Snorkel Gear

WintersTale · **Posted:** 06 07 05 3:16 pm

Well...we're just about 6 weeks out from our trip and now I'm starting to wonder whether or not we should buy our own snorkel gear for our sail...any advice? I'm sure we will do a WJ again and use it...but if the equipment is good on the Mandalay to rent, we can go that route too...I would appreciate any words of wisdom! Thanks! 
<img src=http://jammerbabe.com/images/Smiley/giddyup.gif ALT=":giddyup">

TOMTOES · **Posted:** 06 07 05 4:18 pm

I have found that if you buy a "GOOD" mask and a snorkle that is self draining, you feel more comfortable and secure. It is easy enough to pack. 
The fins ??? <img src=http://jammerbabe.com/images/Smiley/dunno.gif ALT=":dunno"> tough to carry and the <img src=http://jammerbabe.com/images/Smiley/ship.gif ALT=":ship"> has ones good enough for you! <img src=http://jammerbabe.com/images/Smiley/dude.gif ALT=":dude"> 
 
<img src=http://jammerbabe.com/images/Smiley/snorkel.gif ALT=":snorkel"> Away !!! <img src="http://www.jammerbabe.com/images/gifs/icon_feet2.jpg" style="border:0;"/>

sgibson842 · **Posted:** 06 07 05 6:34 pm

It depends on how much you'll use it. I brought my own on our Mandalay trip in May but ended up having to use one of the WJ masks since mine started leaking. Several of the passengers with rented fins complained that they didn't fit very well. I'm glad I had my own fins but they are a hassle to pack. If I were you and I didn't already have the equipment I would probably just rent it from WJ. The snorkeling and the discover scuba course were awesome. 
Scott Edited by: <A HREF=http://p211.ezboard.com/bwindjammerflotilla.showUserPublicProfile?gid=sgibson842>sgibson842</A> at: 6/7/05 8:36 pm

Kantwaite · **Posted:** 06 08 05 6:05 am

<img src=http://jammerbabe.com/images/Smiley/giddyup.gif ALT=":giddyup"> if you can get to Claire (the dive mate) as soon as possible you can get some decent stuff. 
 
I brought my own mask and fins (but I already had stuff as I am a diver) because I am hard to fit (narrow feet, picky about the type of mask). Jim brought his mask but rented the fins. They are in good condition but looked like 1960's type stuff (remember Seahunt?) Do you have water shoes (booties)? Definitely bring, Jim got a blister on the top of his foot from the rubbing. 
 
Not <img src=http://www.jammerbabe.com/images/Smiley/waiting.gif ALT=":waiting">

kelib · **Posted:** 06 08 05 6:37 am

I take my own mask on every trip. On the BVI trip I will also take my fins down since I know I will snorkel more than some of the other trips (the Poly's SXM snorkeling is really <img src=http://jammerbabe.com/images/Smiley/lame.gif ALT=":lame"> ) 
To rent everything is $25 for the week, fin rental is $15 for the week. Even though they have plenty of equipment on board, they only have a one time rental on Monday, which means you have to remember to be there at the appointed time(read my lips.....you have to leave the bar) 
I have had a problem once with getting an ill fitting pair of fins which did cause a blister on my toe (I always bring a bottle of liguid bandage just in case) 
I paid about $60 for my fins and mask, and I have used them many times since on WJ and non-WJ trips, so they have paid for themselves many times. 
If you are doing check-in luggage, then just throw them in your suitcase. If you plan on doing carry-on, look for the "short-fins" ( I wish they were out when I bought 
mine, and am still thinking of investing in them) 
Have a great time, your traveling with some greta people. 
 
Lynda

Tigger · **Posted:** 06 08 05 6:41 am

<img src=http://jammerbabe.com/images/Smiley/wave.gif ALT=":wave"> <img src=http://jammerbabe.com/images/Smiley/giddyup.gif ALT=":giddyup"> 
I meant to buy my own mask before i went last time and didn't get around to it. But i will before my next time. the fins i could find to fit me, but i got a blister as well the very first day. After that, i just wore my tevas in the water so it wasn't a big deal. the water was calm enough that i didn't have to swim too much anyway. 
I also want to get a fancier snorkel for next time. i kept having to clear mine and it felt like it was always leaking. 
<img src=http://www.jammerbabe.com/images/gifs/icon_Tigger.gif ALT=":tigger"> Edited by: <A HREF=http://p211.ezboard.com/bwindjammerflotilla.showUserPublicProfile?gid=tigger@windjammerflotilla>Tigger</A> at: 6/8/05 8:41 am

