Are you planning an underwater excursion but don’t know how to attach snorkel to mask? Unlike scuba diving, snorkeling is an easy sport that people of all ages enjoy.
However, just like any other activity, you need the right gear to make your snorkeling experience a success.
Usually, the main snorkeling gear includes a snorkel tube, diving mask, and swimming fins.
But how should one attach the snorkel to the mask, especially if it’s their first time? Find out here!
Contents
Overview of Snorkel and Mask
Snorkeling gear comes in handy, especially if you are a beginner and haven’t mastered the art of breathing in and out during swimming.
A snorkeling mask usually comes with an attachment that lets you connect the snorkel to avoid falling off.
Otherwise, you may not enjoy the snorkeling experience if the snorkel and the mask are poorly attached.
A snorkel keeper comes in handy to help secure the snorkel in place when wearing a mask.
It ensures that the snorkel is attached correctly to your mask, and this prevents the hassle of fixing it now and then.
Different Types of Snorkel Keepers
A snorkel keeper is designed to secure a snorkel to the snorkeler’s or diver’s mask to enhance your snorkeling experience.
Generally, you can fasten your snorkel and your mask in two ways- you can either use a snorkel clip or a snorkel ring.
01. Ring Snorkel Keeper
The ring snorkel keeper features ringed ends and is usually made from silicone or neoprene.
It would be best to slide the ring to where the mask strap connects to the snorkel for this method.
One ringed end goes over the snorkel and around the mask strap, while the second ring slides over the end of the snorkel again.
02. Clip Snorkel Keeper
On the other hand, the clip keeper has a clip and attach mechanism, where the clip goes around the snorkel and attaches to the mask.
It would be best to slide the clip to where your snorkel connects to the mask for this method.
A clip can easily slide up and down the snorkel tube, allowing you to adjust it with ease.
Differences Between a Ring and Clip Keeper
The ring and clip keeper are valuable equipment that can help keep your snorkel in place. Nevertheless, these two have differences, the major one being the design.
The ring features a figure-eight design while the clip has two pieces, one which is attached to the snorkel while the other one is attached to the mask strap.
Something else that sets these keepers apart is their construction.
Usually, ring keepers are made from crafted silicone material, which is exceptionally durable. Nevertheless, there are ring keepers that feature a neoprene construction.
As for the clip keepers, you can expect a rigid plastic construction, which may not be very durable.
This makes ring keepers a worthy investment for those who want value for their money.
Choosing the Right Snorkel Keeper
Finding the right snorkel keeper, whether a novice or an experienced snorkeler, goes a long way in ensuring that you have a good time in the water.
Consider these factors when choosing your snorkel keeper.
01. Holds Up Well
Consider how well the snorkel keeper holds, as this can impact your snorkeling experience.
You want a keeper that can effectively hold the snorkel to your mask, so you won’t have to keep adjusting it.
This way, you can have a hands-free experience without worrying that your snorkel will fall.
02. Durability
When choosing a snorkel keeper, you want tough enough and will not break.
Most keepers are made from silicone, enhancing durability, comfort, and flexibility. Nevertheless,
03. Easy to Use
Always ensure that the snorkel keeper you choose is easy to put on and off so you can enjoy your snorkeling experience.
Different Kinds of Snorkels and Masks for Snorkeling
A snorkel is necessary equipment designed to be used inside the mouth and comes with a plastic tube that helps with breathing.
There are different types of snorkel gears to choose from, including:
01. A Dry Snorkel
This snorkel tube is designed with a floating object that seals it, causing it to remain dry. Hence, you can breathe through it without worrying about water seeping in.
This makes it an excellent choice for underwater use, allowing the snorkel to remain submerged.
02. A Semi-Dry Snorkel
As one might guess, this snorkel is a blend of traditional and dry snorkel.
However, unlike the dry snorkel, it lacks a floating object and is only equipped with a splash guard at the top.
