Seriously though, could someone explain how to use a snorkle as a weapon?
While I dive with a snorkel as little as possible (and therefore have no experience using a snorkel as a weapon), lack of knowledge isn't exactly the death knell of discussion, eh? :biggrin:
Underwater, it would seem that most snorkels would be useful primarily as a thrusting weapon. In some cases, the inherent flexibility would eliminate other maneuvers, but in any case, thrusting motions encounter far less resistance to motion than slashing maneuvers. The lunge would seem to be the quintessential underwater snorkel-fencing move.
Above water, on the other hand, thrusting maneuvers take a distant back seat to other far more useful methods of attack. Slashing or slapping maneuvers, especially ones making use of any inherent flexibility of the weapon, are exceedingly useful at close range. As a stand-off weapon, on the other hand, the snorkel can be very effective when thrown with reasonable speed and accuracy.
On the surface, snorkels can make very effective water-projecting weapons, both in centrifugal mode and gas-powered mode. It should be noted that purge snorkels used in gas-powered mode work best when the purge opening is covered before the volley is launched. Dry snorkels, alas, are rather ineffective as water-projecting weapons.
(There are also several other methods of weaponizing snorkels. For example, the air-up-the-suit-leg attack can be quite entertaining, but it must only be done to suitably capable targets who can deal with the sudden buoyancy changes thereby induced. Other methods will be left for the full course.)