CAsteve · **Posted:** 06 08 05 7:03 am

A good mask and snorkel can change the experience from being a mediocre one (where you spend all of your time clearing the mask and snorkel) to a great one. Some folks are lucky with the rental gear fitting well, others don't. Do you feel lucky? <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"> 
 
...and then there's the newbies that get yelled at by people like me for standing on the live coral (so they can clean/clear their masks). <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/wink.gif ALT=";)"> 
 
If you plan on using the snorkeling gear multiple times and have the space, just buy your own. Go to a dive shop and try 'em out. As for fins.....I like these <a href="http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=1629&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=126&iSubCat=195&iProductID=1629" target="top">shorties</a> when I tried 'em at the Coconut Bar on <a href="http://www.youngisland.com/map.htm" target="top">Young's Island</a>...but then, I was at a bar. <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"> <img src="http://jammerbabe.com/images/Smiley/beach3.gif" style="border:0;"/> 
Edited by: <A HREF=http://p211.ezboard.com/bwindjammerflotilla.showUserPublicProfile?gid=casteve>CAsteve</A> at: 6/8/05 9:05 am

kelib · **Posted:** 06 08 05 7:20 am

Don't even get me started on people who stand on coral. In St. John I felt like some little old bitty yelling at this one jerk who was diving down and grabbing the coral ( it was sooo intentional on his part) <img src=http://www.jammerbabe.com/images/Smiley/pissedprincess.gif ALT=":pissedprincess"> 
 
 
I had problems with my own mask fogging up, same place everytime. I scrubbed it with toothpaste, bought defogger, spit in it till I was dry and nothing worked. On my non-WJ trip to the BVI's, someone gave me a solution of water and NO MORE TEARS formula baby shampoo. It really worked for me, and am hoping it works this time. If not, I am buying another mask, unless someone know why this happens. 
 
Also, big thing with masks that they don't always emphasize, make sure there is no hair caught in your mask...it just wicks water right into your mask if there is a stray piece caught in there

not sirius · **Posted:** 06 08 05 7:20 am

I highly recommend your own mask & snorkel. Your own fins are nice too, but If you can't move around as fast as you want, so what. HOWEVER If you are contiunually flooding your mask then you are miserable. 
 
Personally I do carry both, but then again I always scuba as well. What works best for me (except for the packing) is a pair of wetsuit booties and My jurasic Jet-fins. That way I have something to walk around the beach and rocks that I don't have to leave ashore. BTW the best snorkeling is ALWAYS around the rocks. 
 
Here is a different tack. I have not used these and I am sure there is some compromise, but the principle looks good. It also solves the problem of what to put on your feet while crossing the rocks. 
<a href="http://www.travelfins.com/product_information.htm" target="top">TRAVEL FINS LINK</a> 
 
Another thing, Skip putting it in that mask box they give you. Put it in with your t-shirts, and stuff underwear in it. That way it is protected, and takes very litttle room. 
<img src="http://www.sirius-business.com/nevisuw.jpg" style="border:0;"/> 
 
PS Kelib, they are going with greta peole? Will Hansel be there too?<img src=http://www.jammerbabe.com/images/Smiley/poke.gif ALT=":poke">

kelib · **Posted:** 06 08 05 7:39 am

<img src=http://jammerbabe.com/images/Smiley/duh2.gif ALT=":duh2"> gotta remember spellcheck..spellcheck 
 
<img src=http://www.jammerbabe.com/images/Smiley/bighug.gif ALT=":bighug">

WintersTale · **Posted:** 06 08 05 9:25 am

Thanks everybody!! I knew I'd get some great advice...looks like we're going to opt to purchase the mask and snorkel and the shortie fins <img src=http://jammerbabe.com/images/Smiley/grin.gif ALT=":grin"> 
 
<img src=http://jammerbabe.com/images/Smiley/giddyup.gif ALT=":giddyup">

grannycog · **Posted:** 06 08 05 5:17 pm

Nothing can ruin your snorkeling as quickly as a leaky mask. We always bring our own mask and snorkel, and rent the rest. The fins take up too much space to bring, although we did one time, and never again. The ones on the ship weren't the best, but not the worst either.

Island Hopper · **Joined:** 04 07 05 7:29 am **Posts:** 3

Lots of good advice above… let me add my two cents worth. 
 
After just a few times of renting equipment, none of which fit perfectly, I bought my own equipment & am much happier because of it. 
 
I just got off of Legacy last week (trip report & more pictures soon will be uploaded). My 1st Windjammer cruise. Loved it! We snorkeled every day but one. 
 
