Dear First Timer...

This is my letter, to the snorkeler who is about to embark on their first journey into the blue (movie reference intended.) Your mental state is fragile because you are convinced that snorkeling is like nothing you have ever done before and the very thought of being out in the water is more frightening than filing your taxes, rising gas prices, or, the worst going cellphoneless (One word, three syllables) for a week let alone a day!

You need not to worry! Us at CWIC have all been there before and I can assure you, it is totally worth it. Remember being younger, and being terrified of doing a flip on the trampoline? Or maybe you visited an amusement park for the frist time and actually going upside down on a roller coaster, fuhhgettabawditt! Maybe for some of you it was trying something you never ate, for the first time and absolutely loving it. Eventually, you flipped, you rode the coaster, with your hands up the ENTIRE time and yes you even tried that piece of ahi, that spicy pepper, or, um... Lamb. No matter which story is yours, it's hard to explain where the joy we get from these events comes from and finding that next little challenge can be tough but you, the brave little choo-choo that said they could has come upon it, way to go! Snorkeling, it's your next "worth-it" challenge.

First of all, you have to be comfortable. Girls, you have to get over the fact that you will look a little funny in a snorkel mask and guys I promise you will not compromise your wannabe tough guy persona by putting a pair of fins on. What you will find is that while looking for and choosing gear for your next snorkel expedition, color, size, look, or whether or not it all matches is not as nearly important as if it feels good. I can promise, the fish will not care if your little pink accents in your fins match the strings of your bikini which in turn match the color of your mask. You would be wiser to focus on technique so that the fish don't notice you; it will make your experience so much more enjoyable. Remember you are a guest in their home. Think vice versa, a fish three times our size comes stomping around in our house with no coordination whatsoever and just watches us as we... cook breakfast, or maybe read blogs posted by mildly creative interns. *wink*

To elaborate on the technique topic... once you come upon a site with a decent amount of wildlife or you find that you have moved into an area with a group of snorkelers who seem to be already focusing on something, MOVE LESS! It's very important that you kick less and try to completely refrain from using you arms. A good pair of fins is great because it allows you to do minimal work while getting maximum results. That's my one and only ode to the AB-Doer Extreme informercial that has been dominating the paid programming as of late. Anyway, move so little that you actually allow your body to gently rise up and down with the natural bob of the ocean and take time to focus on each and every movement of your legs to insure that you are not going too fast and are totally in control. technique and Etiquette actually go hand in hand. While you do not want to disrupt the natural habitat that has flourished long before you got there, you also do not want to take away from the experience of those around you.

Safety is the last thing I want to touch on. If you worry,"Well I'm just too exposed, I feel too open like there is nothing I can go to or what if I begin to feel lightheaded or need a rest." CWIC to the rescue, with the Hydrosling. Just think, a non bulky alternative to the lifejacket. Takes absolutely no effort to stay afloat and for many, it is the ultimate secutiry. "But CWIC, what about my kids?" Pretty much any watersport provider carries a comfortable fitting very bright orange cap that can be seen from a mile out. One other thing that Body Glove and CWIC can boast about is that we have many snorkels to choose from that include a whistle. Whatever your worry is, we have the products that will help you feel better in the water. The one thing that will gain you the most comfort in the water is experience.

There you have it; Be comfortable, focus on not disrupting anything or anyone and be a safe as you want. Snorkeling is truly a wonderful way to appreciate what the ocean holds, and I promise, just like the roller coaster, you will want to go again and again.


Anthony- Intern, Product Tester, Nature Lover and now developing gills

http://www.destinationwater.com/- A C Walters Intercoastal Corporation