scuba jerm

I sell a variety of scuba gear, and everytime someone starts asking me about snorkels I have a hard time selling them, simply because I don't like using them while diving. Not that I don't want to make the sale, I just don't use them so therefore don't always push that product.

So that leads me to the question: Would it be considered unsafe to dive without a snorkel? My personal opinion would be no. I am perfectly capable and more comfortable flipping over on my back, and finning it back to the boat or exit spot. I occasionally carry one with me.... just to be safe and I wonder how much safer I am with it vs without. I just cannot see why I'd need it.

What are your thoughts? Do you dive with one? or not? In your opinion, are you a "reckless" diver if you don't cling to your snorkel... just in case?

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Scuba Jerm

glynneco

I dive I don't snorkle! Mine stays at home on the shelf unless I'm helping with a class. They get in the way and are an entanglement hazard. I have a 5ft primary that I wrap around my neck. In OOA situatiuons I donate my primary. My secondary is bungeed around my neck. A snorkle would just get in the way in an emergency. Most of the people I dive with call them a "tubular annoyance device". Cool huh?. Unfortunately you need to sell them to students so they can get certified. Then they can loose them in the quarry;I can find them and add them to my growing collection that sit on the shelf gathering dust.Wait.... am I being too cynical?
No I don't use one and I think they can get in the way. I have heard of people keep a fold up snorkle in a pocket for some reason.

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Is that the bottom of the quarry or is the vis just really bad today?

Resqdivemedic

As a public safety diver, I dont use it for the number 1 reason of entanglements. I was diving in a lake with these long stringlike weeds which came about 3 feet off the bottom. When I approached and began to crawl over the top, my mask began to migrate from my face. I stopped and discovered that the snorkle got wrapped up and began to pull the mask strap. Since then I dont use it unless I need it for a certification.

The Frog

I have a snorkle but hardly ever use it. I mainly just use a mask as i dive too deep fot what is of a snorkle, i see many kids use them that is

DownThere

I use it only when i stay in very shallow waters, otherwise I prefer diving without like many apparantly.It's something i used a lot when i started though