Simple snorkling gear for kids

[Tiggsy]

Taking the kids to Menorca next week....ages 6,9,13 - they want to snorkle....dont want to spend loads on something they'll do once a year!

Is a cheapo kit from Decathalon good enough or a false economy and will be rubbish?

I also want the same...and am off to Maldive later in year so want a "slightly" better kit....anything to look for? Again, not going wreck diving! Just a bit of snorkling!

[VEA]

I may be wrong but everything I have bought from Decathlon has been fantastic so I would go for it. Most people end up buying this stuff when they get to the destination, surely it can only be better quality than the stuff you get on the beach?

[The Nur]

There is some good cheap stuff in Tesco at the moment, may have to find one of the "Extra" stores or whatever they are called to find the range of products though.

[Tiggsy]

cool - decathlon it is!

[Ganglandboss]

Decathlon stuff is fine. When choosing a mask, they should try it on. Get them to try it on with the strap held over the front. They should be able to get it to stick to their face by gently breathing in through the nose (although this may not be so easy to get your 6 year old to do) - if they can't do this, it will leak. A leaky mask will mean water will be sloshing about in the nose pocket, which can be a bit distressing.

Most masks have a coating on the lens from the manufacturing process - when you get them, put a bit of toothpaste on your finger (the bicarbonate of soda stuff works best), rub it in and give it a rinse. This will help stop it fogging up.

[schmalex]

Ganglandboss said:

Decathlon stuff is fine. When choosing a mask, they should try it on. Get them to try it on with the strap held over the front. They should be able to get it to stick to their face by gently breathing in through the nose (although this may not be so easy to get your 6 year old to do) - if they can't do this, it will leak. A leaky mask will mean water will be sloshing about in the nose pocket, which can be a bit distressing.

Most masks have a coating on the lens from the manufacturing process - when you get them, put a bit of toothpaste on your finger (the bicarbonate of soda stuff works best), rub it in and give it a rinse. This will help stop it fogging up.

^^^ This. Particularly the tip on trying the mask for fit. Also, try and get a snorkel with a purge valve. It makes clearing them so much easier