8 Guidelines for first-time snorkellers and beginners

by Catalin Andries on March 04, 2022

Wanna Go Snorkelling?
Here's 8 guidelines for first time snorkellers and beginners

It’s not uncommon for beginners and first-timers to feel afraid, anxious, and worried in the water, and reminding yourself of the fact that loads of people around the world relish in this activity every day should help ease those feelings. That can only help so much, though, so we’ve created this handy little guide for first-time snorkellers and beginners.
Look, we’ve said it a million times and we’ll say it again – snorkelling is one of the most exciting, beautiful, relaxing, and breathtaking activities you can do. Whether you’re in the water for an hour or three hours, it doesn’t matter, you’ll always come out feeling great and alive. If you’re a first-time snorkeller, use these words as your mantra.

8 tips that’ll have you tackling your first time snorkelling like you’ve been doing it your whole life!

The most important thing, as with being a beginner at any activity, is to stay confident. Don’t take this as an opportunity to see yourself as a weak, unskilled beginner. Nuh-uh. This is all about you facing your fears head-on, being strong, powerful, and killin’ it. So let’s go.

1. Get gear that fits right

No point snorkelling with crappy gear. We wouldn’t advise it, nobody would advise it. Just like going for your first drive in a crappy old manual from the 70s, heading out snorkelling in less-than-brilliant gear isn’t a great idea.

Give yourself confidence while out at sea – and more importantly, make sure you stay comfortable – by investing in quality gear that’ll make snorkelling relaxing and not a pain in the arse. You want a mask and snorkels that aren’t too loose – so that water doesn’t seep in – and not too tight either, so you don’t get a crazy headache.

Plus, getting new gear is always an exciting way to approach a new activity. You’ve got your fancy new snorkelling mask and fins, maybe an underwater bag to keep your belongings too, why not go for a brand new towel as well… now you’re ready to snorkel!

2. Practice makes perfect

Before you get all confident and run into the ocean, take some time to practice with your new gear first.
Do it close to the shore in case anything goes wrong, and with a buddy present if you’re able. Practice breathing in your new mask until you’re confident and comfortable doing it.
Have a few kicks in your new fins and make sure you get a good handle on how to use them properly so your legs don’t ache. After a ten minute practice session close to shore, you should be well and ready to hit the sea!

3. Make sure you’re comfortable

Not super confident in your swimming skills? Make sure you head out snorkelling with a life jacket. You’ll feel safe in the knowledge that you’ll always stay above the surface of the water, letting your mind rest easy and enjoy your snorkelling experience.

end to get cold quickly, or scared of jellyfish? Invest in a good snorkelling suit that’ll keep you nice and warm in those cold open waters. It’s essential to keep yourself comfortable and your mind at ease on your first few snorkel trips, and being cold ain’t gonna help the cause. A snorkel suit will also keep your body safe from jellyfish and other sea critters, so you can stop being paranoid about stings and enjoy the sea life.

4. Stay calm, and breathe

Don’t let your thoughts get the best of you. The best thing about snorkelling is the fact that you’re removed from your reality and thrust into a whole new world, away from all the commotion and anxieties of life. Use this to your advantage. If you find your thoughts are getting stressful, your mind is racing, or you’re feeling generally uncomfortable and anxious, focus on your breathing.

Feel the expansion and contraction of your lungs, and stay calm. Feel the sun on your back, watch it reflecting in the water, and let yourself be at ease. Just like any other first-time, snorkelling can still be scary even with all the right gear. The best way to get yourself through the fears is by focusing on the breath and all the beautiful scenery around you. Mind off, senses engaged!

5. Take a buddy

Everything is way more fun when someone else is enjoying the ride with you. If you’re able to take a buddy snorkelling with you, then you’ll have the added confidence of knowing someone is looking out for you, as well as the bonus of companionship.

Whether your snorkel buddy is a professional or a first-timer like you, it doesn’t matter. If they’re a pro then they can help you out, ease your mind, and guide you, and if they’re a first-timer then you can egg each other on, help each other out, and just generally enjoy the exhilarating ride together.

6. Check yourself and your body

Most first-time snorkellers aren’t quite acquainted with reef life and don’t realise that damaging corals is bad form and can even be illegal in some places. A snorkelling adventure isn’t your average, day-to-day splashing about in a pool having a good time. You can’t just let your limbs thrust around and do what you like.

Rather, you have to be aware of your movements, where your arms and legs are going, being careful to avoid touching the reef life. You also don’t want to disturb the water around other snorkellers close to you, so it’s important to be mindful of your movements and their ensuing reactions.

7. Don’t overdo it

So, you’re super excited to head out on your first snorkelling adventure, but when you get to the beach the water is looking a little murky and the waves a little choppy.

As disappointing as that is, don’t decide that you want to snorkel and just go for it anyway. Know when conditions are rough, and know your own limitations when it comes to snorkelling. As much as you’d love to head out there in those choppy waters, it’s probably not a good idea as a first-timer. Enjoy the beach from the shore, and go snorkelling another time.

