Snorkeling Equipment

[killarsox]

I'll be going on a few Snorkeling trips and would rather have my own gear, than use the rental gear.
Snorkel, Mask, Fins. Will I need anything else?
Does anyone have any recommendations on quality brands to purchase and proper fitting of equipment?

 

[ackee]

You might want to consider a lycra skin. They are great protection from the sun and small jellyfish, are weightless and fold into a tiny ball. Inexpensive and simple to use. There are many, many first rate equipment brands. Fit is by far the most important thing, especially for masks. A good defogger is useful. I use Spit (the brand name) but there are many others. Get a simple snorkel without bells and whistles, one that is light and comfortable. A mesh bag to carry everything should complete the kit. I've been a snorkeler longer than most people have been alive (60 years, since I was 7 yrs. old) and have used this basic kit all over the world.

 

[snorvich]

You might want to consider a lycra skin. They are great protection from the sun and small jellyfish, are weightless and fold into a tiny ball. Inexpensive and simple to use. There are many, many first rate equipment brands. Fit is by far the most important thing, especially for masks. A good defogger is useful. I use Spit (the brand name) but there are many others. Get a simple snorkel without bells and whistles, one that is light and comfortable. A mesh bag to carry everything should complete the kit. I've been a snorkeler longer than most people have been alive (60 years, since I was 7 yrs. old) and have used this basic kit all over the world.

Yes, many people forget about sun protection (I am not talking about suntan oil) and you are getting "double sun" because of the reflection. Highly recommended.

 

[SawdustInTank]

I noticed your thread about getting certified. It will be best you get equipment that will lead you right into scuba diving, i.e. dive boots and fins. +1 on the skin protection and fit of equipment as others have stated.

 

[killarsox]

I noticed your thread about getting certified. It will be best you get equipment that will lead you right into scuba diving, i.e. dive boots and fins. +1 on the skin protection and fit of equipment as others have stated.

Well that's pretty much how I'm looking at it.
I'd like to get quality equipment, as I'm going to be getting into SCUBA over the next year, and am going to need the equipment then too.
Better off paying for quality at the beginning, then paying for something 2x.

 

[snorvich]

Well that's pretty much how I'm looking at it.
I'd like to get quality equipment, as I'm going to be getting into SCUBA over the next year, and am going to need the equipment then too.
Better off paying for quality at the beginning, then paying for something 2x.

And of course, do you really want to "cheap out" on life support equipment?

 

[ackee]

I also use lycra skins for scuba, either by themselves in very warm water, or under a wetsuit. Skins make putting on and taking off a wetsuit super easy.

 

[killarsox]

I also use lycra skins for scuba, either by themselves in very warm water, or under a wetsuit. Skins make putting on and taking off a wetsuit super easy.

I'm definitely going to get a Lycra skin. Sounds like you should really have one for protection from the sun. I'm not sure I'll need the whole suit, ill just be snorkeling. Would it be alright to just get the shirt style, or should I get a full body suit?

 

[mattdive26]

I'd get a scubapro shotgun snorkel. Easiest snorkel in the world to clear and scubapro is one of the best brands. Don't order a mask online unless you try one on in a shop first. It needs to fit your face really well. Everything else is really a matter or preference.