How to Stay Safe and Confident in Open Water: A Guide for Beginner Snorkelers and Divers

by Catalin Andries on October 01, 2024

Exploring the underwater world can be one of the most thrilling and enriching experiences. The beauty of coral reefs, the vibrant marine life, and the serenity of the ocean make snorkeling and diving a popular activity for many. However, stepping into open water can also be intimidating, especially for beginners. Factors like visibility, ocean currents, and potential risks can make it challenging to stay confident and safe.

In this guide, we’ll cover essential safety tips and strategies to help you navigate open water with ease and enjoy your adventure to the fullest.

1. Understanding the Environment

Open water is vastly different from a controlled environment like a swimming pool. The factors you need to consider are numerous, including currents, waves, visibility, and marine life. Here are some key aspects to keep in mind:

  • Visibility: The clarity of water can vary significantly depending on weather conditions, tides, and your location. Poor visibility can cause disorientation, making it crucial to snorkel in areas known for clear waters, especially as a beginner.

  • Currents and Tides: Always be aware of the currents in the area. Strong currents can quickly lead you away from your starting point. Before venturing into new waters, research the location’s current patterns and consult local guides or resources to understand what to expect.

  • Weather Conditions: Check weather forecasts for wind speeds, storms, or changing sea conditions. A calm day can transform into a risky experience if you’re not prepared.

2. Gear Up for Safety

Having the right gear is fundamental to ensuring a safe and enjoyable snorkeling or diving experience. Beginners should opt for equipment that enhances comfort, safety, and visibility. Consider the following:

  • Full-Face Snorkel Masks: Ideal for beginners, full-face snorkel masks, such as the Ninja Shark Full-Face Snorkel Mask, are designed to provide easy breathing through both nose and mouth, offer panoramic views, and include anti-leak and anti-fog features. This design makes it easier to relax and focus on the experience rather than the equipment.

  • High-Quality Fins: Fins help propel you through the water more efficiently, making it easier to navigate currents and conserve energy. Choose fins that fit snugly but comfortably.

  • Safety Vest or Buoyancy Control Devices (BCD): A safety vest provides buoyancy, which is crucial for maintaining energy levels and staying afloat comfortably in open water.

  • Waterproof Communication Devices: For divers, underwater communication devices are helpful in staying connected with your dive buddy or guide. In areas with potentially strong currents, a simple signaling device like a whistle can also make a big difference.

3. Master the Basics of Snorkeling and Diving

Being comfortable and confident in open water begins with mastering some foundational skills:

  • Practice in Calm Waters First: Before venturing into open waters, practice your skills in calm, shallow waters. Familiarize yourself with your mask and fins, and practice clearing your snorkel or mask if it gets waterlogged.

  • Learn to Float and Tread Water: Floating helps you conserve energy and remain calm in open water. Practice floating on your back and treading water without your gear, so you’re prepared if you ever need to rest.

  • Use Controlled Breathing: Nervousness can lead to rapid or shallow breathing. Focus on taking deep, controlled breaths through your snorkel, exhaling fully to prevent the build-up of carbon dioxide.

4. Stay Aware and Manage Your Fear

One of the most significant challenges in open water is dealing with anxiety or fear. Even experienced snorkelers and divers can feel uneasy at times. Here’s how to keep your composure:

  • Snorkel With a Buddy: Never snorkel or dive alone, especially in unfamiliar waters. Having a buddy enhances safety and provides reassurance if you feel anxious.

  • Know Your Limits: Don’t push yourself too hard or go too far from shore. Stick to your comfort zone, and if you feel tired or uneasy, return to a safe spot.

  • Take Breaks: It’s okay to take a break. Float on your back, use a buoy, or return to a calm spot to catch your breath and relax..

5. Navigating Common Open Water Risks

Understanding potential risks and knowing how to respond can make a big difference. Here are a few concerns and how to handle them:

  • Rip Currents: If caught in a rip current, don’t swim against it. Instead, swim parallel to the shore until you’re out of the current, then swim back to safety.

  • Marine Life: While most marine animals are harmless, some, like jellyfish or certain types of fish, can pose a threat. Stay aware of your surroundings, avoid touching marine life, and keep a respectful distance.

  • Getting Disoriented: Poor visibility or unfamiliar environments can lead to disorientation. Stick close to your dive buddy and use visual reference points like rocks or seaweed patches to maintain your bearings.

6. Building Confidence Over Time

Gaining confidence in open water comes with experience and patience. As you build your skills, try to gradually increase the complexity of your snorkeling or diving locations. Begin with shallow reef sites, then work up to deeper waters with more challenging conditions. Remember, every snorkel session adds to your comfort and confidence, so celebrate your progress!

