Ultimate Guide to Snorkelling Gear in Australia [PDF Checklist]

Why Is Snorkelling Gear Checklist So Important?

Many excellent tools and equipment are available today because of the industry's passion and user demand. From designer to cheap store trinkets. Here are some main justifications for why preparing a snorkelling gear checklist is essential:

Safety Precautions: You're heading into the emptiness where humans were not supposed to exist unless you've grown gills. Well-fitting equipment guarantees easy and comfortable breathing, including a snug mask and snorkel. This lessens the chance of feeling uneasy or afraid while submerged.

Comfort and Ease: Well-made snorkelling gear is made to be both comfortable and simple to use, so you can concentrate on admiring the undersea scenery without being distracted. It makes sense and is creative. You will be able to use it immediately out of the box.

Snorkelling Experience Quality: You can see the marine life and underwater scenery more clearly with the appropriate equipment. The view improves with better crystals. This will make your underwater adventure much more enjoyable overall.

>>Download The Snorkelling Gear Checklist PDF

Snorkelling Gear Checklist

As with most water activities, you need high-quality gear that fits well. You should have snorkelling gear that can handle the weather and give you the best experience, whether in the ocean or a lake.

The money you spend now will pay off in the long and short term because you'll know that your goods will last no matter your snorkel plans. There are mainly three types of snorkelling gear:

• Basic snorkelling gear
• Snorkelling safety gear
• Snorkelling accessories

Check off these items on this list as you shop for good snorkelling gear to ensure your water trips go well.   

Basic Snorkelling Gear 

To help you be ready to pack for your next snorkelling trip, this guide makes a list of the top snorkelling gear.

1. Snorkels

The most important thing you'll need for snorkelling is a snorkel. This is because the snorkel lets you breathe and move over the water.   

Classic Snorkel: This kind of snorkel can be used for scuba diving and snorkelling. It's a basic snorkel, perfect for novices. Generally speaking, it's coloured brightly to make you stand out while snorkelling, mainly from boats.

Valve Snorkel: Purge valves on snorkels function just like any other valve. It's at the bottom of your snorkel, making removing any water that could have gotten inside simple. If water is in your snorkel, you must gently blow through the valve to get the water out.   

Dry Snorkel: Snorkelling is the primary usage of this kind of snorkel. A valve on its top end closes to keep water out of the snorkel. For instance, when there are slight ripples on the surface or when the user leans forward excessively to gaze at the ocean floor.

Unrestricted Diving: To be more covert when searching for aquatic life, snorkels used for freediving or underwater hunting are frequently coloured darkly. Without a splash guard or purge valve, it functions similarly to a traditional snorkel. 

2. Mask

You can choose between a full-face snorkelling mask and a separate mask and snorkel combo based on your preferences.

There's a good reason why full-face snorkel masks have been so popular in the last few years! Despite being made with beginners in mind at first, snorkelers of all skill levels are drawn to them because of their leak and anti-fog properties.

A good fit is one of the most important things to look for. It would be best to wear a mask with a skirt that keeps water out. The skirt is the rubber or silicone part close to your face. If your mask doesn't fit right or close properly, it can leak or fog up, among other problems. Remember these other essential things:

• Materials: Instead of a plastic skirt, look for one made of silicone. Rubber gets hard and cracks over time.
• Wavy Skirt: Wavy skirts work best with diving masks because they seal better than narrow skirts. The better the seal, the more your skirt will touch your skin.
• Fog: When snorkelling, you need a mist for your mask. This part is usually a gel you put on your mask's inside. It keeps water from forming on the lens, which makes it easier to see.

3. Fins

You should purchase fins if your snorkel set still needs to have them. Fins greatly facilitate swimming in the water, even though they are not strictly required. Remember that longer fins, or diving fins, work best in the open ocean, while shorter fins work best in shallow water.  

It would be best to get the right fins, like the mask and snorkel. These things should help you pick out fins:

• Fins with blades that are about shoulder-length work best for snorkelling to help you swim on the top.
• Having fins with solid blades is helpful, but you should also make sure they are bendable.
• Your fins should be tight enough not to slip off or give you blisters.
• Wear dive socks so your feet don't rub together while swimming.

Many snorkelers like to use open-heel fins with adjustable straps. That gives you some room for size. You can get snorkelling fins with or without an open heel. If you like to wear boots or are snorkelling in a place with rocks, open-heel fins might be better for you.

4. Snorkelling Vest

People who are good at swimming and are just starting to swim can be safer and have more fun in the water with snorkelling vests. They help snorkelers float more on the water's surface and help kayakers stay where they want to go.

Vests keep you comfortable on the surface, give you a lot of buoyancy, and even give you more places to store your gear in the water to swim without stress.

5. Wetsuit or Rash Guards

A snorkeler's best friend is a wetsuit. Why? Wetsuits shield you from stinging ocean particles, avoid sunburns, and warm you in chilly water. They also provide buoyancy. 

If the water's not too chilly, consider sporting a shorty wetsuit with short sleeves and leggings that terminate just above the knee. These super-soft suits let you move around freely and keep you warm. They are great for swimming in mild to shallow depths. The shorty fits like a second skin and is easy to put on and remove.