My advice is, if nothing else, go to a dive shop get a properly fitted good quality mask. A leaky seal between your mask and face can be annoying & make you miss seeing something special. 
 
Now if anyone out there knows of a good anti-fog for my mask, let me know. That's the only problem I have with my equipment. 
 
 
Other equipment that I use: 
 
Ocean Master Flex Dry Snorkel bought @ http://www.leisurepro.com 
 
Won't leave home without it. We snorkeled in some pretty choppy seas, I never had a mouth full of seawater. My husband dove & surfaced, never had to clear his snorkel of seawater. 
 
--------------------------------------------- 
 
For this trip I bought US Divers Shredder Surf Fins (compact/short fins) from http://www.Sears.com 
 
***Thanks to PubSlug for this idea*** Still waiting for your review PubSlug! Here is my review: 
 
These are compact & fit easily into my backpack. 90% of the time perfect for surface snorkeling (I float - never dive under). In heavy surf or fast current, I had some difficulty keeping up with my husband who was wearing full sized diving fins. 
 
--------------------------------------------- 
 
Also new for this trip, I wanted something other than a few disposable underwater cameras. I thought about purchasing an underwater camera but I didn't want to get 35mm camera. I've gone digital now. I have a Kodak DX7440. And wouldn't you know it, that camera doesn't have an underwater housing available! I almost sold it to buy a different digital camera that does have an underwater housing available. But I really like this camera & I'm use to its features. So, then I found this website: http://www.ewa-marine.de/english 
 
They make water tight bags for many different sized cameras. I used a price search engine to find the lowest price from a US vendor & purchased their D-AM model. It may not be the most attractive thing, but works great. First I tested it in the bath tub prior to use with my camera to be sure that the bag was air tight. While out snorkeling my husband dove down about 15 feet, the bag kept my camera safe & dry! No complaints about this piece of equipment. The only problem I had was viewing my cameras screen when on the surface in direct sunlight (I have the same problem on dry land w/o the bag - it's the camera not the EWA MARINE bag). Here are just a few of the snorkeling pictures that we took in the Bahamas: <a href="http://community.webshots.com/user/islandhoppercouple">community.webshots.com/us...ppercouple</a> 
 
--------------------------------------------- 
 
WOW, this has been a long reply! Hope it helps someone out there. 
 
Island Hopper

Jodi1161 · **Posted:** 06 09 05 8:03 am

I use Sea Gold drops...they work very well for me, I am a nose breather and my mask was staying fogged all the time. That, and learning to not breath out of my nose so much.....Oh yeah, I always take my mask and snorkel and rent fins.... 
Jodi 
<img src=http://jammerbabe.com/images/Smiley/snorkel2.gif ALT=":snorkel3">

not sirius · **Posted:** 06 09 05 9:23 am

Actually SPIT does work. However it is Dependant on the uhhhhh... consistency though.<img src=http://jammerbabe.com/images/Smiley/yuck.gif ALT=":yuck"> 
 
But you don't need some special junk you buy at the dive shop. 
A better solution, <img src=http://jammerbabe.com/images/Smiley/rofl3.gif ALT=":rofl3"> ......Get it??? SOLUTION!<img src="http://www.sirius-business.com/rofl4.gif" style="border:0;"/> sometimes I just kill me. 
<img src="http://www.sirius-business.com/whew.gif" style="border:0;"/>OK, I'm better now. 
 
Anyway.... a better solution, is to carry a travel bottle of Johnson&Johnson baby shampoo. Just before you dive, put a small drop on the inner surface of the mask and rub it in thoroughly. Give it a single quick rinse and then don't touch it again. The idea is to leave a thin smooth film on the glass. 
<img src="http://www.sirius-business.com/angels2.jpg" style="border:0;"/> Hey Amie! <img src=http://www.jammerbabe.com/images/Smiley/Crap3.gif ALT=":crap"> ? 
 
 
No, really Arnold! All the Old farts do it like that Edited by: <A HREF=http://p211.ezboard.com/bwindjammerflotilla.showUserPublicProfile?gid=notsirius>not sirius</A> <IMG HEIGHT=10 WIDTH=10 SRC="http://www.sirius-business.com/fool.jpg" BORDER=0> at: 6/9/05 11:25 am

not sirius · **Posted:** 06 09 05 9:46 am

Yeah Kelib 
 
Spiel ch-ex safe mi all the tam lynda. Else wise I'd wist two much thyme. I maid yous iv eat hear, that's wi this Juan is sew Gould 
 
<img src="http://www.sirius-business.com/fool.jpg" style="border:0;"/> 
PS. Bot how cum year nae ix th onl won th et falls heir though?<img src=http://jammerbabe.com/images/Smiley/scratch.gif ALT=":scratch">

WintersTale · **Posted:** 06 09 05 11:40 am

Thanks everybody! Now I'm starting to think renting fins might be the best option...are there any dive shops that rent on Tortola? We will buy our snorkel and mask and pack them.

