Please Register / Login to take part in discussions about the Virgin Islands.
Was going to rent for upcoming SJ and ST trip but was able to pick up 3 real nice silicone mask w/ semidry snorkel w/ purge valve combos at WalMart of all places this week for dirt cheap $11 seasonal clearance - saw comparable at $29 elsewhere.
This will help address fit and yuk factors and will be cheaper than renting for week. Tried them out and works great in pool, esp purge valve for me and my 11 yr old alike.
Question is, I assume fins are best used while snorkeling to aid swimming and ability/time to tread water. Best to just rent fins? But what if you rent for 5 or 6 days, cheaper to buy and get better fit/quality etc? If so, what models to buy that are not big and heavy and geared more for snorkeling vs diving? (packing space/weight concerns)
Also do the snorkel vests and/or kick boards really help extend your time in the water? If so, same question applies to vest - buy or rent? (or just use some blow up "swimmies"?)
We are snorkeling nubies but experienced swimmers in NJ ocean. Appreciate any feedback from you traveling snorkeling meisters out there. Thanks.
snorkel a lot. We bought our first pairs at a sports mega store.
I don't think snorkel vests are needed for persons who are comfortable in the water. You will float easily and this water is very calm.
We have one family member who doesn't swim (and who sinks even in salt water), he uses a snorkel vest and enjoys it. The rest of us snorkeled for an hour or more with no flotation - no problem.
jmg,
For what it's worth, we generally advise our guests that unless they have some stuff they really like for some reason (like the fit and yuk factors you mentioned) just to rent gear in the islands rather than haul it back and forth. As for fins only, I would personally just rent them since nice ones are widely available and not that expensive.
Regarding snorkel vests, I'm a big fan ever since I dang near drowned myself 9 years ago. Despite being a strong swimmer, I accidently got a lungfull of seawater while pausing to clear my mask. By the time I quit coughing and choking I was so exhausted I could barely tread water. Not a good situation. A snorkel vest, while not a dashing fashion statement, just gives you that added bit of assurance, particularly if you're new to the sport. That said, a raft or kick board performs essentially the same function, just depends again on how much gear you want to accumulate.
Have fun!
Post Edited (08-20-04 16:05)
Thanks for feedback esp Regan re snorkel vest experience/advice. Assume they are rentable as well as snorkel belts - which are better for adult and child?
Regarding fins, may rent as suggested but also considering purchase via ebay short split fin type - look easy to transport (size/weight). Any suggestions on specific brand/type of fins? Thanks.
