SNUBA 101: The Ultimate Guide to SNUBA for Beginners

by Joost Nusselder | Last Updated:  26.01.2023
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Snuba is a combination of snorkeling and scuba diving, but easier because you don’t have to carry oxygen tanks. But how do you get started?

Snuba is a great way to experience the underwater world without having to learn to dive. You don’t need any experience or training to try it, and it’s a lot of fun!

In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know to get started with snuba, including how it works, what to expect, and some tips and tricks.

How to snuba

How to snuba (for beginners)

Are you ready to take your snorkeling experience to the next level? Then you need to try snuba diving! It’s like scuba diving, but without all the bulky gear. You’ll get to breathe compressed air through a regulator and stay underwater for up to 30 minutes. Plus, the tanks don’t go on your back – they float on a raft at the surface of the water, and a hose comes down to your regulator. As you move around underwater, the raft follows you around, leaving you free to explore and focus on the experience.

So you can freely swim underwater and stay there because of the weight bands you get to use. And if you want to go up you just pull on the air hose to surface.

What to Wear

  • Swimsuit
  • Towel
  • Sunscreen
  • Light jacket

What Can I Expect?

When you go snuba diving, you’ll be guided by a PADI certified professional who will help you get used to the equipment and breathing underwater. Then, you’ll be able to explore the beautiful tropical fish and coral reefs up to 20 feet deep.

What You’ll Do

You’ll get an orientation to learn hand signals and how to equalize ear pressure, then you’ll be ready to go! You’ll be guided along secluded areas, breathing easily underwater through a long hose connected to an air tank on the surface. Glide beneath the surface and discover incredible coral formations and schools of colorful tropical fish.

Do You Need to Be a Swimming Pro to SNUBA?

The Basics

SNUBA is a great way to explore the depths of the ocean without having to be a Michael Phelps-level swimmer. All you need to do is be able to breathe through your mouth and kick your feet. That’s it! No fancy strokes or complicated techniques.

No Pressure

We get it – not everyone is a strong swimmer, and that’s totally okay! Our guides will take care of the rest, so you can relax and enjoy the experience. Plus, all of our dives are 100% private, so you’ll get all the help and attention you need.

Don’t Sweat It

Don’t worry if you’re not a strong swimmer – SNUBA is perfect for you! We’ve taken hundreds of people who can’t even doggy paddle and given them an amazing experience. So don’t stress – just breathe through your mouth and kick your feet, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Essential Tips for First Time Snuba

Learn How to Fit a Mask and Prevent Fogging

One of the most important skills you’ll need to learn is how to fit your mask properly and prevent fogging. This can be tricky, but with a bit of practice, you’ll be able to do it in no time. Make sure to practice this skill before you go out into the open water.

Get Fins That Fit

Fins are essential for snuba, but they can be tricky to fit. Make sure to get fins that fit your feet properly and are comfortable to wear.

Practice With Your Gear First

Before you go out into the open water, make sure to practice with your gear in a pool or a calm shallow beach. This will help you get used to the gear and make sure everything fits properly.

Learn Basic Snorkeling Skills and Hazards

Before you go out into the open water, make sure to learn basic snorkeling skills and hazards. This will help you stay safe and have a more enjoyable experience during your snuba.

Stay Relaxed and Reduce Effort

With snuba, it’s important to stay relaxed and reduce your effort. This will help you conserve energy and make your experience more enjoyable.

Read Ocean Conditions

Before you go out into the open water, make sure to read the ocean conditions. This will help you stay safe and make sure you have a more enjoyable experience.

Of course, the guide will probably do this for you.

Come at It With Appreciation

When snuba’ing, make sure to come at it with appreciation. Appreciate the beauty of the ocean and the creatures that inhabit it.

Be a Steward

With snuba, make sure to be a steward of the ocean. Respect the environment and the creatures that inhabit it.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an underwater adventure, snuba is the way to go! With its combination of snorkeling and scuba diving, it’s the perfect way to explore the depths of the ocean. Just remember to follow these tips: always wear the proper gear, stay within your comfort zone, and don’t forget to bring your camera! And don’t forget the most important rule of all: HAVE FUN! So, don’t be intimidated – grab your gear and get ready to SNUBA!

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Kauai Surf Report is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new sports with everything surfing at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2019 to help loyal readers with surfing and water sporting tips.