Night Snorkeling - Discover the Wonders of Snorkeling at Night

Snorkeling at night can be extremely exciting. This snorkeling activity is in fact my favorite type of snorkeling. The only other activity that may surpass it, in my opinion, is night scuba diving due to the fact that you have more chances to dive deeper, otherwise night snorkeling still gives you the same adrenalin buzz.

So why would anyone try and snorkel at night? It might seem strange and intimidating. Anybody who has tried it will tell you that there is a different world yet to be discovered.

The mystery of snorkeling at night will provide you with a new outlook on your favorite snorkeling site which may have lost its day time charm. At first you will feel slightly anxious... everybody does, its only natural, but then once you get used to it, you will automatically replace your anxiety with excitement, curiosity and a sense of adventure.

At dusk, you will encounter aquatic life that you seldom see during the day, making sight seeing different from what you would usually see during day time. At night the reefs become alive with the different fauna.

There are a number of aquatic creatures that just don't come out in the day time. Nocturnal animals such as lobsters and shrimps become active, coral polyps open up at night to feed giving the reef a fuzzy and colorful sort of look.

You will also experience encountering luminescence microscopic plankton which generate light flashes if disturbed. Should you experience such an encounter, turn off your flashlight and wave your hands through the water. This will provide you with an unforgettable experience as you will see "sparks" igniting around you.. Its a great sensation... Try it, you will be in for a surprise.

Before entering the water - what equipment do I need?

Safe snorkeling is a must, especially when you are snorkeling at night. Therefore be sure that before conducting your night snorkel you are well equipped for the job. The difference to snorkeling during the day is that snorkeling at night requires additional equipment and more planning and preparation.

The most important piece of equipment is an underwater flashlight. The flash light will not only serve to bring out the colors and show you way during your night snorkel but will also make your position known to your snorkeling buddy.

When snorkeling at night, besides carrying a flashlight, I advise you to also consider using chemical lights. These are basically light sticks which use a chemical reaction. These type of lights serve as orientation lights for marking your own and your buddies location. It is wise to strap these lights onto your buoy flag staff. I also find these lights useful for finding


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4963958

Kathy Dowsett

www.kirkscubagear.com

Jimmy Buffett narrates Manatee awareness video

“Preventing the risk of extinction of manatees due to human related encounters is critical to all of us in the dive industry who have enjoyed snorkeling and diving with these majestic marine mammals,” said Tom Ingram, Executive Director of DEMA. “DEMA feels privileged to work with Jimmy Buffett and the Save the Manatee Club on this important endeavor.

”The Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA), a non-profit trade association for the scuba diving industry has teamed up with Save the Manatees to release a new Public Service Announcement. Narrated by well-known performer Jimmy Buffett, the PSA is aimed at increasing awareness of the need to protect the manatees.

Often referred to as Florida’s mermaids, the PSA provides tips on how to enjoy but not endanger these gentle giants and was released in support of the State of Florida’s November Manatee Awareness Month.

The video provides divers and snorkelers with fundamental knowledge on how they can keep the manatees safe and highlights the rules of sharing Florida’s oceans, rivers and springs with Florida’s official marine mammal.

Manatee Awareness Month was created to expand efforts to raise awareness about the presence of manatees in Florida’s waters and to reach more people in Florida and outside the state about how to prevent harm to the manatees. You can find more detailed information about Save the Manatees and how you can help at www.savethemanatee.org.





Thanks to Divewire

Kathy Dowsett
www.kirkscubagear.com

Responsible Reef Practices While Snorkelling

Practices that you can do to help sustain the Great Barrier Reef for generations to come



• Practice at first over sand patches and away from the coral:
• Get comfortable with buoyancy control and finning techniques.
• Be mindful of where your fins are to avoid accidentally hitting the reef or stirring up sand.
• Snorkel carefully near the Reef:
• Move slowly and deliberately in the water, relax and take your time – to remain horizontal in the water, and refrain from standing up.
• Do not snorkel into areas where the water is less than one metre deep.
• Do not touch the walls of semi-confined areas (for example, small swim throughs and overhangs), never squeeze through a small area.
• Use rest stations or other flotation aids (for example, float lines, swimming noodles, and flotation vests) if you need to rest while snorkelling.
• Do not lean on, hold onto, or touch any part of the reef or moving animals when taking underwater photographs.
• Be mindful of all marine life:
• Avoid making sudden or loud noises underwater.
• Avoid chasing or attempting to ride or grab free-swimming animals (such as turtles, whales, and sea snakes). Avoid blocking their path or making them change direction.
• Do not touching or relocating any animals or plants.
• Stay more than one metre away from giant clams.
• Do not feed the fish.
• Do not collect any shells or ‘souvenirs’.

Thanks to New Horizon

Kathy Dowsett

www.kirkscubagear.com

Scuba Diving or Snorkeling - What's Right for You?

Let's look at the basic differences between scuba diving and snorkeling so you can make the best informed decision about which to choose. There are differences in physical fitness ability, training, and equipment, as well as psychological implications you should consider when making a choice.

Beginning with your purpose, is this a recreational activity to observe fish, algae and reefs, with few waves? If you can float comfortably on your stomach with your face and nose in the water, (with a diving mask and snorkel tube it is easy to breathe in and out) bobbling along in the gentle surf, then snorkeling is your best option. Occasionally the tube can get filled with water, or if you hold your breath and dive, so all you have to do is forcibly blow the water out of the tube. It is common to wear swim fins which adds power to your leg push when you skim over shallow reefs or need extra power to dive a short distance.

If your choice is snorkeling, there is no need for specific training, and you don't necessarily have to know how to swim but have access to a safety vest that allows for simple paddling in shallow areas. Psychologically, if you aren't very familiar with swimming or have had little access to water, prepare by sitting near the shore and then float in shallow water with your safety vest. It is important to learn how to hold your breath under water for short periods of time, and then you are off, into the magical world of fish, sea turtles, and shells.

Another word about safety when you are snorkeling; your greatest danger is not being seen by water craft and jet skis because all that can be seen is your tube sticking out of water. A reflective snorkel tube or patches attached to the safety vest can help others see you in the water. A general rule of thumb is to leave coral and shells where they are in the water. Coming into contact with the wrong one can cause a poisonous reaction and is a snorkeling and scuba diving general warning.

Scuba (Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) diving is a different method of observing or working underwater. Scuba diving includes recreational activities such as: cave and shipwreck diving, ice diving and cenote-to-cenote trips. A big difference between scuba diving and snorkeling is the amount of training and level of physical fitness. Just like learning to drive a car, not only will you need a PADI (Professional Association of Dive Instructors) certificate proving you know what you are doing, but you must be able to psychologically handle staying under water for extended periods of time while wearing a full face mask in which your nose and eyes are covered. You will inhale and exhale through a regulator mouthpiece connected to the oxygen tank on your back. Many dive shops and destination dive trips can provide three day performance based courses and include spectacular dive experiences as you learn. Prices will vary so do your homework ahead of time to make sure you get what you pay for and instructors are licensed themselves.

Safety and health effects of scuba diving are specifically addressed during your training and should not be taken lightly. The effects of breathing compressed air can cause decompression sickness, nitrogen narcosis, oxygen toxicity, refraction and problems with vision. Don't let this deter you from scuba diving but be sensible and proactive in assuring your safety and well-being.

A major difference between scuba diving and snorkeling is the cost. Simple snorkeling only requires a facemask and air tube, with swim fins optional but very helpful. Often in areas where water sports are a big draw, you will be able to cheaply rent equipment for the day or inexpensively purchase at a local sporting goods store.

PADI courses that include open water and check-out dives can cost up to $400 depending on where you go, but it is always possible to rent equipment instead of purchasing the scuba gear.

Whether you choose snorkeling or scuba diving, the relaxation and fun you will have is an opportunity into the undersea world of magic and enchantment. Take into consideration how much you would like to spend, your level of experience and physical ability, and the extent to which you want to invest time and money.



Thanks to:::Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6571543--Steve Roberts


Kathy Dowsett

www.kirkscubagear.com

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Responsible Reef Practices While Snorkeling

Practices that you can do to help sustain the Great Barrier Reef for generations to come

• Practice at first over sand patches and away from the coral:

• Get comfortable with buoyancy control and fining techniques.

• Be mindful of where your fins are to avoid accidentally hitting the reef or stirring up sand.

• Snorkel carefully near the Reef:

• Move slowly and deliberately in the water, relax and take your time – to remain horizontal in the water, and refrain from standing up.

• Do not snorkel into areas where the water is less than one metre deep.

• Do not touch the walls of semi-confined areas (for example, small swim throughs and overhangs), never squeeze through a small area.

• Use rest stations or other flotation aids (for example, float lines, swimming noodles, and flotation vests) if you need to rest while snorkeling.

• Do not lean on, hold onto, or touch any part of the reef or moving animals when taking underwater photographs.

• Be mindful of all marine life:

• Avoid making sudden or loud noises underwater.

• Avoid chasing or attempting to ride or grab free-swimming animals (such as turtles, whales, and sea snakes). Avoid blocking their path or making them change direction.

• Do not touching or relocating any animals or plants.

• Stay more than one metre away from giant clams.

• Do not feed the fish.

• Do not collect any shells or ‘souvenirs’.

Thanks to New Horizon

Kathy Dowsett

www.kirkscubagear.com