{"id":2587,"date":"2023-01-22T02:14:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-22T02:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/snorkelvibe.com\/?p=87"},"modified":"2023-07-27T07:28:15","modified_gmt":"2023-07-27T07:28:15","slug":"how-does-snorkel-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aquaticglee.com\/how-does-snorkel-work\/","title":{"rendered":"How does a Snorkel Work Underwater? Dry & Semi-Dry Snorkel Guide+Best Review"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you’ve plans to visit the underwater world, by snorkeling, scuba diving, or free-diving, chances are you will need a snorkel. It is your best friend when your face is below the water’s surface as it allows you to breathe without lifting your head. They come in different designs including wet, semi-dry, and dry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But as invaluable as a snorkel is, seasoned snorkelers and freedivers can go below the surface of the water without it. The following are more details on how it works, the types plus the best brands with a buying guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Does a Snorkel Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A snorkel is a \u201cJ\u201d or \u201cL\u201d shaped tube that allows you to comfortably breathe air from above the water’s surface<\/strong> when your nose and mouth are submerged<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How it works, you simply attach it to your mask then place the lower end (mouthpiece) of the tube in your mouth. Once your nose and mouth are submerged in water, adjust the position of the snorkel in a way that the top end of the tube is always above the surface of the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While you head is in water, the mouthpiece properly held within your mouth, the snorkel will let you easily breathe in and out through your mouth while you enjoy the scenery under the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does it work underwater?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You’ve probably seen divers with snorkels deep under the sea. Do snorkels make it possible to breathe deep down underwater? The quick answer is No!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once the whole device is submerged, you cannot breathe. It has no section to store fresh air for you to breathe. The divers have special breath-holding abilities that make it possible for them to stay underwater for a while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Point is divers, use these devices differently but it still does not change their primary function which, as you already know, is breathing with ease while floating near the surface of the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dry, Semi-Dry & Wet Snorkel Types + Parts.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The types of snorkels known today include wet, semi-dry, and dry snorkel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All of these types come with the basic parts that make up a snorkel: the main tube\/pipe, a mouthpiece and a means to attach to a mask. Other parts include a float valve, splash guard, and flex tube.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Parts
Parts<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Generally speaking, they all serve the same role, but there are a few minor differences in terms of design and additional features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knowing the types and differences can help in making the right choice when shopping for a snorkel. The more knowledge you have, the safer you are and the better your snorkeling<\/a> experience will be. Let’s take a better look at our 3 main types, how they work, and their differences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further Reading: How to Snorkel: A Beginner Guide & Pro Snorkeling Tips<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dry Snorkel<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

First up is the dry snorkel, which has become quite popular these days. Let’s start with why<\/em> it is called “dry”<\/strong>. The answer is pretty simple. Do you know how traditional snorkels usually allow water to fill in when you submerge?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, dry snorkels don’t. They have a float valve on the top of the tube that opens and closes to control to flow of air and water into the snorkel. It is the same technology used in modern full-face snorkel masks<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dry snorkel float mechanism involves special floating balls that rise up to seal the airway once the snorkel is submerged. This ensures no water gets into the tube.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the snorkel is at the surface, the balls are lowered to open the airway. This allows you to breathe without having to clear water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How exactly the dry valves work may vary depending on a brand or model but they basically open and close the airway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These types of snorkels are best for beginners or users who want to swim just on the surface of the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other comfort features that improve the functionality of a modern dry snorkel include;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Splash Guard<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

 It is a plastic material that sits over the snorkel top opening. Its role is to prevent water and wave spray from getting into the snorkel tube. It only works when the snorkel is not submerged. It is important especially if you are snorkeling in areas where the water is not calm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Purge Valve<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

