The 8 most common beginner snorkelling mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Fogged-up mask, fins on dry sand, no buoy, sunscreen at the last minute: the mistakes that ruin first outings are known by heart. Here’s the list so you don’t make them.
First outings with a mask all look alike — and unfortunately so do first mistakes. The good news is that they are predictable and very easy to avoid, if someone tells you in advance. Here they are, from the most harmless to the most serious.
The comfort mistakes
1. Fogged mask. A new lens never degreased, or no anti-fog: a drop of mild soap, well rinsed before you get in, fixes it. 2. Hair inside the mask skirt: two hairs on your forehead are enough to let water in the whole time. 3. Fins on dry sand: you walk terribly and you fall; put them on in waist-deep water, walking backwards only if you must.
4. Sunscreen right before the swim: it washes off into the water (bad for you and for the seagrass) and doesn’t protect. Apply it half an hour earlier, choose reef-safe formulas — or better, cover up with a rash guard.
The mistakes that really matter
5. No marker buoy. Outside marked swimming areas it is required and makes you visible to boats: in summer it is worth more than all the rest of your gear combined. 6. Hyperventilating before a dive: rapid deep breaths don’t “load oxygen”, they lower your urge to breathe and are the road to a shallow-water blackout. Breathe normally, one full inhale, and go.
7. Swimming against the current on the way back. Judge the current before you get in (watch which way foam or anchored boats point) and always start your swim against it, so the return is with it. 8. Touching and chasing. Octopuses, urchins, “empty” shells: everything you touch gets stressed, and some things (urchins, scorpionfish, fireworms) defend themselves. One rule makes photos better and sightings longer: stop, and let the sea get used to you.
