Based in Orinda, California, Dr. Lloyd Takao is a pediatrician who takes pride in giving personalized care to his young patients. When not seeing patients in his office, Lloyd Takao, MD, enjoys snorkeling.
Snorkeling is a fun and adventurous way of exploring the underwater world without having to bear the weight of a gas tank on your back. Typical snorkeling gear includes a snorkel mask and a pair of fins. Wet suits can be used when swimming in cooler waters.
Your snorkel mask should fit your face, allowing you to swim for long periods underwater without having to hold it in position. Hold your mask up firmly to your face, strap it on and breathe through the nose. Ensure that no air leaks in; if it does, so will water.
The strap should extend to the top back of your head. If it’s at the base, water will be able to enter. The strap should be just tight enough to hold the mask into position without letting air in. If it’s too tight, the seal may break.
Underwater, if your snorkel tube gets clogged with water, exhale strongly to send the water out. If it seeps into your mask, raise your head above the water and pull at the front of your mask to allow the water to drain. Some modern masks come with built-in drainage valves that drain water out the tube as well as purge valves that let water out of the mask without allowing any to enter.
Snorkeling is a fun and adventurous way of exploring the underwater world without having to bear the weight of a gas tank on your back. Typical snorkeling gear includes a snorkel mask and a pair of fins. Wet suits can be used when swimming in cooler waters.
Your snorkel mask should fit your face, allowing you to swim for long periods underwater without having to hold it in position. Hold your mask up firmly to your face, strap it on and breathe through the nose. Ensure that no air leaks in; if it does, so will water.
The strap should extend to the top back of your head. If it’s at the base, water will be able to enter. The strap should be just tight enough to hold the mask into position without letting air in. If it’s too tight, the seal may break.
Underwater, if your snorkel tube gets clogged with water, exhale strongly to send the water out. If it seeps into your mask, raise your head above the water and pull at the front of your mask to allow the water to drain. Some modern masks come with built-in drainage valves that drain water out the tube as well as purge valves that let water out of the mask without allowing any to enter.