A rash guard offers additional protection from the sun and seaweed stingers in case the water is too warm for a wetsuit. This is for both men and women who want to swim on the surface or beneath. If you don't need a full jacket, rash guards can help keep you safe from the sun and cuts. Rash guards are great for hot days in warm or temperate water.

6. Socks

Blisters hurt even with fins that fit perfectly (particularly on the backs of your ankles). For this reason, neoprene socks are a must-have item for any snorkeler. They not only keep your feet warm, but they also make snorkelling more comfortable and fun.

7. Swim Cap

Swim caps are among the best snorkelling accessories for adults while being underappreciated. They guard against your scalp scorching on a sunny day and ensure your hair doesn't get stuck in the snorkel.

A surgical cap will work well if you don't want to get a swim cap. You can find these at any medical supplies store. You won't have to worry about these men falling off underwater because of the knots.

Snorkelling Safety Gear

You might not need the snorkelling gear below, but you'd be crazy not to have it and use it. You should pay extra attention to protecting yourself from the sun. A floating device is also essential if you can't swim well or have health problems.

1. Biodegradable Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a need for every outdoor activity, as you are undoubtedly well aware. Using sunscreen that is safe for reefs and breaks down naturally in the water while snorkelling is advised. You won't harm any reefs you're examining in this manner.

2. Dive Flag

Theoretically, a diving flag is meant to be a recognised navigational aid with a white line over a red backdrop. Boaters are not allowed to approach one within 50 to 100 feet of another and are expected to understand what it implies.

Sometimes, divers may use a lengthy rope to anchor their flags in a single position on the bottom while resurfacing. They move the flag around sometimes.

3. Night Snorkelling Lights

You will need a night snorkelling light to see the sea life that comes out at night. But it can be hard to choose a light if you have never been in the water at night before.

The lumen number of the night snorkelling light tells you how bright it is. But when snorkelling, brighter isn't always better. It depends on the sea, the angle of your light's beam, and whether you want to use it to take pictures or videos.

Even though it doesn't have as many lumens, a narrow beam torch can still look very bright because it doesn't light up as much space. We recommend at least 300 lumens for a narrow beam light (8–12°), and 500 lumens or more is better.

4. Snorkelling Belt

You should only use a snorkelling weight belt if you like to free dive down to get closer to things, take pictures, or look under rocks. You don't get out of breath as quickly because the weight makes it more accessible. It also helps you stay at depth so you don't have to kick as much, which keeps fish away.

Snorkelling Accessories

While these pieces of snorkelling gear aren't required, we've found that they make the activity more manageable and more fun.

1. Snorkelling Bags

This carry bag is one of the basics for transporting your snorkelling equipment. It lets you choose your mask, snorkel and fins to make up your kit - a mesh bag to transport the mask, snorkel, and fins. 

2. Snorkelling Camera

An underwater camera is a camera that you can use to capture images and videos underwater. It can be used for shoots such as swimming, snorkelling, or with a remotely operated underwater vehicle.

Most snorkelling people use one of these excellent little waterproof cameras that don't need a separate case for the water. They are small, cheap, and require much less upkeep than cameras with different housings. Plus, better models can take perfect pictures and movies.

3. Waterproof Bags

Because dry bags are waterproof, you may store anything in them, including food supplies, clothes, and electrical equipment like cameras and cell phones. 

You'll need a waterproof and submersible bag for snorkelling since it may get buried entirely during your trip. Look for a bag with an IPX8 grade, which means it can handle being submerged in water up to 8 metres deep.

4. Snorkelling Watch

What is a diver's watch? Any completely waterproof watch will do. Get water resistance of at least 100 metres.

The small print of many waterproof "dive" watches says they are only suitable for snorkelling and not sport diving. If your watch is rated to 100 metres, you don't have to be afraid to dive down free to get a better look or take a picture.

Most watches that are very resistant to water are analogue clocks. Most likely, this is because digital watches have more buttons that are harder to keep closed.

5. Portable Power Station

A portable power station is considerably more essential for a snorkelling trip to maintain the functionality of all electronic devices, including a snorkelling watch, underwater camera, phone, light, and more. Jackery Portable Power Stations are ideal for water trips due to their portability, versatility, and usability.

The advantage of a portable power station in Australia lies in its capacity to store significant energy that may be utilised at any time and location. This capability renders it a perfect companion for outdoor expeditions, unforeseen circumstances, or as a supplementary power supply at one's residence or workplace.

The Jackery Portable Power Station is a generator powered by a rechargeable battery. AC power outlets, DC vehicle ports, and USB charging connectors in a power station can charge your electronic gadgets.

There are more gear and equipment that you may be interested in:

- Fishing Gear in Australia

- Hiking Gear in Australia

- Must-Have Camping Essentials

Jackery Portable Power Stations for Snorkelling Trips

Now, you can snorkel like never before with Jackery Portable Power Stations. People who like being outside, care about the environment, and want to be comfortable can use Jackery Portable Power Stations. They let you charge your tools safely while you're on the go.

