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Post by anonrefugee on Jul 8, 2014 15:06:57 GMT
The kid has a last minute invite to join good friends' family on a snorkeling trip, Florida Keys. Any snorkeling Refugees able to recommend a mask and snorkel? Preferably ordered online, Amazon would be great.
I'm not looking for expensive equipment, he won't use it often. But want something quality enough to last. Thanks in advance!
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Dalai Mama
Drama Llama
La Pea Boheme
Posts: 6,985
Jun 26, 2014 0:31:31 GMT
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Post by Dalai Mama on Jul 8, 2014 16:21:39 GMT
I would not order a mask online. Different masks fit different faces. You can still get cheaper ones at a SCUBA store but they will also ensure it fits properly. The other consideration is that masks have a protective coating applied at the factory that needs to be removed. Most dive shops will burn it off for you so you don't have to worry about it.
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Post by barbarac on Jul 8, 2014 16:37:35 GMT
He will probably be able to rent one for the week - especially in areas where snorkeling is popular. It's a cheaper alternative than buying...
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Post by travelscrapper on Jul 8, 2014 16:40:27 GMT
I too recommend going to a scuba shop near you and buy a mask and snorkel there. It really makes a huge difference IMO to have a mask and snorkel that fits his face. Using someone else's snorkel grosses me out.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 5, 2024 18:30:41 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2014 16:58:50 GMT
I understand and don't argue with the PP's comments. With that said, DH and I use snorkels, masks and fins we bought online (Amazon, I'm pretty sure). I think our personal snorkels are way superior to the rented ones - there's not only the germ thing (ugh!) but we use ones with a valve in the top so that water cannot splash back down into the tube (especially handy in waves). These are also great for amateurs like us, in that we don't get surprised/scared by the water in the tube. Here's an example of what we use: snorkel.
We also use fins like these. It may be more than you want to do, but we like the shortness of the fins. They are powerful but not so much in the way as the longer ones (like the rental ones). For vests, some rental places use the real snorkel vests, but I've been to some places that only offer boating vests. I find these to get in my way and not be as enjoyable, so we also bought our own vests, like this. Again, it may be more than you want to get into; I'm just offering up ideas. We carry it all around in a "wet bag" - basically a bag made to hold snorkel gear - also available on Amazon. I hope he has fun! |
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honeybee13
New Member
Posts: 3 
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Post by honeybee13 on Jul 8, 2014 17:08:14 GMT
I have never had a problem with masks and snorkel that I have purchased at Walmart. Definitely recommend fins they will help swim through rough current.
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Post by pierkiss on Jul 8, 2014 18:03:38 GMT
No, you need to take him into a store and have him try them on. A scuba store would be preferable because they KNOW how to fit a mask to a face.  . If you don't want to go that route, at least take him to a store like target or walmart and have him try on the masks to see which one fits his face the best. You could always not down the brand name and model name and order it off amazon at home. |
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Post by eebud on Jul 8, 2014 18:19:37 GMT
I agree with those that say to go to a dive shop. I love to snorkel and we try to take at least one snorkel trip a year, sometimes more. Having equipment that fits is huge in your enjoyment and experience snorkeling. I didn't go to a dive shop to be fit properly. I currently have a snorkel set that I absolutely love (made by Aqua Lung) but I went through 3 other sets before I found this set. Even if the dive shop was a bit more expensive, I would have saved a lot overall if I had been fitted properly to begin with.
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Post by myshelly on Jul 8, 2014 18:22:23 GMT
I LOVE to snorkel, but it can be miserable if the mask doesn't fit your face correctly.
Buy one in person.
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Post by anonrefugee on Jul 8, 2014 18:35:39 GMT
Thanks for advice- sounds like we need to make an effort for the dive shop!
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. If you don't want to go that route, at least take him to a store like target or walmart and have him try on the masks to see which one fits his face the best. You could always not down the brand name and model name and order it off amazon at home. 
