Dry Snorkle Helps Keep Water From Swimmer's Mouthpiece
When the uninitiated hear the term, dry snorkle they may think it is part of the training for snorkling, done above the surface for people to learn how to breathe through the tube held in their mouth. However, in reality dry snorkle is the term used to describe the snorkle being used and whether or not it permits water to enter at the top. Most think of a snorkle of being a hollow tube shaped like a candy cane that allows the person to swim in shallow water and be able to draw air in through the tube.
In reality, a wet snorkle, that is one that is nothing more than a hollow tube held in lace with a mouthpiece, will allow water to enter the tube, hindering the swimmer's ability to breathe. There are three essential styles of snorkles, the wet snorkle, semi-dry and the dry snorkle. Each type has different objectives and those that hope to see deeper life under the surface are more prone to use a dry snorkle.
Wet snorkles are often used by those who do not plan on moving below the surface and those swimming in water that is relatively calm. However, if the presence of waves or even the wake from watercraft threatens to send water over the top of the tube a dry snorkle is usually recommended.
Keeping Dry Keeps Airways Open
Too often, beginner snorkellers will use the cheapest equipment they can find and without the proper guidance will use a wet snorkel. Although, it usually only takes one breathe underwater that includes a mouthful of sea water to have them looking for a dry snorkle. The flap at the top of the dry snorkle can tell the difference in the weight of the water and of the air and will close completely if water is detected.
With a semi-dry snorkle, a certain amount of water is expected to flow into the tube, often if deeper than a few feet below the surface, but there is the expectation of a dry snorkle to keep the snorkle completely free of water. Upon surfacing, air is allowed to flow through the snorkle once again.
Learning to clear water from a wet or semi-dry snorkle can be nearly as difficult as learning to use the snorkle in the first place. Which, is why many snorkle instructors recommend even those new to the sport start out using a dry snorkle until they are comfortable with their watery surroundings.