Jackery ensures that the batteries in their Portable Power Stations are lithium-ion and LiFePO4 to have a steady power source. Now that Jackery Solar Panels are added, these engines can use the sun's power. In this way, they are a green way to protect Australia's beautiful scenery.

Jackery Explorer 500

This Jackery Explorer 500 power station is made to withstand harsh weather thanks to its advanced temperature monitors and robust construction that can work in hot and cold conditions. Because it's so durable, it's an excellent choice for camping trips, outdoor activities, and backup power in an emergency.

With a capacity of 518Wh and a 500W inverter that can handle surges up to 1000W, the Jackery Explorer 500 can support multiple appliance charging, making it a versatile power solution for various needs. It is also designed for convenience, featuring a portable and light design that makes it easy to carry and use wherever power is needed.

The power station has three ways to charge it: solar panels, a wall outlet, and a car plug. This gives you options for how to charge it. With a noise level of 37.9dB, it's a quiet power option that won't bother you while snorkelling or boating.  

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus

The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus portable power station is a lightweight and efficient power supply designed to meet the power needs for various situations such as boating, picnicking, camping, road trips, and emergency power backup.

This power station has a unique Battery Management System (BMS). It has 52 safety features and 12 BMS algorithms that work together to keep the device and any attached appliances as safe as possible. It also has four kinds of physical security to ensure everyone is safe.

This model stands out because it has an intelligent app control feature that lets users quickly manage the battery through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This makes it more modern and convenient to use. It's also very light - only 8.27 pounds - so it's an excellent choice for people who are always on the go.

How to Maintain Your Snorkelling Gear?

Cleaning snorkelling equipment should be a skill shared by all snorkelers. Cleaning your snorkelling gear after an ocean dive is crucial since saltwater erodes equipment faster than freshwater.

Remember what I mentioned earlier? You should always rinse your equipment with fresh water and keep it out of direct sunlight. You were even following a dive in freshwater!

You might use the freshwater hose or shower found on many beaches, dive sites, and even boats to quickly rinse off your equipment before giving it a more thorough cleaning at home.

To achieve a more thorough cleansing, immerse your snorkelling equipment in warm water, including a small quantity of dish soap or detergent. Rub away debris with your hands and possibly a soft sponge while submerged. After giving the equipment a good rinse, let it air dry away from the sun.

How to Maintain Your Snorkelling Mask?

1. Always keep the mask's lens protected to prevent scratches or other damage that could impair your ability to see underwater.
2. Rinse your mask with fresh water as soon as possible to remove any saltwater or dirt.  
3. Use a silicone-based cleaning solution or a little dish soap to soak your snorkelling mask in warm water. (Avoid using petrolatum and alcohol.) Verify that the water is moderately heated. If so, it might change the mask's shape.
4. Give the mask a thorough wipe to ensure no sand or other debris is caught within the snorkel mask or beneath the seal.
5. If you must use something more abrasive than a soft sponge to clean the mask, use just your hand.
6. Give it a good rinse in cold water.
7. Use a gentle cloth to pat dry, then allow it to air dry fully from direct sunlight.
8. Keep the mask in a case out of direct sunlight and heat.

How to Clean Your Snorkel Tube?

1. In snorkels, mould and bacteria are the most prevalent types. You have to keep the snorkel tube from growing. Breathing that in can be hazardous to your health!
2. Although this method and the mask-cleaning technique are similar, accessing the tube's interior without the right instrument can be challenging. The two main variations are longer snorkel tube soak times and hotter water.
3. As soon as possible, rinse your mask with fresh water to remove dirt or seawater. Examine every component and nook of the house!
4. Use warm water and a little dish soap or detergent to soak your snorkelling mask. Even vinegar and water would work.
5. Let the snorkel sit in the mixture for five to ten minutes.
6. You can use a toothbrush to scrape away any leftover debris. The most effective tool for entering the breathing tube is a toothbrush.
7. Give it a good rinse with cold water.
8. Use a gentle cloth to pat dry, then allow it to air dry fully from direct sunlight.
9. Keep the snorkel tube out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry location in a breathable bag.

How to Maintain Your Snorkelling Fins?

1. Rinse your fins with fresh water to remove dirt or seawater immediately. Remember to empty the foot pockets!
2. Use a pail of warm, soapy water to soak your fins.
3. Use a gentle sponge to scrub the fins to remove leftover debris.
4. Give it a good rinse with cold water.
5. Use a gentle cloth to pat dry, then allow it to air dry fully from direct sunlight. Remember to dry the pockets on your feet!
6. Store the fins by laying them down or hanging them out of direct sunlight to preserve the blades' integrity.

Understanding how to clean your snorkelling gear is essential. In addition to particulate matter such as dirt, sand, and seaweed, water harbours a diverse array of microscopic bacteria and germs that cannot be detected without magnification.    

Final Thoughts

Purchasing the appropriate equipment is crucial if you intend to go snorkelling. Fins, snorkels, and masks make up a decent snorkel set. Always try your snorkelling gear on to guarantee a proper fit before purchasing it. Before venturing into open water, it is vital to rehearse your gear usage in a swimming pool. By paying attention to these pointers, you can ensure that your snorkelling experience is safe and fun.