versus trying to remember what you saw later.
Resources
About the Author:
Shiromi Nassreen is a British writer. She holds a B.A. in theatre studies from Rose Bruford College of Speech & Drama and has been writing professionally for three years. She writes primarily travel and outdoor articles on Hawaii. Her articles have appeared in Dysfunkshion Magazine as well as Illusion Television and Matador Travel.