It is the bottom part under the mouthpiece where water flowing down the snorkel collects. Usually not gallons but small amounts. When you blow air into the snorkel, the valve opens and the water is forced out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flexible Tube<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This a flexible piece of pipe where the snorkel bends: the section between the strap attachment point and the mouthpiece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A flex allows you to adjust the mouthpiece position for a proper and comfortable fit. So, if you have a rare-shaped head or face, which is yet to be featured in the Guinnesse World Records<\/strong>, you do not need to worry about a snorkel that will match your shape. A flex tube works for all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But there is a catch. As fancy as a dry snorkel is, it limits your underwater activity. It is only useful if you want to float near the water surface and maybe go for a few quick, shallow dives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But if you plan on going deep, for example, if you want to spearfish or free dive, don’t count on a dry snorkel. The trapped air inside a dry snorkel increases your buoyancy<\/a> which is something you don’t want if you are trying to go down, not up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another problem with dry snorkels is that sometimes, they don’t work properly. If they are not perfectly positioned, water might leak into the tube, which means you could end up inhaling water, instead of air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luckily, there are a few snorkels on the market that are specially made to prevent these problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Semi-dry Snorkel<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Next up is the semi-dry snorkel. As you might have guessed, it is somewhere between a dry and a wet snorkel. Kind of like the best of both worlds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike dry snorkels, a semi-dry one doesn’t keep ALL the water out. That being said, it still prevents splashing water from entering your tube when you are near the surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rather than a flotation device on the top, you will find that semi-dry snorkels come with several slits and angles that redirect water away<\/em> from the tube. Once you have completely submerged, it will let the water in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most modern semi-dry snorkels come with features similar to those of a dry snorkel. The core distinguishing factor is the dry-top technology<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This brings us to a solid question: who can benefit most from a semi-dry snorkel? Well, if you are a scuba diver who wants to save air in the tank while on the surface, but doesn’t want a bulky, buoyant dry snorkel, then a semi-dry is perfect for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wet snorkel<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Last, is the wet, regular or traditional snorkel. This one is as simple as it gets. It is basically a tube. To be more specific, it is a “J”-shaped tube<\/em> that is open at the top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With this extreme simplicity, you can expect a wet snorkel to let water in whether you are diving or near the surface. So why do people use it? Why do free divers and spear fishermen favor dry snorkels?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because dry snorkels are very low volume. They have no buoyancy, attachments, or any kind of drag. This allows divers to go as deep as they want on one breath of air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One thing worth mentioning is that once you resurface, you will have to blast the seawater out of your snorkel to clear it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vacationers and first-time snorkelers usually end up swallowing and choking on seawater which can be unpleasant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dry vs. Semi-dry vs. Basic (Wet<\/strong>) Snorkels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Now that you know everything about each type of snorkel, here is a comparison table to help you have a better understanding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/td>Dry Snorkel<\/strong><\/td>Semi-Dry<\/strong><\/td>Wet Snorkel<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
User Level<\/strong><\/td>Beginner snorkelers<\/td>Intermediate with some diving skills<\/td>Advanced snorkelers with diving skills<\/td><\/tr>
Size & Weight<\/strong><\/td>They are long and wider. The additional weight from the dry, purge valves and Splash guard make them heavier and bulky<\/td>Slightly lighter and smaller than dry snorkels<\/td>Lightest, shorter, narrower and less bulky. Easy to carry around<\/td><\/tr>
Ease of Use and Comfort<\/strong><\/td>Easiest and most comfortable in terms of clearing water and fit<\/td>Easier than wet snorkels but slightly difficult than dry-tops. It requires clearing.<\/td>The hardest to use. Rigid tubing can make it a bit uncomfortable You\u2019ll need to blast the water out once you resurface  <\/td><\/tr>
Efficiency<\/strong><\/td>Most efficient when swimming near the surface and occasionally making quick, shallow dives<\/td>Only efficient at keeping water out while near the surface<\/td>Most efficient when deep underwater (spearfishing and free diving)<\/td><\/tr>
Safety<\/strong><\/td>You won\u2019t have to worry about seawater getting into your tube The added buoyancy from the size and weight increases drag underwater which makes it hard for divers to go deeper. Underwater pressure can collapse the flex tube.  <\/td>Some have moving splash guard parts that can jam if sand gets inside   Doesn\u2019t keep all the water out  <\/td>Generally safe, less drag, but requires training before use.  If you forget to exhale forcefully, swallowing or choking on seawater can be unpleasant  <\/td><\/tr>
Cost<\/strong><\/td>Most expensive<\/td>Mid-range  <\/td>Most affordable<\/td><\/tr>
Design<\/strong><\/td>Complicated and bulky<\/td>Slight complicated and bulky<\/td>Simple, minimal, lightweight and more streamlined<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Comparing dry, semi-dry and wet snorkel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How to use a Snorkel Properly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You already know what a snorkel is and the types, following is how to use a snorkel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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