Snorkel sets, masks and fins

How to choose a snorkel set 

The thirty-second mask fit test does most of the work. Hold the mask against your face without using the strap, breathe in through your nose, and let go. If the mask stays put under suction, you have a seal. If it falls or hisses, the shape is wrong for your face. Skirt material matters: soft silicone is the standard, and skin-coloured or clear silicone tends to feel less claustrophobic than black for new snorkellers. 

Snorkels come in two main flavours. A semi-dry snorkel has a splash guard at the top to keep waves out but lets water in when fully submerged, which is fine for relaxed surface snorkelling. A dry-top snorkel closes off when submerged, which suits less confident swimmers and kids who duck-dive on instinct. Most adults are well served by a semi-dry; the dry-top mechanism adds bulk and can rattle. 

Snorkelling fins are usually shorter and softer than scuba fins. You want enough blade to move you over distance without burning your calves on a long surface kick. Open-heel fins with a wetsuit boot suit Sydney year-round snorkellers who want flexibility on the foot size. Full-foot fins suit tropical and pool use where you do not need a boot. 

In cold water the maths changes. Sydney winter snorkellers should pair their snorkel set with a snorkelling wetsuit thick enough to keep you in the water past the first ten minutes. For kids, the sizing is different again and we cover it on the kids' snorkelling gear page. 

If you would rather buy a matched mask, snorkel and fin set together, the snorkelling packages collection takes the choosing out of the buying decision. Come into Gladesville for the mask fit, or call (02) 9958 5699 if you are buying remotely.