AfterDark
Contributor
I haven't used a snorkel outside of the pool since shortly after OW. When working with students in the pool, I have a snorkel on my mask, and I loathe it. It flops and twists my mask strap and makes my mask leak.
When working classes in OW, I have a rolled up snorkel in my pocket, along with a whistle and a couple of other items that we term our "PADI *&#". It's all clipped together so the whole thing can be put in the pocket en masse. That gear is never used for non-professional diving.
I have never understood the idea of snorkels in choppy water. If the chop is short and small, it's not going to be over my head for very long. If the waves are huge and I'm underwater for some time, a snorkel isn't going to help.
I've never understood why a diver would rather burn gas on the surface in choppy water when the air is free with a snorkel.