We haven't snorkeled in 6 yrs. I pulled out our snorkels for our upcoming trip & they definitely need to be cleaned. What do you recommend to clean them? Diluted baby shampoo? Soap & water?
Want to make sure I do it right!
Also, will be buying a snorkeling set for my 5 yr old & want to know what I should look for.
Thanks for the help!
Take some cheap toothpaste,not the whitening kind and as nonabrasive as you can find, and a cheap toothbrush, and rub the inside lens with it, then rinse it out.Over time, a film will build up even if you clean the original film wears or is cleaned off.
50/50 mix of baby shampoo and water works great as a cheap anti fog. Put it on, just before you go in the water.
As far as what to look for in a snorkel set, if you have the oppurtunity, take the mask, and place it on your 5 year olds face, and have them inhale through their nose. If the mask leaks, or falls off, then find a smaller one. Once you find a mask, try the snorkel with the mask. Have them inhale with the mask placed on their face,(no strap) and the snorkel in their mouth. If the mask falls, then try repositioning, the snorkel. Also, make sure that there hair is not in the way of the seal. If you tried all of the above, and the maks falls off again, try a smaller mouth piece. A mouthpiece on a snorkel that is too large, can create a leak in the mask. Try repositioning the snorkel on the mask a few times also, as it can drag the mask away from your face.
If the snorkel has a plastic keeper, get rid of it, and get a silicone keeper. They are moer flexible and can help reduce leaks.
When you look at masks sets, try and get one that you can replace the strap on. A lot of the shelf sets, once the mask strap breaks, its done.
You can get a decent mask snorkel set, and even fins for a decent price. There are some good mask sets for about 25-35 dollars. You dont need something that has all of the bells and whistles. The snorkel I use, was 8 bucks and a decent quality. As a bonus, I can take it apart, and clean it.