Really, will I look foolish ...

[tashtego]

I have just a couple of weeks before the warm sand and sunshine and the snorkeling. Last year, I pushed my self a bit too much trying to swim from Cinnamon over the coral to Little Cinnamon. I guess the years behind a desk are starting to catch up with me. The 40s are a lot harder than the 30s were. Anyway I got myself into a little trouble, drank some saltwater and was lucky to get to shore without the big panic setting in.
So this year I am thinking about buying and wearing a snorkel vest, mainly for the piece of mind. But the dang things come in the brightest green you have ever seen. I not trying to direct traffic, just watch the fish. So what do you think, will I look like a dang fool or should I just wear it and forget about it.

[cat]

what about getting one of those cheap blow up rafts and float on it sideways with your head and feet in the water. If you put it under your waist area you could look like you are laying out and decided to take a look at the fish while you are floating.

[Marcia (Mrs. Pete)]

ohmygod, I wear one of those stupid bright yellow things around my waist when I snorkel because if I didn't I wouldn't snorkel. And, to not snorkel would be silly. Would you rather sit on the beach and feel safe and cute or, be out there seeing all of the good stuff looking like a "geek?" I have always chosen "geek." Who cares? Seriously!

I freak out in the water, it takes me at least 15 minutes to get past gagging on the whole snorkel thing every time but, I do it. It's worth it. And, the geeky yellow ski belt foltation device is a life saver for me.

Relax, enjoy, and if anyone laughs at you, they are the ones on the beach...not in the water!

Marcia
(fellow water phobic)

[lpowmacback]

You really need to think about this: WHO on earth would be laughing at you?! Only some stupid, nasty, sick ____k!


You also have to remember: BIRGHT COLORS ARE A BEACH THING anyway! Especially in the Caribbean - BRIGHT COLOR is the WAY TO GO!!!! Even here, at the Jersey Shore - when summer comes, out come the Hot Pinks, Neon Yellow & Lime Greens!

RELAX & ENJOY!!!!

[waterguy]

How about a inflatable life vest that the bass fisher men wear people wouldn't even know you have it on till you need it and pull the cord

[captainjay]

You also might want to consider buying a shorty wet suite instead of a snorkle vest. Wet suits add some buoyancy they won't take the place of a life vest but if you are already a good swimmer then the extra bouyancy will give you some added comfort in the water. I would think a 3mil shorty suit would be fine for snorkling. It will also keep your back covered from the sun to avoid burns while you are snorkling. My wife bought the one she dives with at Dick's for less than sixty bucks.
Jay

[Bandit]

it takes me at least 15 minutes to get past gagging on the whole snorkel thing every time but, I do it.
Marcia
(fellow water phobic)

Which brings US to the question....oh never mind.


No I gotta ask...I tossed and turned all night wondering so I just gotta ask. I have to know...




Which end of the snorkel are you...how.......I just can't do it.

Sorry...........

[Tracy in WI]

Now Bandit - That's just naughty. But, who expected anything different??!!

[kirk]

it takes me at least 15 minutes to get past gagging on the whole snorkel thing every time but, I do it.
Marcia
(fellow water phobic)

Which brings US to the question....oh never mind.
Sorry...........

I'm ashamed to say that was the first thing i thought of also.

[Bug]

I'm in my early 30's and a good swimmer. I always wear my florescent green vest when snorkeling because I (no matter how many times I say I'm not going to do it) keep snorkeling until I run out of steam. I'd rather be seen ALIVE then worry about being seen looking like a traffic light. Besides, the fish don't care:)

Wear the vest and be safe!!!!

[1 of 4]

OHHHH my, I really needed a good laugh! OK,I have a light blue floatie thing so I am sure they are out there. I have had it for a couple of years and I went to my local YMCA and asked if I could buy one from them for my daughter. We were running out of time and I didn't have time to order one. They were very nice and gave me one. Did you check Ebay?

[Jerseyboy]

I wouldn't worry about the bright color, I think it's so you can be seen in the water for safety reasons. Depending on where you are, there could be passing watercraft, motorboats, etc. and you definitely want them to see you while you're snorkeling.

[Betty]

In January we saw lot's of people with vests on, we also saw people snorkeling with noodles, kickboards and small rafts. Not once did anyone in our group say, Wow what a bunch of loser's!
My sister in law said "I want one of those vests!"

[JT]

I love to snorkel, my wife hates it. Against all the rules, I've usually snorkeled alone. Twice in the past few years I've had pretty scary experiences, neither time did I have a vest. Though I wasn't alone, thank goodness,when I got the worse leg cramp/charlie horse I've ever had, it taught me a lesson. Last year I used one of those bright noodle things, and it worked great! If I wanted to free dive,I just let it float and got it when I came back up.It really didn't bother me to swim with it.At 50 something,like I care what somebody else thinks.

[DCphoto]

I bought a bright green vest for both of us. Safty is everything when in the water. The reason it is so brightly colored is so boats will see you. If you get in trouble you can inflate the vest and float, keeping your head up. I always where it, even though I am a strong swimmer. you just never know if you get a cramp in your leg and need to rest. I also recommend it if you are at waterlemon cay where the current can get tough and there is a lot of boat traffic.
So you actually will look smart for having one not stupid. It's not meant as a fashion show.