8. Don’t undereat, overeat, or drink alcohol

Some people tend to get a seasick feeling when floating on the surface of the water as in snorkelling. For that reason, make sure to not head out snorkelling on an empty stomach or after eating massive amounts of food. You don’t want to feel sick, and you don’t want to upset your tummy. While we’re at it, avoid drinking alcohol or taking other substances beforehand. You want a clear mind, with good judgement. Have the beers when you’re back.

Remember: snorkelling is not hard. Kids are doing it, old people are doing it. People are feeling nervous and facing their fears head on and doing it. You can, too. The most important thing is to be relaxed, confident, comfortable, and well acquainted with the tips above. Happy snorkelling!

How many people dream of snorkelling but don't feel comfortable wearing a snorkel mask?

The answer is: too many! Traditional snorkel masks can be uncomfortable and scary for many people, so the beauty of snorkelling goes undiscovered and unexperienced. Whether it's breathing difficulties, choking on sea water, or foggy goggles, there's a lot that prevents people from enjoying the wonderful sport of snorkelling. And that thought makes us sad.

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NINJASHARK is the sound of a revolution in snorkeling. Whereas other water equipments companies are constantly adding poor quality products, we listen to your feedback and constantly improve our products to fit for all of your needs. 

While other water equipments companies offer just a way to look under the water, NINJASHARK wants to create an amazing experience for water enthusiasts. That's why we listen to your feedbacks and we develop products based on them.

"I'm not leaving my room without the mask. The full face snorkeling mask from Australia is comfortable and fit me perfectly! Love how easy it is to breath out your nose and mouth when you snorkeling and even has earplugs!"

“The mask include GOPRO mounts, so you can easily film and photograph underwater scenery! I highly recommend especially to people who have a fear of snorkeling! This mask is really easy to use and is safe!” said @lud.around. “I can’t wait for my next trip with my new mask!”

The Ninja Shark full face snorkel masks makes your experiences the best they can be. They are exclusively sold on the Ninja Shark website.

The Ninja Shark full face snorkel masks comes equipped with advanced Anti-Fog technology, automatic drainage, no CO2 Buildup with improved uni-directional valves, and a revolutionary breathe flow system so you can breathe through both your nose and mouth.

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What customers are saying about us…

“Awesome set.

Loved the complete set. I even used the waterproof phone pouch to take photos and videos underwater. It made my Fiji experience so much better than using the free snorkel set that hurt your face after 2hours and leaving a sun/mask mark. The ninja leaves no marks and gives great vision under water in comparison. It did take some getting used to but it definitely paid off! Only frustration is that the tightening straps are quite basic; they should be much simpler to loosen and tighten both in and out of water.” – Jock

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Bloody love this!

Never snorkelled in my life. Petrified of putting my head under water. But now my neck is bad - if I don't alter the way I swim - then no more swimming for me. This has opened 'a whole new world' - (haha -that songs stuck in your head now) - to me. I'm just using my ninja gear in my gym outdoor pool atm. My legs are getting so strong - and my lungs too - as I'm doing some great breathing. I have huge surgery coming up soon - and i believe this is allowing me to get to a great level of fitness - in preparation. Honestly - i can't go on enough about this product enough. My friend bought a cheaper version. She's given it away already... say no more 🤿🤿🤿

Package : Air Adults (Mask + Fins + Bag)

Great design

This is the best snorkel mask I’ve ever had. Very comfortable on face, easy to breathe. I am not a good swimmer, it makes me feel safe and enjoy snorkelling without distraction. Thank you ninjiashark.

Best snorkel ever!!

Got one of these for me and my 7 year old daughter for Xmas. We’ve used them twice already and love them!! So much easier to breathe, can see so much and just makes the whole snorkelling experience better! Would highly recommend!

Longer Tube Full Face Snorkel Mask for Kids (3-11 Years)

Clear as day

Clear to see and easy to breathe,
Whole family loves the NinjaShark Snorkel mask.

Air Adults - Full Face Snorkel Mask for Adults

Amazing

The best snorkel and mask combination. No going back now! I could snorkel for over an hour easily. So glad I made this purchase

Mermaid

While travelling in Timor leste l met a fellow snorkeller. We snorkelled for 10 days together the food was shit but the water was stunning. The friend was using Ninja Shark fins and mask mine were steaming up, letting in water and heavy. On arriving back in Australia l ordered straight away.
I was a little bit anxious on receiving my order as the mask was quite different to my old one and the fins were short and adjustable ( l wanted them to be my size ! ) well to my luck the weather was beautiful ( yes mid winter in Mackay ) and perfect for boating so off we scooted to Cockermouth ( don't laugh it's a real place ) jumping in and WOW I'm now a mermaid 🧜‍♀️ the mask and fins felt like part of me. I actually cried as not only was the equipment allowing me to explore as l wanted but the reef was STUNNING. So lm indepted to Ninja Shark for making me the mermaid l always aspired to be 🧜‍♀️

(DRAFT) Package: Dry Snorkel (Set + Fins + Bag)

Took it to Tahiti

I wasn’t quite sure about getting a full face mask but bought mine (Electra package) before a trip to Tahiti which we got home from yesterday - absolutely LOVED it!!! I’ll be getting one for my wife before our next trip to a similar destination. BTW I make LOTS of crazy videos with lots of toys.