Hence, it is best for above water use rather than underwater.
Types of Masks for Snorkeling
It is nearly impossible to open your eyes and see underwater. This is where a snorkeling mask comes in handy.
Like snorkels, snorkeling masks come in different types to choose from. They include:
01. Single Lens Snorkeling Mask
These are masks with one pane of glass or plastic and without a frame. Consequently, they offer a wider field of vision and precise depth perception.
02. Two Window Snorkeling Mask
In this type of snorkeling mask, there are two lenses on a frame to give an extra-wide and deep viewing experience.
These masks may be best for you if you wear prescription glasses since they can easily be changed to corrective lenses.
03. Full Face Mask
These are snorkeling masks that offer full coverage for your face. Unlike conventional equipment, this type lets you breathe through your nose and mouth.
04. Panoramic Snorkel Mask
These masks are popular among those that want to enjoy a panoramic view, thanks to the extra side windows.
Besides allowing more light, the extra side glass also helps to enhance the field of vision.
A Detailed Guide for How to Attach Snorkel to Mask
There is a lot to know regarding attaching a snorkel to a mask.
Knowing how to attach a snorkeling mask is imperative to help you prepare for any risks that may occur during your swimming excursion.
Here are steps on how to attach snorkel to mask.
Step 1: Wear Your Mask
Before attaching a snorkel, you need to put on your snorkeling mask first.
Step 2: Comfortably Put the Mouthpiece in Your Mouth
Once your mask is secured in place, it is now time to place the snorkel’s mouthpiece.
Ensure that it is well-positioned and feels comfortable in your mouth as you want it to be while inside the water.
Step 3: Correctly Position the Snorkel Tube
Next, position the snorkel such that it remains perpendicular to the water surface when your face is submerged underwater.
Generally, this step will decide whether or not you breathe safely underwater.
You also want to ensure that it is not positioned too forward as this will cause water to get in the tube.
You may also consider attaching the snorkel at the center or the back of the mask instead of the side.
This helps place the snorkel several inches out of the water when facing down.
This is particularly useful for scuba divers as it prevents the likelihood of water from getting in the tube.
Generally, the snorkel should be placed straight-up, vertical, and attached approximately 2 inches from the upper surface.
Additionally, wearing the snorkel on the left is advisable, especially for a scuba diver. The diving pressure regulator is usually attached on the right side.
Nonetheless, snorkelers can attach it on the right and left sides. Most of the snorkel mouthpieces are also built to be positioned on the left side, so be sure to consider this.
Step 4: Attach the Keeper
With your snorkel rightfully positioned, you now need to connect the snorkel to the mask using a keeper ring or clip.
First things first, identify the meeting point of the snorkel and the mask strap since this is where you will connect the snorkel.
Once you find this position, slide the clip over the strap to secure the snorkel in place.
However, if you are using a ring keeper, stretch the ring keeper and place one end over the snorkel.
Then stretch the middle section of the ring over the snorkel and loop it over the top and then slide the other ring over the snorkel. This will hold the snorkel in place.
Whether you use a ring or a clip, you want to ensure that you find the perfect spot where the snorkeler and the mask strap meet.
This will help to keep your snorkeling safe and give you an exceptional snorkeling experience.
Step 5: Remove the Mask
Keep your hand at the place where the snorkel will be connected to the mask strap before removing the mask.
Holding your mask, you want to attach the snorkel to your desired position now and ensure that it is well connected.
Attaching the snorkel while you have removed your mask is much better than doing it with your mask on.
Step 6: Attach the Snorkel
As aforementioned, there are various ways to secure the snorkel to the mask strap.
You can opt to use the keeper clip, which is easier to use, especially with a quick-release button.
The keeper ring does an excellent job of firmly securing the snorkel in place and offers a lot of flexibility.
However, connecting using a keeper ring may need some effort and may fail to stay in place if it’s not set up correctly.
