jaycanwk:I have often wondered why anyone would spend money to take a snorkeling course like SSI snorkeling course or any other agencies equivelent. If your a semi decent swimmer, all you have to do is buy a mask fins and snorkel and jump in...presto... your snorkeling like a pro. That's what I did.
I have been on snorkeling courses for about 6 years before I first started scuba. I have all snorkeling certifications that were available at that time in the Netherlands. I can't tell you how much this has helped to enhance my scuba experience. I already knew a lot about underwater sports, I am completely at ease underwater (more so than many of the other participants in the course), I have really good swimming technique (of course, I also have all the available swimming diploma's), etc, etc. I am sure that taking up some snorkeling before scuba will enhance the diving experience for most new divers. And: it's great fun and really has a major Zen aspect to it too... (ask the freedivers )
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Robert ctopus: