There are many things that can help out a beginner who wants to go snorkeling in Key West. Safety is the number one priority when it comes to these trips. Make sure that there will be instructors nearby if this is the first time.
A Beginner's Course
Key West offers a snorkeling experience like no other place. The water is as clear as a stream following a drought. This makes it very easy to spot everything underneath. Any danger can be easily avoided because of the wide range of visibility. A beginner will want to check out a snorkeling class before they go under the water. This is a simple class that will educate the adventurer on key things to do while in the water. They will show beginners a few basics such as:
- What they will see
- What gear is used
- How to navigate the water
Taking It Slow
Beginners will want to take it as slow as possible in Key West waters. Some people who try snorkeling for the first time are also getting in the water for the first time in their life. It is all or nothing with these people. Each person will have enough help in the water once they get going though. Relaxing in the water is something that is easier said than done. When nerves get the best of people, they will overreact with certain things. This is not a good experience to have while underwater. It is not a good experience to have above water either. The water is filled with salt. This makes it easy for people to float on the top and look underneath them. It is hard to match these conditions anywhere else. The stress of sinking in the water is not something that many snorkel beginners have to worry about. The gear will also help with keeping afloat.
Using The Gear Properly
The fins actually propel floaters further into the water and keep them on top of it. Swimming as a sport takes the full body to properly move through the water. With snorkeling, it is all in the legs. The fins will be like a training wheel on a bicycle. They will allow a person to kick without much effort at all. This saves energy so that the person can enjoy what they are seeing underneath them. They do not have to worry too much about getting tired. The quality of the fins is important. Cheap ones will not have as much flexibility. They should not be too flexible either. Give the arms a rest while snorkeling in Key West. They can be placed at the side or pointed towards a fish in the water.
Breathing Techniques
Breathing is another important aspect of succeeding with Key West snorkeling. As with any other sport, breathing helps the body deliver oxygen to the muscles. Breathing while underwater is something that is hard to do.
The device that people use to breathe underwater is known as the snorkel. This is why it is called snorkeling.The nose goes inside of a mask which has a pointed end to it. This point goes above the water and air can be breathed in through the mouth. The air comes from the outside of the water, and essentially into the lungs through the mask. Breathing through the nose is impossible because it is being blocked by the mask. Much more air can be breathe in through the mouth. The air also helps people keep afloat while doing this activity.
Beginners tend to get a little finicky with this snorkeling mask. Instructors usually recommend that they put their head underwater and hold their breathe. Just like with swimming, it takes practice to get used to something. Once the snorkel can be used, it will become second nature. Pulling the snorkel end into the water will result in a mouthful of salt water. Looking ahead instead of down can help keep the snorkel out of the water. A good angle is around 30 degrees. This way the person can see what is ahead of them and still look down.
High Visibility Gear
Getting high visibility gear to go underwater is recommended. This way if anything goes wrong, someone will see the person. Bright yellow works well while in the Key West waters. Sometimes these vests can blend in with bright yellow reef or fish though. It should not create a big problem if the instructor is nearby. They will be able to see in the clear water.
How To See Underwater
A mask should be used at all times. This way the eyes will have an easy time seeing what is in the water. Picking out a nice spot with many fish is something that instructors will be able to help with. This makes it easy to find a cool fish right away. Snorkeling for hours and not finding anything can be a bad experience. Check out some positive reviews about an experience before going to an instructor.