7. Enjoy the Adventure

Snorkeling and diving in open waters can be an exhilarating way to explore the ocean’s beauty and connect with nature. With the right preparation, gear, and mindset, you can transform your apprehensions into pure enjoyment. Equip yourself with high-quality gear like the Ninja Shark Full-Face Snorkel Mask, practice your skills, and always prioritize safety to create unforgettable underwater memories.


Have you ever dreamed of snorkelling but felt uneasy about wearing a full face snorkel mask?

Just ask Phill, a true NINJA SHARK lover! He reached out to us after trying our masks, here’s what he had to say:

Our masks are equipped with advanced Anti-Fog technology, automatic drainage, and improved breathing chambers, ensuring there's no CO2 buildup. It's the ultimate gear for a worry-free and safe snorkelling adventure.


From total newbie to pro, Ninja Shark is the way to go!

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





“If you thought we’re just here to sell you products, think again. You’re part of the Ninja Shark family, and your feedback matters! We’re constantly working to improve our products and to bring the dreamlike full face snorkel mask to reality!"

What customers are saying about us…

"Amazing"

We bought the equalizer mask and fins package for lake and river snorkeling and it’s amazing. As soon as I submerged my head I was in a whole new world. I have never experienced such an immersion into the underwater world before (with normal snorkel gear). The equalizer mask is crystal clear, no water ever gets in (even when I dive, do summer saults, jump in off a rock) and being able to equalize my pressure by plugging my nose is awesome. I love breathing freely through my mouth and nose. I’m just really impressed and love my mask. The flippers are really nice to. They fit great.

Try our line of snorkelling and swimming gear
by Ninja Shark! You’ll love it.

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Based on 1513 reviews
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(1371)
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(11)
Prescription Lens for full face snorkel

Recently we went on a cruise to the South Pacific with lots of opportunities to snorkel. I was asked so many times "are they prescription lenses in there" & "where did you get them from".

The lenses were awesome, I was able to see and enjoy the snorkelling. Others tried mine and were amazed how good they were. As they were suctioned to the mask it made sure the mask was in the correct position on you face (not too high/low). Initially my lenses were a little tight to put together but they went in alright in the end :)

It was easy to find out what level (prescription/strength) was needed, I just went to my optometrist with the options and they told me which ones I needed.

D
Lifetime Warranty
Diane K. (Melbourne, AU)
The Ninja Shark Snorkel mask is awesome!

We bought these snorkel masks as we were going on a tropical holiday which included snorkelling tours and we both hated breathing through traditional plastic snorkels shoved in our mouths. My partner in particular did not want to snorkel because of this. These snorkel masks are FANTASTIC and were GAME CHANGERS. We did several lots of snorkelling on our holiday and every time, we were able to lie in the water, breathe normally and focus on looking underwater without worrying about breathing. Even if you dive underwater with these masks, the valve blocks water from coming into your snorkel mask. I bought the premium Equaliser Pro with the ability to pinch your nose if diving and my partner bought the basic model. Both are fantastic products - comfortable, easy to wear and highly recommended. You need to fit it tightly but it's really comfortable in the water and doesn't leak. Even when you come up you don't need to take it off, just keep breathing normally. I loved snorkelling with this product and even my anti-snorkelling partner really enjoyed it and felt this mask was a game changer.

T
Lifetime Warranty
Tom P. (Melbourne, AU)
Recommended

Great product and even better customer service

J
Package : Air Adults (Mask + Fins + Bag)
JEANNIE O. (Piara Waters, AU)
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 🤿🤿🤿

B
Electra - Full Face Snorkel Mask
Bolang C. (Perth, AU)
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!

Clear as day

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

R
Lifetime Warranty
Robyn H. (Adelaide, AU)
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

M
(DRAFT) Package: Dry Snorkel (Set + Fins + Bag)
Maureen R. (Townsville, AU)
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 🧜‍♀️

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.

Judge.me YouTube video placeholder
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

J
(DRAFT) Diving Dry Snorkel Set with GoPro mount
Joanne T. (Brisbane, AU)
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.

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. 😊

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 :)

N
Electra - Full Face Snorkel Mask
Nick J. (Brisbane, AU)
mask swimming

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

R
Electra - Full Face Snorkel Mask
Raffaele S. (Perth, AU)
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.

S
Lifetime Warranty
Sarah B. (Surfers Paradise, AU)
Love it!

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

J
(DRAFT) Diving Dry Snorkel Set with GoPro mount
Jen M. (Brisbane, AU)
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!

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.

G
Lifetime Warranty
Geri D. (Sydney, AU)
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! 🤿💦🌴☀️