Kantwaite · **Posted:** 06 09 05 11:44 am

<img src=http://jammerbabe.com/images/Smiley/giddyup.gif ALT=":giddyup"> There were several in Road Town. I unfortunately do not remember the names but they are easy to find. 
 
Not <img src=http://www.jammerbabe.com/images/Smiley/waiting.gif ALT=":waiting">

WintersTale · **Posted:** 06 09 05 1:23 pm

Excellent - good to know! Thanks Not <img src=http://www.jammerbabe.com/images/Smiley/waiting.gif ALT=":waiting"> ! <img src=http://jammerbabe.com/images/Smiley/grin.gif ALT=":grin">

TOMTOES · **Posted:** 06 09 05 3:13 pm

Great <img src=http://jammerbabe.com/images/Smiley/camera.gif ALT=":camera"> Islandhopper <img src=http://jammerbabe.com/images/Smiley/dude.gif ALT=":dude"> 
I am amazed at the clarity through a plastic bag. I have a U.W.housing for my Canon and it is touchy. gotta lube and be careful with the seal, antifog gunk Etc... <img src=http://jammerbabe.com/images/Smiley/grumble.gif ALT=":grumble"> 
 
Thanks for the tip on the bag! 
 
Tom <img src="http://www.jammerbabe.com/images/gifs/icon_feet2.jpg" style="border:0;"/>

GuidanceGal · **Posted:** 06 09 05 3:51 pm

IslandHopper, does the bag really work?! Sure sounds like a great idea, but you have to wonder... what kind of price did you spend? 
 
GG

Jammerhead · **Posted:** 06 10 05 4:26 am

Hi <img src=http://jammerbabe.com/images/Smiley/giddyup.gif ALT=":giddyup"> We also have our own masks, snorkels and fins. Terri has a prescription lens in hers, so if you have glasses or contacts, that is a great option and she said last time, "so that is what you have been seeing all this time!" They weren't terribly expensive, less then regular glasses. About the snorkels, I know they clean these things, but I'm not to keen on putting something in my mouth that countless other people have had in theirs. (OK, not sirius there is plenty of opportunity there.) I always have trouble with rental fins but ours are full size, so I want to get some of the shorties. Thanks for the various links guys. Those that fit into your sandals look very interesting. I might have to try those. 
 
The problem is after the first day, the blisters really start to get annoying. If you are only going on one snorkel trip, it is manageable, but if you plan on going every day then you really start dreading putting the dang things on. We will definitely be taking our own, but will get the smallest, lightest we can find. Michael 
 
<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~mshuie/michael.gif" style="border:0;"/>

WintersTale · **Posted:** 06 10 05 8:55 am

Hey Michael...we're going to buy the water booties which will hopefully help with that - because of the fact that I'm going to be lugging my wedding gown, I'm trying to keep luggage to a minimum...

Jammerhead · **Posted:** 06 10 05 12:07 pm

I heard that! We keep finding things that would be so nice to have there. At the lake last weekend, we found a pool lounge thingie that we are thinking about. It folds up pretty small, then inflates into a big oval ring. The ring floats above water, but you are halfway submerged when laying in it. The ease of a water lounger, but the coolness of being in the water. 
 
At least I don't have to bring a bunch of wedding stuff. Where are you going to put the cake? <img src=http://jammerbabe.com/images/Smiley/rofl3.gif ALT=":rofl3"> Michael 
 
<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~mshuie/michael.gif" style="border:0;"/>

Kantwaite · **Posted:** 06 10 05 12:18 pm

<img src=http://jammerbabe.com/images/Smiley/giddyup.gif ALT=":giddyup"> and Michael, 
 
The ship will have blue foam things that can be taken to the beach with you. So you may not have to bring the oval ring. 
 
Michael, didn't Bridget tell you, you are supposed to bring the cake and decorations. Sheesh. <img src=http://jammerbabe.com/images/Smiley/rofl3.gif ALT=":rofl3"> 
 
Not <img src=http://www.jammerbabe.com/images/Smiley/waiting.gif ALT=":waiting">

Snorkel Gear

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