Step 7: Test the Equipment Out of Water
It helps test the mask and the snorkel before getting in the water. This is vital to ensure you have the proper fit and everything feels comfortable.
When you put on the snorkel and the mask, you should not keep fixing it; otherwise, it means that you have not connected it properly.
This can be more frustrating when you get underwater. Therefore, ensure that you make the necessary adjustments before getting in the water.
Different Methods for Assembling Your Snorkel to Your Mask
Different methods can be used to assemble the snorkel. They include:
Method 1: Attaching the Snorkel Using a Holder
The latest snorkel models come with a holder that helps to secure the snorkel in place.
Unlike the traditional clips, these holders are solid and come with a fastening that doesn’t slip. Here are steps for using this method:
- Wear the snorkel mask.
- Use the holder to connect the snorkel to the strap.
- Place the mouthpiece and correctly position the snorkel and the mask.
Method 2: Mount the Snorkel Under the Headgear
The snorkel can be mounted on a headgear as long as it is aligned well. Here are steps for using this method:
- Wear your mask and loosely tighten the straps.
- Position the mouthpiece until you achieve a comfortable position.
- Tighten the mask headgear.
- Correctly position the snorkel and the mask.
Method 3: Sewing the Snorkel in Place
Sewing your snorkel to your mask is suitable for a regular snorkeler.
You can sew it in place instead of clipping it every time, making it more convenient and time-saving.
Those who have difficulty attaching their snorkel to their mask the usual way may also greatly benefit from this method.
- Wear the snorkel mask and put the mouthpiece in your mouth.
- Position the snorkel correctly until it faces upwards.
- Connect the mask headgear to the snorkel clip.
- Mark the position where they meet and remove the mask.
- Using a needle and thread, sew the snorkel clip to the mask strap.
- Wear your mask and confirm that it fits well and the well-positioned snorkel.
Alternative to Attach Snorkel to Mask
Besides a clip and ring keeper, you can also opt for Velcro snorkel keepers.
As the name may suggest, these are made from Velcro fabric, ensuring a solid grip to keep your snorkel secure.
They are also designed with a quick-release button, allowing ease of use.
They operate like the clip keepers, where one end is used to hold the snorkel while the other holds the strap.
Although expensive, the Velcro keepers are an excellent alternative for clip and ring keepers.
FAQs Related to How to Attach Snorkel to Mask
01. Which is better to use, a ring or a clip keeper?
If you are after durability and flexibility, a ring keeper made of silicone may be worth considering.
However, if you are more concerned about the snorkel staying in place, especially in rough waves, you should consider the clip keeper.
This is because it lacks flexibility, and the likelihood of moving is reduced.
02. How best should I care for my snorkel and mask?
Caring for your snorkel gear is very easy as you need to rinse it after use. Then, allow your gear to dry, but not dry it in the sun.
To prevent your new snorkel mask from fogging, ensure that you pre-treat it and use a defogging solution to eliminate fog.
The other tip is to wear your mask with a dry face, which can cause fogging.
03. What is the difference between a conventional snorkel mask and a full-face mask?
A traditional mask only covers your eyes and nose; thus, the need for a mouthpiece to give you air.
An advantage of a traditional snorkel mask over a full-face one is that it is lightweight and allows you to free dive easily.
On the other hand, a full-face mask is a one-piece mask that features the snorkel and mask attached to it.
Hence, it eliminates the need for a mouthpiece and allows you to breathe using your mouth and nose.
Also, unlike the traditional snorkel mask, a full face mask has a screen that covers the face and gives a broader vision.
Verdict
Ultimately, attaching your snorkel to your mask is easy, but only if you use the right keeper.
By connecting your snorkel to your mask correctly, you will have an easy time breathing underwater, and you will enjoy your snorkeling experience.
If you were wondering how to attach snorkel to mask, we hope that our detailed step-by-step guide for connecting a snorkel to a mask has been helpful.