Learning How To Snorkel

Often described as a water sports activity that requires very little skill, snorkelling is one of the best ways to explore the underwater landscapes surrounding an island. Offering participants unhindered views of the marine life and the exquisite coral reefs occupying the sea floors of any beach hub, snorkelling is a rewarding activity that's also inexpensive in terms of the gear required. Here are some tips on how to hone your snorkelling skills before your next beach holiday.

1. Find the Perfect Location

Those who are attempting to learn how to snorkel for the first time will find that not all snorkelling hubs are suitable for those first tentative steps into the unknown. While most instructors will have newbies practice the basics in swimming pools, it is perfectly safe to go snorkelling in house reefs and other shallow water locations. Those who are based at the Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort might be surprised to find that snorkelling is one of the most popular activities in Abu Dhabi so think outside the box but pick a safe location with shallow and warm water and not too much wind or dangerous tidal conditions.

2. Staying Afloat in the Sea

One of the main fears most first time snorkellers have is that they will not be able to float on the surface of the ocean while keeping their head immersed in the water. Saltwater is, in fact, the best type of water for effortless floatation as the high concentration of salt makes the surface more buoyant, unlike freshwater which does not "lift" human bodies with ease. It is important to keep in mind that wearing fins also make floating a more natural experience as they keep one afloat while also making swimming a less tiring activity.

3. Calming the Nerves

Snorkelling is not a difficult sport to pick up if one can bypass the initial fear that one's body cannot float easily on the surface of the water without the use of some flotation device. Floating is all about relaxation and letting the body simply do what it would naturally do in seawater if our minds did not get in the way. It is equally important to breathe slowly and deliberately as short and rapid breaths only increase stress levels and makes relaxing the body an uphill battle.

4. Get the Right Gear

Securing the right snorkelling gear is absolutely crucial to a seamless snorkelling experience as the face mask and the fins must fit perfectly and snugly. Those who rent masks from rental shops and resorts may find that finding a mask that fits your face is not so easy as most masks will be too big or too tight. Water leakage is a possibility when the mask is punctured so checking for leaks is also necessary while water will also get inside the mask when it is too loose. Purchasing your own mask is worth the expense as it will guarantee a smoother experience and fewer mishaps in the water. Masks are also known to fog up from time to time and cleaning the masks regularly is also a step all new snorkellers must follow. Snorkellers have a choice of bookies or open-heeled fins although most seasoned snorkellers prefer closed foot fins.

5. Baby Steps

Once you have the gear on hand, it is simply a matter of heading out into a shallow, sandy beach and attempting to float and peek beneath the waves in small time slots. Don't be afraid to lift your head if any discomfort or anxiety occurs during the immersion period. Slowly increase the amount of time you spend in the water and try to observe what fish species and other underwater elements are in your periphery.