DH Lost our snorkeling gear

[FigmentSpark]

We're off in a week. Costco has a full set of snorkel gear (mask, tube and fins) for sale ($39.99 CAD), which I assume is an okay price. But we don't need the fins, just the masks and breathing tubes. The Costco ones are US Divers brand.

So, do I spend the money now and bring the pieces down with me or do I pick something up at RonJon's (we're staying at the Four Points in Cocoa Beach). Would RonJon's have something decent? It's not like we're afficianados (or we wouldn't have lost our gear), but we don't want to fiddle with crappy fitting masks, either.

This is the set at Costco:


Good deal or wait until I'm in P.C.?


Also, in case anyone knows, are the S/M and L/XL meant for the fin size only? Or do the masks fit differently for the different sizes?

 

[mtil]

We've been looking at the same set. The size difference is for the fins only, the masks are the same size. Haven't used them so do not know how they are.

 

[DIS_MIKE]

I am not a fan of the fins but you won't be using them anyway. The set on the Costco website has decent reviews (4.5 stars) so I would say you should be in good hands with that set. Having a great fitting mask is very important as you mentioned so maybe do some more shopping for at least a better mask at this point.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

My son uses one of those and it is fine.

 

[FigmentSpark]

I am not a fan of the fins but you won't be using them anyway. The set on the Costco website has decent reviews (4.5 stars) so I would say you should be in good hands with that set. Having a great fitting mask is very important as you mentioned so maybe do some more shopping for at least a better mask at this point.

Oh, are there better brands for masks? My thought was I didn't want to just hop over to Target or Walmart for a $10 mask, unless it was going to be a good quality mask.

 

[DIS_MIKE]

Oh, are there better brands for masks? My thought was I didn't want to just hop over to Target or Walmart for a $10 mask, unless it was going to be a good quality mask.

It really comes down to budget but I feel RonJon's would be pricier, given the location. I would go with this but that's just me.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0065NYXWW/ref=twister_B00PUE6ZY6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
There are plenty of mask options out there so you may have to do a little research.

 

[monkeydawn]

Last trip I actually just brought down goggles and the snorkel. I dont do tons of snorkling and I dont dive down, I'm surface snorkling only. I trained myself first in a pool to make sure I could use just the goggles/ snorkel without accidentally inhaling water. Took up a lot less rook in the suitcase. Just some food for thought.

 

[Chemist]

We are pretty happy with our Costco snorkeling gear.

My husband who used to dive prefers his own.

But for a few times a year snorkelers, they are pretty decent.

 

[squirk]

Even if RonJon's in Cocoa Beach has something of comparable quality, it'll be way overpriced. If it's not a hassle to pack the Costco sets, I'd get those.

 

[FigmentSpark]

Last trip I actually just brought down goggles and the snorkel. I dont do tons of snorkling and I dont dive down, I'm surface snorkling only. I trained myself first in a pool to make sure I could use just the goggles/ snorkel without accidentally inhaling water. Took up a lot less rook in the suitcase. Just some food for thought.

That's exactly our idea, too. I just wondered if there were better deals once we got to Florida. Sounds like Costco is the way to go... if they have any left on the shelves.

 

[monkeydawn]

That's exactly our idea, too. I just wondered if there were better deals once we got to Florida. Sounds like Costco is the way to go... if they have any left on the shelves.

To clarify I mean goggles, not masks. It was NBD to us since we had both already so it was just a matter of choosing. An alternative to help you if you have some in your party that can hold their breath for a decent bit of time is to get fewer Costco sets than you have people and bring goggles for the others in your party. Plus, would everyone always be snorkling at once. Because if your luck is anything like mine you will find your old gear right after youve used the new stuff and its no longer returnable. LOL

Also, you might want to see where the closest Costco is down there to where you will be. If your local Costco is sold out, they will probably have them down there if you can get to them. I know they divert extra beachy stuff to our area.

ETA: These are the goggles we have. I really like them and the anti fog is holding up well but we follow the directions of always using freshwater before and after using as a rinse.

 

[FigmentSpark]

To clarify I mean goggles, not masks. It was NBD to us since we had both already so it was just a matter of choosing. An alternative to help you if you have some in your party that can hold their breath for a decent bit of time is to get fewer Costco sets than you have people and bring goggles for the others in your party. Plus, would everyone always be snorkling at once. Because if your luck is anything like mine you will find your old gear right after youve used the new stuff and its no longer returnable. LOL

Also, you might want to see where the closest Costco is down there to where you will be. If your local Costco is sold out, they will probably have them down there if you can get to them. I know they divert extra beachy stuff to our area.

ETA: These are the goggles we have. I really like them and the anti fog is holding up well but we follow the directions of always using freshwater before and after using as a rinse.

Nice looking goggles. And three times the price in Canada.

Good point about not getting a set for everyone at once.

 

[Osum]

My son uses this type of snorkel and goggles 6 days a week during swim practice, and is planning to bring them along for snorkeling on Castaway Cay. I say, use whatever you’re comfortable with!

 

[FigmentSpark]

My son uses this type of snorkel and goggles 6 days a week during swim practice, and is planning to bring them along for snorkeling on Castaway Cay. I say, use whatever you’re comfortable with!

View attachment 478202

Ah. He has to remember to breathe through his mouth. Nice and slim for travelling, though.

 

[Osum]

Much less space in the suitcase, for sure!

 

[Lauri]

I bought my DH this set about 10 years ago, and it's still holding up well. It comes with a nice carry bag, which also has room for his essential items when he leaves the ship. We travel light--he uses only a carryon bag, but there's plenty of room to fit that in my suitcase with all of my shoes!

 

[monkeydawn]

Ah. He has to remember to breathe through his mouth. Nice and slim for travelling, though.

That's what I meant by training in the pool. I wasnt sure if I could do it but after the first couple of breaths it was easy for me.

I didnt realize that there was an actual set like that you could buy with the headstrap. I hitch my snorkel clip onto the side of the goggle strap, exactly like I would do with the mask. One huge benefit of the goggles I posted is that there is a release at the back so you arent dragging that headstrap across your hair and pulling it all out.

 

[iivye]

I have three sets of those for my family and we've never had problems. I like that style mask because of the clear sides which allow me to see better.

 

[mmouse37]

Have you thought about this type of snorkel mask? I bought one a few years ago and it is awesome...so much easier to use than a separate mask and snorkel. Completely covers your face and makes it so much easier to snorkel. Top part comes apart for packing. I don't remember what brand I have but the prices have come down a lot since when I bought mine.

Edited:

This is the brand I bought

https://www.amazon.com/TRIBORD-EASY...hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583863979880192&psc=1
My SIL using it at Castaway Cay with fins he rented at CC.



MJ

 

[FigmentSpark]

I did look at a full face mask, but based on some advice (previous thread somewhere on the DIS), I thought it was a risk, if I got a poorly fitting one or one that didn't expel the CO2 properly.