Snorkling Goggles An Essential Tool
Snorkeling has existed for thousands of years in one form or another. Ancient Greeks used to use an apparatus called a "diving bell" when they needed to submerge themselves for several feet. Leonardo Da Vinci also had drawings featuring swimming tubes filled with air for those wishing to go under, while the use of reeds and other tubes was commonplace in other parts of the world for many years.
Goggle It
Goggles, for snorkling or otherwise, likewise have a long history. Some of the first and most well-engineered goggles were used not for snorkeling, but by northern native cultures wishing to avoid snow blindness. These first goggles were made out of leather and featured fine slits where the viewer could look out on the world without suffering the blinding effects of the subarctic rays reflecting off the snow.
The invention of plastics in the 20th century is what revolutionized the form that many people currently recognize today, the snorkling goggle. While there are some native cultures of divers that have actually adapted the shape of their eye for seeing in the water, the rest of us must resort to snorkling goggles. The reason for this is that water acts as a magnifier, distorting any perception in the water.
Selecting Your Goggles for Snorkling
While it is possible to snorkel without goggles, you will find that your visibility improves greatly with a decent pair to minimize the water's distortion. There are a variety of snorkling goggles available at many price ranges. The ones on the upper end of the spectrum even have built-in cameras! But you don't need to spend a lot of money to get a suitable pair of goggles.
Fit
Fit is perhaps the essential thing when it comes to figuring out which goggles are right for you. For this reason, you may want to make your goggle purchase in person so that returning them is an easy process, sometimes an obstacle with online retailers. The fit of the snorkling goggle is important for two reasons. The first is comfort. If you are thinking of becoming a serious snorkeler, you may be out for hours! Make sure you find snorkling goggles that won't give you a head-ache or owl-eyes, circular red marks around your face.
The second reason that fit is so important is that snorkling goggles must be watertight! Advances in technology continue to happen, but it's important that you give your goggles a good test drive before you take them to some of the world's finer snorkeling areas, many located outside of the US. What works when you stick your face in a sink full of water may not when you're taking a 20-foot jump off a boat. Find some that fit snugly and securely. Taking the time to find good snorkling goggles is always worth it.
