Freediving Snorkel

[Scoobiedoo]

Question: I have been scuba diving for about 3 yrs now and recently 'took up' freediving. I originally learned to snorkel with a Scubapro Twin Valve Shotgun snorkel - clears easily. However, I see all freedivers using basic snorkels w/o purge valves in them - so I recently purchased a Sporasub basic freediving snorkel.
I'm pretty good at clearing snorkels but w/o a valve it seems all I am doing in 'taking on' water.

Doesn't a purge valve in a snorkel make a lot more sense as far as 'safety' and 'ease of clearing' is concerned?

???

[Reelfrogman]

I Have been using the Scuba pro shot Gun for years and I find it to be an awesome snorkel. It clears easily and gives you lots of unresricted air when breathing up. Not to mention the snorkel keeper is the best in the industry. Most freedivers like simplicity and the Shot Gun is as close o the simplest design there is (with purge incorporated)

[Stodelle]

I noticed an immediate difference with a purge valve, for the better. I was using a standard J-snorkel and loved it. however, when i staretd using a purge snorkel, my time increased. i was talking to a friend ( a true rocket scientist) who pointed out that CO2, what we exhale, is heavier than air. in other words, when you exhale, the heavier air gets pushed down toward the purge valve, allowing more "fresh" air into the snorkel. One company, Snorkel bob's, went so far as to try to introduce a "fresh air" snorkel to touch on this. the problem with that snorkel is that it restricts too much intake air.

Here in hawaii, almost everybody I dive with dives with a purge valve.

[Spearo_Fla]

With or without it the purge, it should feel comfortable while wearing, and not flip and flap while acending or decending (sp) I try to find snorkels with strong mouth pieces cuz at times I bite a little hard. I place the snorkel between my mask strap and head as far back as it will go, usually right behind my ear. Rigid tube snorkels I don't use due to the fact if you pentetrate a wreck or cave the snorkel has a tendancy to pull your mask off. Therefore, the softer tube snorkels work better.

Important: Freedivers - remove snorkel from your mouth as soon as you decend. This does several things first it enables you to relax the muscles in your mouth. Second it makes you swallow thus possibly giving you your first clear. Third, when returning to the surface you don't need to worry about clearing a snorkel when your low on air. Fourth, in the event of SWB the snorkel doesn't allow water to enter your mouth.

[Stretcharmstrng]

also: taking the snorkel out of your mouth as you tuck dive fills it w/ water and making less noise (the immersion sound you hear when you submerge yourself w/ snorkel in mouth)...it also gets rid of small bubbles that also tend to scare shy'ish fish.

[Scoobiedoo]

Thanks all! I love my Ocean Master that I have been using for awhile. While 'complicated' - it works like a charm!

[SLAYER]

omer

[Ed Walker]

Im no gear expert but I just ordered this one. Seems like many of the better freedivers Ive met here like a simple pipe with no gadgetry. Personally I can say for sure the snorkels with tapered tops do nothing but make it harder to breathe when your really huffing. This one is REALLY flexible (you can tie it in a knot) and has the single large pipe design. Cheap too.


http://www.picassoamerica.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=33&products_id=81

[frogman]

Ed,
That's a nice snorkel but the Picasso Nodo (on the same page) is probably better. I use the Nodo and a Beuchat Mundial: Soft and very good air flow.

[Mobius1]

i use a Impulse two and thats all i need works great for me.

[Apnos]

I´ll second Omer zoom pro. Excellent snorkel

[gonetobaja]

you guys need to check out the Riffe Stable snorkel. It has alot of great features I have been using it and I love it.

GTB