Snorkelling Survival Guide

Equipment

• (required) Mask/Goggles - to see the world underwater
• (required) Snorkel - for breathing while face down in the water. Rent is 50 pesos each including the mask)
• (required) Beach Shoes - Dunno how is it exactly called. It's a shoes that you can wear underwater so you can safely step on rocks and corals. Rent is 50 pesos each.
• Fins - recommended, for propelling through the water
• T-shirt - If you don't want a sun roasted back
• Floaters - for safety.

TODO

• Test your snorkel. We rented 4, two was ok but the other 2 is taking in water.
• Make sure the mask is properly adjusted so it won't take in water
• Bite the snorkel properly so it won't take in water.
• Regularly check where you are in reference to the shore
• Listen for sirens and horns. This indicates that a boat is docking and you might be on their path
• Enjoy the view and the fishes

The last time I took a dive on a snorkelling spot, I was afraid of the fishes and I hate the feel of the sea weeds brushing against my legs. I was hesitant to go snorkelling so I didn't even bother renting equipment. But since my mates are taking a long time to get ready, I borrowed my daughter's mask, snorkel and shoes. Since the shoes won't fit me, I just put it on to walk past the shallow water area. I didn't bother putting on floaters. I am so skinny I find it harder to sink than float. Once the water was deep enough to swim on, I just held the shoes in my hands. Be carefull when swimming as the ground is uneven. At one point you can swim, then suddenly there are corals high enough to hit your elbow. So you should always look at where you are going.

I was just trying it out, the next thing I know is that I was awed by the view and was swimming farther away from the shore. There were a lot of colorful fishes and the coral structures were spectacular. Suddenly there was a hollow area and the water is so deep. I went to a state of panic. I can hear my breath become deep and irregular. I grabbed the shoes in my hands tighter. If i dropped it there, I wouldn't be able to retrieve it. I tried to breath normally and enjoyed the view. Every once in a while, I raise my head to see if there are oncoming boats and to check how far am I from the beach.

A few minutes more, I swam back to shore. I will definitely try this again.

Check this article again soon as there are more info I'd like to share.

/rom