Snorkeling can be a great activity to share with your kids, however if your kids have the wrong snorkeling gear like a leaky mask or an uncomfortable pair of fins, you could easily ruin their experience and may also put your kids off snorkeling.

Kids snorkeling equipment does not need to be top notch. You have to keep in mind that your child will continue to develop. During his/her development you will have to invest to replace the snorkeling gear which he/she has outgrown from. 

However, whatever type of kids snorkeling gear you purchase; be sure it is the correct size and fits comfortably on your child. So it is important that you take your time in choosing your kids snorkeling gear.

Within this article we have pointed out the following tips to assist in choosing the proper kids snorkeling gear.  

So let us now look at the different types of snorkeling gear your kids will be needing for their underwater adventures:  

Kids Snorkeling Mask

The mask is your kid’s window to the underwater world. This piece of snorkeling gear can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. If the choice is left to your kid, he/she would probably go for the most colorful one with his/her latest favorite character on.  This could be good as it would get him or her more interested in snorkeling for a start, but what ever style is chosen, your priority is to be sure to find one that comfortably fits your kid’s face and maintains a good seal.

This can easily be determined through a simple test. To test a snorkeling mask, without using the strap, have your kid hold the mask to their face. Make sure that no stray hairs are under the skirt and have them breath gently through their nose. A good sealed mask should be lightly sucked to their face and stay firmly in place. This will ensure that no water can be leaked in the snorkeling mask.

While checking out the mask, also inspect the skirt of the mask to ensure that it feel comfortable for your kid and check that the mask skirt between the nose and the upper lip does not extend beyond your kids upper lip.  Explain to your kid the reason why you are testing it so they would not get frustrated with the process of choosing the mask. The more they would know what a good mask is made up of, the more likely they would be happy with the final choice of mask.

Kids snorkel

The same thing hold with choosing the snorkel. When it comes to choosing the right snorkel for your kid, look out for, models which models have a purge valve to clear water from the barrel, an ergonomically curved barrel with a flexible mouthpiece.  Select a snorkel which is lightweight and has a smaller bored barrel and has got a mouthpiece which is small enough to fit securely in your kid's mouth.  

Another feature to look out for is the splashguard. This is attached to the top of the snorkel barrel and prevents water splashed from waves from entering the snorkel.   

To test if you selected the right snorkel, place the mouthpiece against your kid’s mouth and instruct them to gently bite on it. Determine whether, the mouthpiece fits correctly within your child’s mouth.

Kids snorkeling fins

Although a set of fins aren't necessary for snorkeling, they will definitely assist your kid to thread through the water with far less effort.  

When choosing your kids fins, be sure that they are very flexible, not too rigid. The stiffer the fin, the more effort will be required. There is a wide variety of fin styles to choose from. Fins come with long or short blades, wide or narrow blades, but whatever you buy it is best you choose smaller lightweight fins as they will minimize any strain which may be caused on legs, knees, and ankles during your kids fining.

There are however 2 types of fins to consider. There is the full foot and adjustable strap type of fin. In my opinion, the full foot model is much lighter whereas an adjustable strap fin is to be used in conjunction with Neoprene boots. If you intend to take your child snorkeling near coral reefs then it is wise to invest in this type of fin as booties will likely protect your child from abrasions and stings when moving in and out of the water.

Like every piece of kids snorkeling gear, you will be buying, the most important factor your should consider is your child’s comfort. Fins also come in shoe sizes so it is important that you find a pair of fins which correspond to your kid's shoe size.

Always keep your kid informed with the process of choosing their gear.  The more they would know about their equipment the more they would likely to learn how to use them better, turning them into little snorkeling pros at a very young age.

Teaching kids snorkeling/Snorkeling Safety for Kids /Wetsuit for kids/ The importance for using a snorkeling vest for kids/Easy techniques on How to snorkel

 

If you are interested in snorkeling equipment for yourself that how about taking a look at our snorkeling gear guides on:

Snorkeling Mask Buyers guide/ Mask Care/ Buying a Snorkel/ Mask and Snorkel Set up guide/ Buying Snorkeling Fins

 

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