Snorkelling Vest - Where Can I Buy in Aus?

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  mskeggs on 10/04/2017 - 12:08

  +2

  I take it you haven't had much snorkelling experience?
  You will find you are naturally very buoyant (more so if you are above average weight) in the sea, and floating face down with your facemask in the water breathing through the snorkel uses no energy at all to remain happily afloat.
  If you are wearing fins, you will also find that treading water requires little energy at the time (although your leg muscles will likely disagree the next day!).
  I wasn't familiar with the vests you mentioned, but a google shows them to be a bit like an aircraft life vest. I suspect you would find these more trouble than help, as they would only work if very partially inflated, otherwise they would roll you onto your back.
  Since they are under $20, I suppose not much is lost if you bought one, but I predict you will abandon it pretty quickly as being unnecessary and a bit pointless.

  The Cook Islands sound like a great destination and a friend who went a few years ago raved about it. Have a great trip.

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  k-rokfm on 10/04/2017 - 13:16

  +1

  When I went to the great barrier reef a few years ago, my girlfriends parents used life jackets to help them in the water. They wernt very good swimmers and it definitely helped with their confidence and enjoyment in the water.

  In contrast to what mskeggs says above, while you are naturally buoyant if you are not a strong swimmer and there is a current or a little bit choppy (especially if you are in deep water/unable to touch the ground) then a lifejacket or vest is definitely a good idea.

  I hadn't heard of snorkelling vests before this, but a quick read up on them implies that they are good for inflating/deflating if you are wanting to duck dive to look at more under the water. My girlfriends parents just used a normal life jacket and it seemed to work really well for them. Perhaps look into lifejackets and then you can go to your local bcf/sports store to try a few on.

  • 

    mskeggs on 10/04/2017 - 13:46

    How were they able to swim along in a life jacket? They are designed to hold you upright on your back with your face up out of the water even if you are unconscious. You would be constantly fighting this when snorkelling.
    Was it a buoyancy vest like some on this page maybe?
    http://www.ropemarine.com.au/contents/en-us/d54.html

    These are more designed to let you do water sports where you are sometimes in the water like kayaking or sailing.
    I don't disagree that something keeping you afloat helps you stay above the water, I just don't see how you could dive down to look at a reef or something without constantly taking the floatation jacket on and off.

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  karenestelle on 10/04/2017 - 13:54

  Since I suffer from osteo arthritis I do find it painful treading water for too long. It isn't possible to wear fins as you need to wear reef shoes to protect against any stone fish and also sea snails. I really loved our trip last December to Rarotonga. I suffer with chronic sea sickness so it's wonderful not having to climb on a boat to enjoy snorkelling. Just a few steps from our accommodation into a lovely lagoon with plentiful fish. Such a relaxing holiday. We loved it so much we are returning end May.

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  karenestelle on 10/04/2017 - 13:57

  I never dive down when snorkelling. I find there is plenty to see by staying on top of the water.

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  [Deactivated] on 10/04/2017 - 14:25

  +1

  A wetsuit may give the extra bouyancy you want, while being more comfortable. In a 5mm wetsuit without weight belt it's very hard to go under!

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  Halo375 on 10/04/2017 - 15:09

  For whatever vest you purchase - make sure it is a type which has straps that run between your legs, so that when you're upright in the water, it is holding you up. Some variations just have a strap around the waist - they're terrible for snorkling and would me more dangerous.

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  Elision on 10/04/2017 - 15:22

  I'm pretty sure they sell buoyancy vests at Costco if you have a membership or know someone who does.

  I've gone snorkeling a few times in Thailand. When I just went on the beach I really didn't feel I needed one, but when we were out in very deep water I much preferred having one. It's not that I can't tread water but it's much more relaxing when you can just float there and chill as long as you want without getting tired, especially when there is no way of touching the ground for a rest. I also recommend getting fins if you can, just makes it much easier.

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  carlJack on 10/04/2017 - 15:36

  My friends use this for snorkelling.They say its pretty comfortable.
  https://www.anacondastores.com/sports/sports-best-sellers/se…

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  Sunshines bright on 10/04/2017 - 20:43

  I am 52 and heavy.. about 94K or 205LB's and I found that for staying on top of the water for snorkeling a life vest works, but is a bit inhibiting as it is hard to keep your face in the water.

  When the sea is rough it is very helpful to have one on and most tour boats offer them in any case.

  If you can swim a a bit more than a "little" then you can snorkel without one and it is easier to keep your snorkel in the water.

  If you plan to dive under (which I am doubting, hehe) then you do not want a vest or flotation device at all.

  Personally I have not gotten over the fear of taking in water using the snorkel when diving, I can swim underwater and dive without it but have not done so with the snorkel in. OZ bargainers do not make fun of me hehe!!!

  Do have lots of fun no matter how you choose to dress. I so adore snorkeling even if I do stay on top!!!