{"id":91,"date":"2022-08-17T03:42:00","date_gmt":"2022-08-17T03:42:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/snorkelvibe.com\/?p=91"},"modified":"2023-07-27T03:57:02","modified_gmt":"2023-07-27T03:57:02","slug":"need-know-swimming-to-snorkel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aquaticglee.com\/need-know-swimming-to-snorkel\/","title":{"rendered":"Do You Need to Know How to Swim to Snorkel?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Are you aching to try snorkeling but are worried that your swimming skills will let you down? You\u2019ll be glad to hear that you do not need to be a strong swimmer to snorkel. When it comes to snorkeling, all you really want to do is float and observe. In salt water, most people are naturally buoyant, so it\u2019s actually really easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That being said, there are certainly many advantages to being able to swim when embarking on a snorkeling trip. There are many things that could potentially go wrong and being comfortable in the water is extremely important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luckily there are some easy ways for non-swimmers who want to try snorkeling<\/a> to keep as safe as possible in the water. By following the tips and recommendations in this article you can be sure your first snorkeling trip will be a success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Snorkeling Vs. Swimming: What You Need to Know<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re swimming<\/a>, the general idea is to move through the water as quickly and efficiently as possible by using both your arms and legs, and with your head moving in and out of the water.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Swimming
swimming freestyle<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

However, when snorkeling, you actually want to do the opposite of this! Rather than power through the water, you move slowly (so as not to miss anything) while keeping your face underwater and floating on the surface.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"snorkleling\"
Snorkeling in action<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Technique<\/strong> \u2013 Swimming requires you to know specific strokes such as breaststroke<\/a>, butterfly<\/a>, backstroke<\/a>, front crawl<\/a>, etc. You need to coordinate your arms and legs together in order to propel yourself through the water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When snorkeling, you\u2019ll be wearing fins that give your legs a lot more power. This in turn means that you can use your arms purely to balance yourself in the water and point out interesting things to your friends. Not having to know a specific stroke makes snorkeling even easier than swimming!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further Reading: How to Snorkel Safely: Beginner, Non-Swimmer & Advanced Snorkeling Guide & Tips<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breathing<\/strong> \u2013 A lot of swimming strokes require you to keep your head in the water and only lift it out to breathe. However, when you\u2019re snorkeling you don\u2019t need to think about counting breaths and knowing when to lift your head out of the water. You simply breathe normally and continuously through the snorkel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A lot of swimmers also suffer from water going up their noses which can be unpleasant, but wearing a snorkeling mask prevents this because it covers the nose as well as the eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flotation<\/strong> \u2013 Swimmers rarely use flotation methods because they are comfortable staying afloat by themselves; either by using different swimming strokes or by treading water<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you are snorkeling it\u2019s much more comfortable to use something to keep you buoyant so that you can relax and enjoy the sights below for hours, even for those who can swim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flotation devices include<\/p>\n\n\n\n