USVI-On-Line

Hi,
My husband would like to get a snorkel vest for our upcoming trip.
We have looked on line but there are so many.
Can anyone recommend a wes sight where we can order one & have it shipped to Canada.

Tks The Shopper

You could just wait and pick it up at one of the many dive shops on island I have found you don't save to much on dive equipment on the web.

Not sure what your situation is but there are a few things you may want to consider.

Background: We were bringing my 60 yr old Mom down for the first time a few years back and she is not a great swimmer and very unsure in the water. So we went to the trouble of getting her a snorkel vest. Within 5 mins in the water she found that she didn't even need it.

1) Most people find that they are so buoyant (due to salt content) in the water and the water is so calm (mostly) that floating on top for snorkeling is really not a prob at all. I have only known one person (Flip Flops hubby) who couldn't float -- AT ALL. That being said most people I know who have purchased a snorkel vest, find that it is a waste to bring it down. In fact you're probably better off spending your hard earned money on a good mask and fins.

2) While there are lots of great options on the internet, a personal fit is VERY important. Because if you're uncomfortable you probably won't wear it. So I would go to a local dive shop (if you have one) and try some vests on. The other thing is that it feels different in the water.

3) Unless you are planning on snorkeling in open water (e.g. the Indians in the BVI) you can stand up just about anywhere near shore on STJ (watch the coral though!). There's so much to see close in that you need not venture out too far and there isn't an extreme amount of depth that you're dealing with.

All this being said, I would suggest renting one at a dive shop down on STJ rather than spending money on something you're not certain you will really need.

If you are still committed to finding a vest, we have found that Leisure Pro
http://www.leisurepro.com/
is good. Akona and Scuba Pro products are reliable. I find Akona products are a bit heavier duty. Another site I use is Divers Direct: http://www.diversdirect.com/homes/index.cfm

Hope this helps...

My Father and one guy in our group do not float - one problem with being slim. Both are very happy with well fitted floatation vests like a water ski vest. This was a big improvement over the yellow inflatable snorkel vest. But, that yellow snorkel vest sure folds up small.

Cheers, Rick

Hi,
Thanks all for the info. My Hubby's problem is, he gets a little tired & would like to be able to rest every once in awhile & thought that maybe the vest would allow him to take a breather & not have to go back into shore. I think he can float LOL, I don't go with him.

Unfortnatley we don't have any dive shops where we live, maybe I will contact the ones in St John & see what they have & then decide if he wants to wait or order one off the net.
Thanks for the advise.

Rick I love your countdown, since we are on the same flight. it is a rush to see our arrival down to the second.
The Shopper

I'd recommend a belt over a vest...they're smaller and much less likely to be uncomfortable. Do a search online for "ski belt" or something like that and you'll find plenty

One thing to consider - if you can float, and the key for me seems to be to just relax, then you may be able to rest just as well without a vest as with one.

And if you're wearing one you will need to deflate it (and that's not an option at all with the ski gear) if there's anything underwater you'd like to submerge to get a closer look at.

I can't swim to save my self and I was very concerned last year because I really wanted to snorkel. Well I tried the vest at Trunk, and it was so uncomfortable. The next day we went into town and I forgot which snorkel shop we went to, but they were most helpful and I wound up renting a belt and fins. I already had a snorkel mask from our previous trip. The belt worked perfectly. You just roll over if you want to float. I felt very comfortable with it on. I would not bother buying one, as renting the belt was really inexpensive.

Maybe I should have put "Watch the coral though" in bigger letters in my original response.

Previous poster is correct in reinforcing this, please use caution with the coral!!

That being said there are plenty of spots to stand up "Coral Free" at places like Maho, Francis, Jumbie etc. but still snorkel and see fishies, especially along the edges of shore at either end of the beach.

One question though: if you don't inflate the vest and suddenly need it, are you really in the position to start blowing it up? I would think that if you're really tired, out of breath etc. that this is counter intuitive.

I'm NOT trying to criticize this approach (I've heard it mentioned by other snorklelers before), just trying to figure out the logic and make sure that we are advising folks with safe practices.

I use the inflatable snorkel vest. I can swim (it's not graceful) but am not that strong in the ocean. I get tired quickly and I cannot float for anything. A swim instructor told me that everyone can float I had my vest inflated the whole time. Just not brave enough to dive down, maybe next time. I really enjoyed myself though and did not have to expend energy to swim or tread until I wanted to go back. Stayed in the water for hours. It folds up for packing too. I'm glad to see that others are posting about not floating and wearing a floatation device. Now I don't feel so lame. Also don't think anyone should be snorkeling alone on the beaches with no lifeguards and no plan in case they are out there and get tired or injured.

I ordered a couple of ski belts from BoatersWorld thru Amazon hoping these will be simular to what we used on our last day sail. They appear to be the same thing we used but I guess I will find out in May if they can keep me and my beer afloat with the "Broke Drunk Friends Tour"