A sophomore at the University of Missouri at Kansas City, Claire Canon is majoring in broadcast communications and journalism with the plans to become an entertainment journalist. A world traveler, Canon enjoys snorkeling in the Caribbean and the Virgin Islands.

1. A Look atA Look at
SnorkelingSnorkeling
Equipment Equipment
By Claire CanonBy Claire Canon

2. A Look at SnorkelingA Look at Snorkeling
Equipment Equipment
A sophomore at the University ofA sophomore at the University of
Missouri at Kansas City, Claire Canon isMissouri at Kansas City, Claire Canon is
majoring in broadcast communicationsmajoring in broadcast communications
and journalism with the plans to becomeand journalism with the plans to become
an entertainment journalist. A worldan entertainment journalist. A world
traveler, Canon enjoys snorkeling in thetraveler, Canon enjoys snorkeling in the
Caribbean and the Virgin Islands.Caribbean and the Virgin Islands.

3. A Look at SnorkelingA Look at Snorkeling
Equipment Equipment
Less intense than scuba diving,Less intense than scuba diving, snorkelingsnorkeling requires its ownrequires its own
equipment. The three most important pieces to acquire are aequipment. The three most important pieces to acquire are a
mask, a snorkel, and fins. Masks should feel comfortable yet fitmask, a snorkel, and fins. Masks should feel comfortable yet fit
because being overly tight or loose can hinder one's enjoyment ofbecause being overly tight or loose can hinder one's enjoyment of
the water and ability to view aquatic life. While mask fogging canthe water and ability to view aquatic life. While mask fogging can
cause problems, rubbing spit or a similar product on the opticalcause problems, rubbing spit or a similar product on the optical
surface can keep this from occurring. Comfort must also be asurface can keep this from occurring. Comfort must also be a
consideration when purchasing a snorkel, as it should feel right inconsideration when purchasing a snorkel, as it should feel right in
the mouth. Additionally, some snorkels feature a dual-tube systemthe mouth. Additionally, some snorkels feature a dual-tube system
that contains separate valves for inhaling and exhaling. While finsthat contains separate valves for inhaling and exhaling. While fins
are not deemed a necessity, experienced snorkelers considerare not deemed a necessity, experienced snorkelers consider
them very helpful and often wear foam booties underneath tothem very helpful and often wear foam booties underneath to
prevent blisters. Before snorkeling, one should read about theprevent blisters. Before snorkeling, one should read about the
area where they plan to dive and learn about indigenous seaarea where they plan to dive and learn about indigenous sea
creatures that may prove harmful.creatures that may prove harmful.