How hard is it to Snuba? It’s not hard at all, in fact it’s quite easy!
Snuba is a combination of snorkeling and scuba diving and is perfect for anyone who wants to experience the underwater world without needing to learn how to swim very well. It’s also a lot of fun!
In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about Snuba and how hard it really is.
In this post we'll cover:
Exploring the Underwater World with snuba
What is SNUBA?
SNUBA is an underwater breathing apparatus that’s a mix of snorkeling and scuba diving. It’s a great way for beginners to explore the underwater world without having to worry about complicated equipment. Plus, you don’t have to be an expert swimmer or diver to enjoy it!
What are the Requirements?
- You must be at least 8 years old to SNUBA dive.
- You can fly in an airplane, take a helicopter tour, or visit Haleakala 4 hours after a SNUBA dive.
- The maximum depth for SNUBA is 10 to 20 feet.
- You’ll wear a mask, fins, a lightweight harness, and a weight belt during the dive.
- There are some medical requirements that must be met before you can take part in a SNUBA dive.
So, snuba is pretty easy compared to scuba diving. The only thing you have to learn is how to kick your legs to move forward, and you can always just jank the oxygen chord attached to the raft to surface.
You should be able to breath through your mouth while underwater but most people get the hang of that after a few seconds of trying.
It’s also good to learn how to equalize your ears when going a little deeper, but of course, you don’t have to.
What Should I Expect?
SNUBA diving is an amazing experience! Here’s what you can expect:
- You won’t have to wear a tank on your back – the scuba tank rests inside of the SNUBA raft to which you’re tethered.
- The dive usually lasts 20-25 minutes, but the more relaxed you are and the slower you breathe, the longer your dive will end up lasting.
- You can go to the surface if you need to, but for the best dive experience it’s recommended to stay underwater for the duration of the dive.
- Even if you’ve never snorkeled before, you can still SNUBA dive. Just try pinching your nose and breathing through your mouth for a minute to see if you’re comfortable with it.
Essential SNUBA Skills
Before you go SNUBA diving, it’s important to make sure you know the basics. Here are some of the essential SNUBA skills you should know:
- How to use the SNUBA raft
- How to use the SNUBA diving equipment
- How to communicate with your guide
- How to stay safe underwater
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to explore the ocean, SNUBA is the way to go. But if you’re looking for a more immersive experience, scuba diving is the way to go. Here’s a quick breakdown of the differences between the two:
Also read: here are the exact differences between snuba, scuba, and snorkeling
- SNUBA:
– No certification required
– No oxygen tank needed
– Quick and easy way to explore the ocean
- Scuba Diving:
– Certification required
– Oxygen tank needed
– More immersive experience
So whether you’re looking for a quick and easy way to explore the ocean or a more immersive experience, there’s a way for you to do it!
If you’re looking to explore the ocean, snorkeling is a great place to start. But if you’re ready to take your ocean adventures to the next level, SNUBA diving is the way to go. With SNUBA, you can dive deeper and experience more of the underwater world, all while being connected to a raft for added safety.
Essential SNUBA Skills for the Average Joe
Breathing Through the Regulator
Breathing underwater can be a bit of a challenge, but don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it! Just take long, deep breaths and enjoy the therapeutic feeling of being underwater.
Getting Back to the Surface
When it’s time to head back up, you’ll need to use the hose to pull yourself up with “hand-over-hand” movements. This helps you control your ascent and descent, which is important when you’re navigating around reefs.
Important Hand Signals
Hand signals are a great way to communicate underwater. You’ll learn some key signals during your SNUBA tour, including:
- Letting others know you’re ready to surface
- Drawing attention to something you’ve seen
- Alerting others to potential dangers
Equalizing
Equalizing is an important skill to have when SNUBA diving. All you have to do is squeeze your nose and blow out gently as you descend. This should help your ears feel more comfortable.
Recovering Your Regulator
If you misplace your regulator, don’t panic! If it’s in front of you, just reach out and put it back in your mouth, then blow out any water. If it’s behind you, or you can’t find it, just head back to the surface and get it back in place, making sure to breathe out as you ascend.
Stopping Water From Getting Into Your Mask
Water in your mask is a common occurrence when SNUBA diving. To minimize the chances of this happening, make sure your mask is strapped on properly – tight enough to stay put, but not so tight that it’s uncomfortable. If water does get in, follow these PADI endorsed steps:
- Press the top of your mask firmly against your face
- Blow through your nose and tilt your head back
- The air should force the water out of the bottom of the mask
If this doesn’t work, just head back to the surface to empty the water out.
Using the Weight Belt
The weight belt is great for controlling your depth, but you can also use your arms and legs to control buoyancy. To ascend, just use “hand-over-hand” movements to propel yourself towards the surface.
SNUBA Tips
- Don’t touch the corals and don’t take any with you, even if they look dead
- Keep your regulator in at all times
- Respect the sea creatures
- Wear reef-friendly sunscreen
- Listen to your tour guide
- Stay alert and aware of your surroundings
- Pregnant women should not SNUBA® dive
What to Bring
Before you head out on your SNUBA adventure, make sure you have these items packed:
- Swimsuit
- Camera (optional)
- Water shoes (optional)
- No jewelry that you don’t want to lose!
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a unique and exciting way to explore the underwater world, SNUBA is the perfect choice! It’s a great way to get a taste of the underwater life without having to commit to a full SCUBA diving certification. Plus, it’s a lot of FUN! Just remember to bring your swimming skills, your sense of adventure, and your best ‘sea’ legs. And don’t forget to bring your sense of humor – after all, SNUBA diving is no laughing matter unless you make it one!
