DCL uses either a commercially available sanitizer or a simple 10% bleach solution.Either one will work.After use, the masks and snorkels are usually dropped into the solution for several minutes at least, then rinsed and left to air dry.The fins/vest are usually swiped in for a minute also jic.
As posted above, the snorkel equipment on CC is cheap rental quality.Since everyones face is built differently, some fo DCLs gear will fit you and some wont.
Heres a little adivice (I Work in a scuba shop)and this will apply to anyone that buys there own to bring as well.
1 On CC if you rent,
dont be afraid to try their gear on before you get in the water.Especially the mask and snorkels. Take the mask, place it over your face, with the strap around the front of the mask, and inhale and hold your breath.If the mask falls off your face,or you can feel air moving, check to make sure that your hair is not in or under the mask.This will cause a leak.If its not sealing on land it definitely wont seal in the water.If it stll leaks,check to make sure the mask isnt dried out or try another mask.
Once you get a mask that fits, put the mask on,with the strap over the front again, and put the snorkel in your mouth.If the mask fall off, the mouth piece is probably too big, and will cause a leak in your mask, in the water.Try a different snorkel until the mask seal properly.You also shouldnt have to chomp down hard on the snorkel.If you do the mouthpiece is the wrong size.
Whehter you are on a boat in Coz, in CC lagoon, or in Nassau snorkeling, avoid placing the mask on your forhead.Instead do one of these.Turn the mask around so the mask faces off the back of you head, or pull the mask down around your neck.This way if for some reason a wave hits you in the face while you are on the surface talking etc.The mask doesnt get pushed off your head and into the ocean to the bottom.
2.If you buy your own equipment, try and avoid the prepackaged gear for the reasons above.If you plan on keeping it around,or using it for other trips besides cruising,it may be worth it to spend a little more for gear that will last longer and fit you comfortably.If thats all thats available, thats fine.If you do and the snorkel comes with a plastic clip to hold it to your mask,get rid of it and get a rubber/silicone snorkel keeper.There only a bout a buck or so.The plastic clips will actually hold the snorkel in a bad spot and cause leaks in both the mask and around you mouthpiece.The rubber will flex better.Try not to store it in a garage or somewhere theres extreme temp changes.This will help deteriate the silicone over time.
3.Vests.Most people will float(with some exceptions)in salt water.The snorkel vests are designed so that when they have air in them, to lay you on your back, face up, so if for some reason you are unconscious, you can still breathe.To empty them, lay on you right side in the water,and put the valve(which is on the left) in the air,and open the vale to expell what ever air remains.A lot of people will fill the vest to capacity with air, and try and look into the water.They fight the vest the whole time.This will not only frustrate someone, but also will tire them out.It will however work well when you are tired to turn over and back stroke back to the shore.
4.Dont fight.Relax and go with it.Figure out which way the current runs where ever you are snorkeling.If for example you are in CC, and the curent is running towards the ship, start at the far side of the lagoon, furthest from the ship, and let the current push you back.Anlr your self so that you end up where you want to go.Let the current do the work for you.And just relax.The more splashing and moving you do, the less fish will come around.
5.Try different fin kicks. The fins that are offered arent the best to move people around. Try different fin kicks.Sometimes the straight leg will work(Lock your kness and move your legs from your hips) and sometimes the frog kick will work better.
For those who buy their masks near their homes, and bring it with them.3 things.
1 Take a new tooth brush(One that you wont use.A cheap one will work well) with some toothpaste, and scrub the insides of the lenses of the mask.There is a chemical film,from the manufacturing process that will coat the lenses.Also over time, if you spit in or use a chemcal defog on the lenses, it will build up over time and help promote fogging.
2.Get a small bottle (trial size if possible) of baby shampoo, and mix it 50/50 with water in a small bottle.Any type of bottle will do.This will work just as good as spit or commercially available defog.
3.Dont even think about using something like Rainex or other water repellent on your mask.1, it will over time, destroy the silicone, and if you use it inside (like someone that came to the shop has done)since it is alcohol based, it will sting your eyes the entire time you use it.
We own our own equipment and take it on all of our vacations where we expect to snorkel. I have an RX mask...we purchased all of our stuff at a local dive shop so we all have a mask that fits properly.
