Why I hate Snorkels

Time for a rant....

I have been packing all my scuba equipment as I about to fly to Bermuda to start a dive job there. During my packing I noticed my snorkel had a slight crack in it and sure enough when I tried it out it was leaking, a lot. So I took to the internet to find a replacement and was absolutely outraged to see them selling for around £85 for a reputable dive branded one. Considering they can't cost more than a tenth of that to make I was really shocked that some people would pay that!

I think some of my anger stems from the fact that I don't even like snorkels. No, scrap that, I HATE snorkels. I can't even think of one good reason to have one, the only reason I do is because as a scuba instructor I have to set a good example.

The reasons I hate them are as follows:

- For girls they're down right impractical, the clip attaching it to the mask snags your hair and pulls constantly, regardless of the attachment you use

-They are a nightmare to attach and un-attach, especially when you have a class of students who would rather use them as light sabres or trumpets

-They are uncomfortable, yes, all of them

- They create a dead air space

-They drag underwater.... People pay crazy money for stream lined dive gear, yet will happily fin around with a pipe flapping around next to their head creating serious drag

-They can easily fill with water and surprise inexperienced divers creating panic

-They look stupid

- Don't even get me started about free diving and snorkels

-And if I really want to breathe on the surface in extremely rough conditions, I put my reg in, I would rather sacrifice a minute or so of time underwater using tank air than have to suffer with all the aforementioned snorkel drama.

In realise not everyone will share my opinion on snorkels, and as I just had to purchase a new one I opted instead for a flexi snorkel, so I can minimise the time I have to have it stuck next to my head and fold it up and put it in my pocket when I'm not using it. Ideal.

I chose the Beaver flexi snorkel, if you want to order yourself one you can do so here