Pros and Cons Between the Dry Snorkel, Semi-Dry Snorkel, and Traditional Snorkel.
/What's all this talk about traditional snorkels, dry snorkels and semi-dry snorkels? Isn't a snorkel just a snorkel? Turns out that certain snorkels may be better for specific snorkeling activities. We are going to help you understand what these differences are and guide you in the right direction for picking the perfect snorkel that is the right fit for your snorkeling adventures.
The Kapitol Reef Snorkel
The Dry Snorkel
We will begin with the dry snorkel since this is the snorkel that is talked about most. A dry snorkel is simply a snorkel that has a mechanism on the top that prevents water from entering the snorkel as the snorkeler dives underwater. The valve is usually a floatation device that floats upwards to shut the air pathway. When the snorkeler returns to the surface, the floatation bob then falls back down allowing the snorkeler to start breathing again. The dry snorkel works great for the snorkeler who just wants to float around the surface and take quick shallow dives and not have to worry about purging water out of the snorkel. While dry snorkels prevent water from entering into the tube it also causes the snorkel to be buoyant because of the trapped air. This is undesirable to snorkelers who are looking to dive down to greater depths such as spearfishers and freedivers because of the tendency for the snorkel to want to float towards the surface. The other problem with the dry snorkel is that it sometimes fails to keep water out. If it is not held in the perfect position it can allow water to enter into the tube and the snorkeler runs the risk of inhaling water. The good new is that the Kapitol Reef snorkel is the first snorkel that solves both of these issues. Because of its dual tube design, it allows water to flood into the exhalation tube to keep the snorkel from being buoyant while at the same time prevents water from entering the inhalation tube. To learn more about how the Kapitol Reef snorkel works click visit this link: http://www.kapitolreef.com/how-it-works. If you want the best of both worlds go with the Kapitol Reef.
The Semi-Dry Snorkel
Next we will be discussing the semi-dry snorkels. The semi-dry snorkel is a perfect mixture between a traditional snorkel and a dry snorkel. While the semi-dry snorkel doesn't keep ALL water out, it does a pretty good job at preventing splashing water to enter the tube while on the surface. At the top of a semi-dry snorkel you will find many slits and angles that direct water away from entering the tube of the snorkel. Unlike a dry snorkel, semi-dry snorkels will allow water to enter the snorkel when completely submerged. Semi-dry snorkels seem to work best for scuba divers who want to save precious air in their tank while on the surface but don't want to deal with the bulkiness of a dry snorkel.
The Traditional Snorkel
Now lets talk about the good o'l traditional J tube snorkel. The traditional J tube snorkel is popular with freedivers and spearfishers as they are low volume and prevent any drag. This allows freedivers and spearfishers to reach maximum depths for catching fish or exploring the ocean on one breath of air. Since the traditional J tube is open at the top and allows water to completely flood the snorkel, it is required of the diver to "blast" the snorkel to clear it once reaching the surface. Most first time snorkelers and vacationers who use a traditional snorkel end up hating their experience because of swallowing and chocking on ocean water.
The Kapitol Reef Snorkel
And then there's the Kapitol Reef snorkel. The Kapitol Reef should be given its own category really. With its patented Kadence technology and dual tube design, snorkelers are now able to hold their breath longer, breathe completely dry, and avoid the dreaded "Snorkel Panic" altogether. No matter what kind of snorkeling adventure you're planning on the Kapitol Reef snorkel has you covered. There is simply no other snorkel on the market that can offer a combination of these benefits. So get in the water and grab your Kapitol Reef snorkel today!