You’re on a summer beach holiday and thinking about going snorkeling to explore the underwater world a bit?
Chances are, you’ll stop by one of those stands selling or renting cheap snorkeling gear. Nothing wrong with a spontaneous snorkel session—but here are a few tips to help you get the most out of it.

Let’s start with the mask.
If it doesn’t fit properly, it can ruin the whole experience. (Just kidding — but not really.) Try it on before you buy or rent. The best way is to place the mask on your face without using the strap, inhale slightly through your nose to create suction, and tilt your head forward.
If it stays put, it fits. If it falls off, it’s too big. Just make sure no hair is caught under the skirt during the test — it won’t seal properly, even if it’s the right size. This test doesn’t work well for guys with beards either, unfortunately.

If you’ve got long hair, the mask strap can painfully pull or rip it out when putting the mask on or taking it off. A simple fix is using a neoprene mask strap cover to avoid that hassle.

Also check that the lens is firmly in place and the frame isn’t cracked—otherwise, the glass might pop out underwater (yes, really).
Speaking of foggy masks — if you want to know how to prevent that, check out our video on the topic!

And whatever you do — don’t buy a full-face mask!
You can’t equalize pressure with those, so you can’t dive below the surface. They’re basically just for floating on top of the water and looking down.

Next up: fins.
Shorter fins are generally more comfortable for snorkeling. The stiffer the blade, the harder it is to kick — but the more propulsion you’ll get. And don’t worry if the fins have slits or ridges — that’s actually a good thing. It helps channel water and makes your kicks more efficient.

Make sure they fit well. Open-heel fins can be worn with neoprene socks to keep your feet warm. Closed-heel fins are great for warmer waters.

Don’t forget about sun protection!
You’re exposed to the sun the entire time, and UV rays are even more intense in the water than on land. We recommend wearing a rash guard to avoid turning into a tomato.

One last thing — snorkeling isn’t without risks.
Always go with a buddy or in a group, so you can keep an eye on each other and help out if something goes wrong.