Life changing

I do love my full face snorkel.. the freedom of nose breathing under the water.. the meditative and relaxative effect of this snorkeling is unexpected and great. Fits so well.. comfy to wear for long time.. highly recommend

Super quality & fit

So happy we got Ninja shark, perfect for Great barrier reef snorkel day.
Flippers, mask, dry wallet, carry bag (good quality bag), anti fog spray, happy days.

(DRAFT) Diving Dry Snorkel Set with GoPro mount

Ninja Shark Kids Mask

We recently brought the Ninja Shark Kids 3-11 Mask + Fins + Bag package for our 7 year old who absolutely loves it! Will be buying three more for the rest of the family. 😊

Package: Longer Tube (Mask + Fins + Bag) 3-11 Years

Even better than expected!

I saw the kids full face snorkel masks online, and thought they looked pretty cool. I ordered two for Christmas, for my 3 and 6 year olds. Wow, did they have a great time with them!

I wasn't sure how the 3 year old would go with it, but he was comfortable in it almost immediately, and spent hours swimming around and seeing a whole new world of underwater scenery.

They were easy to fit, zero issues with them staying on. No leaks or fog.

They can't wait to get back to the water!

Highly recommend this product :)

mask swimming

The mask did exactly what was stated. I was very happy and will get another mask for my daughter.

Great way to swim

I have NEVER been able to snorkel but love swimming. These full face snorkels are an absolute game changer in my life. Now I try to swim around 5 kms a week in the local pool. The Ninja mask makes it easy to do laps. I’ve been using the Ninja Shark for a quite few years and find the new Electra the best full face mask ever. No leaks, no fog and really easy to use and great quality. I’ve noticed my regular chats with other swimmers at the pool have encouraged many of them to purchase one of their own. I’ve given my older models to my grandkids and they love them too.

Fabulous

I got one for the 3 year old and one for the 5 year old, I thought maybe the 3 year old would get the hang of it eventually but they both loved it and mastered it pretty quickly. We’ve only used in the swimming pool, excited to go snorkeling in the ocean soon. Great product.

Love it!

Amazing product ! Have the electra package, kids love it. So easy to use. Highly recommend

Love it

Bought these for myself and my husband after getting the full face masks for the kids, and they were so good we’re getting them for the rest of the extended family for Xmas. The fact u can dive down and not get water down ur snorkel is a brilliant bonus! Makes our family holidays much easier and better without snorkel dramas!

This made our holiday

The product itself was amazing, but the service we received allowed us to get our 2 sets of masks for our cruise. We took them with us and used them multiple times for snorkelling on our cruise to Nouméa and New Caledonia. It was amazing snorkelling and being able to breathe easily, and the fins were the most comfortable I've ever used. I've got size 13 feet, and not only were they completely adjustable, but they were THE most comfortable fins ever invented. A massive shoutout to Colleen Zamora from your support staff who helped me out and made it possible to take our gear on holidays! Thanks Colleen!
The photo is us snorkelling off Amadee Island looking for turtles!

Package: Equaliser PRO (Mask + Fins + Bag)

My kids love them

I’ve got three of these masks for my younger kids, however the oldest wants one too as the young ones rave about how good the are.

Summer Family Fun

Our Ninja masks have made snorkelling as a whole family very easy and enjoyable. The kids (and parents) find them super easy to use and have allowed us as a family of five to snorkel for longer than we ever could using traditional snorkel gear. I would highly recommend these masks.

Lifetime warranty

Glad I have but haven’t needed to use .. yet

Great Mask

Love this mask. Kids find it so much easier snorkelling with the Ninja Shark. The snorkel mask is super clear and doesn’t fog up. The adjustable straps are great and easy to loosen and tighten. Very happy that we made the decision to get these for the kids.

A must for snorkelers!

Recently purchased the Equaliser Pro Mask, Finns and bag. 🤿 🐠🐡🐟🦈 Had an amazing time snorkeling off Fitzroy Island, the Pro mask allowed me to explore for over 7 hours. Higly recommend! Planning must next snorkeling trip! 🤿💦🌴☀️

awsome

we used our new masks over the weekend. they were amazing, my daughter barely had her head out of the water all day.

life warranty

This is great! More stores should do it!

Fantastic snorkel!

Our 5 year old has never snorkelled. Put it on and was snorkelling no problem straight away! Easy for him to put on and off by himself. We bought the full package with flippers (also amazing and he can put them on by himself) and the two wet bags. The foldable snorkel is so handy for storing while we are travelling. And the lifetime warranty gives us great comfort that we can use it for future trips! We are so impressed with this product I’m going to get mum and dad one too!

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