The snorkel is a breathing tube that helps you to breathe air from the surface when you face down and your mouth is under the water. It consists of a tube and a mouthpiece. A good snorkel is an essential part of your equipment An easy technique that works with all types of snorkels! You need to blow the water out through the tube by exhaling sharply when resurfacing. If your snorkel has a purge valve, the water will flow out over that valve as well making the clearing faster. Displacement clear

Modern types of snorkels usually come with a purge-valve that helps to keep the tube clear by collecting a small amount of water in a sump area. When you blow out, a little one-way valve opens and the water flows out. As far as lightweight and hydrodynamic design goes, Riffe is the clear front-runner with its stable scuba diving and snorkeling snorkel. Thanks to its flexible vinyl tube, it weighs in at just five ounces, nearly half the weight of its competitors. In addition, the dry top valve has an innovative shark fin design intended to easily cut through the water without catching on seaweed or other floating materials. The dry snorkel also includes a top-quality hinge release system and a bottom purge valve. A snorkel might seem to be the simplest piece of your snorkeling equipment, but in fact, there are differences that determine how various models perform in the water. It depends on the underwater activity you intend to do what the best snorkel is for you. For scuba diving, choosing a semi-dry is the best. Dry snorkels suit the most for snorkeling, while classic J-type snorkels work the best for freediving. J Type snorkel Learning how to clear your snorkel is an important step if it comes to snorkeling safety. There are two basic techniques to do this, the blast and the displacement clear. If you are snorkeling for the first time, the best is to practice this in a pool or calm, shallow water before heading to open water. Blast clear

Water will sometimes find its way into your dry snorkel, despite the snorkel’s best efforts. This could be a few drops that sneak in before the dry mechanism closes or ocean spray that dribbles in. However, snorkel manufacturers include a one-way purge valve that allows you to discharge this water before it can interfere with your snorkeling experience. Cressi Alpha Ultra Dry Snorkel helps you breath with confidence and explore the underwater world. The Alpha dry has been streamlined to reduce drag from the water and as the name suggests it is great for snorkelling, keeping the water out of the snorkel when diving below the surface. The Alpha Ultra Dry snorkel has a patented valve in the top of the snorkel which closes when under the water preventing water from entering. A drain purge valve also means any splashes of water entering the snorkel while at the surface are easily cleared. The elliptical shape of the snorkel tube; the mouthpiece angled for comfort in the mouth; the bottom section including the purge valve angled for improved drainage; all these features combine to encourage optimal positioning and comfort when in use. The Cressi Alpha Ultra Dry snorkel is designed specifically to be worn on the Left hand side of the mask/face (as are the majority of snorkels). Almost all snorkels include a device that allows you to attach it to your diving mask. However, this particular mechanism varies from brand to brand. Some can be rotated or adjusted to different positions that allow you to fine-tune your snorkel’s position, and others cannot. Traditional open-tube versions are still in use and work perfectly for certain types of divers, but since water can get into easily, for a safe and comfortable snorkeling experience we recommend using a dry snorkel that won’t let any water enter the tube. What are the different types of snorkels?

Tip: to make your snorkel gear complete, read our how to choose mask for snorkeling post too to know what are the best masks! If you need flippers too, the best snorkeling fins guide will help you to find the best! The best dry snorkel models Cressi Supernova Most newer dry snorkels automatically come with a flex tube. This is a flexible portion of the tube that makes the snorkel more adjustable and comfortable. There are still a few brands that use straight tubes, but it’s definitely better to opt for one that has the flex tube. This is an important aspect of the snorkel because it’s the part of the tube that connects the mouthpiece to the snorkel tube. If it’s not soft and pliable, it could rub and feel awkward against your face, and it might even get in your way if you’re diving with a regulator. If the snorkel has flex tubing, you’ll notice a section of flexible accordion-style tube a few inches long above the mouthpiece. Of all the pieces that make up a dry snorkel, the mouthpiece is often the first to go. Constantly chomping down on a little piece of silicone can cause it to wear over time, and possibly break. However, most of the best dry snorkels will also feature a removable mouthpiece. This allows you to replace the silicone mouthpiece if you accidentally bite through it over time. Replacement mouthpieces are usually available directly from the manufacturer. Always try on your snorkel and mask together to ensure a proper fit. Be sure that the snorkel doesn’t pull on your mask, tug on your lips, or break the air seal. If it passes those tests, pay close attention to how it feels in your mouth. It shouldn’t be necessary to clench your jaw to keep the mouthpiece in place, but it also shouldn’t fall out easily if you move your lips or jaw. 7. Color OptionsCressi Alpha Ultra Dry Snorkel helps you breath with confidence and explore the underwater world. The Cressi Alpha Ultra Dry snorkel is superb for snorkelling, helping to minimise water entering the snorkel particularly when diving below the surface.