What To Look For
When shopping for your snorkel, consider whether you want a dry one. These have a float at the top that closes and stops water from entering when a wave crashes over you. In addition, look for a tube with a large diameter as this makes it easier to breathe through. Also consider the mouthpiece. If it is too large, it can result in jaw fatigue. Look for snorkel masks with a skirt made from silicone as these last longer than rubber skirts. Also, when trying on the mask, check your peripheral vision. For the best snorkeling, get one with a wider field of vision. Fins come in two types, full foot and open heel. Full-foot fins are not adjustable so if they are sized incorrectly, you could end up losing a fin. Open-heel fins usually require dive booties, which will keep your feet warm and protect them from getting cut up on sea urchins and reefs.
Common Pitfalls
The biggest problems people have with masks are they fit incorrectly, causing it to leak. You'll have to try on a few, placing them gently against your face, breathing in through your nose, then hold your breath. A good-fitting mask should stay on. Sometimes a mask and snorkel just don't fit well together. The snorkel mouthpiece might be too large and cause a small break in the seal of the mask or the buckle placement on the mask doesn't work well with the snorkel. To avoid this, it's helpful to try both before purchase. When buying full foot fins, sizing is extremely important. You don't want them to slip off, but don't assume they should be tight because they can cut into your feet and cause cramps. Look for fins that feel snug.
Where To Buy
Although you can pick up snorkel gear at a variety of outdoor sports stores, the best place to purchase snorkel gear is at a dive shop. Dive shops will have the biggest range of gear. Employees are usually very knowledgeable and can help you find the right gear for your body type and swimming ability. If the price of gear is expensive at a dive shop, you could always look online. But you need to make sure the retailer is an authorized dealer otherwise you won't be entitled to manufacturer warranties nor will you know about any recalls.
Cost
A good quality snorkel mask can range from $25 for a basic mask to $100 as of September 2009. For a snorkel, you can spend as little $10 or as much as $65. Finally, you can buy a pair of fins for less than $10, or for fins that you'll also use while diving, you can spend almost $200.
