Trekker Tips

 

Welcome to our ever-growing compilation of Trekker Tips. If you have any tid-bits of knowledge that you feel should be included - don't be shy - go ahead and email us here. We'll do our best to include them for the betterment of Trekker-Society at large.

 

 

Trekker Tip #1: Buy, don’t rent. Snorkel equipment doesn’t have to cost a lot. Instead of borrowing or renting, get your own. You’ll be safer using gear you’re familiar with – and it can all pack easily into your travel bag.

Trekker Tip #5: Select silicone. It’s absolutely the best material for diving masks. Why? High-quality silicone is impervious to ozone, chlorine, and saltwater. That means it will stay supple and fit your face for many dives to come.

Trekker Tip #10: Put up your guard. Under a tropical sun, sunscreen isn’t always enough. Protect yourself from the harshest UV rays with a super cool (and stylish) Lycra rashguard or surf shirt.

Trekker Tip #14: Early to rise. In Hawaii, fish are known to be significantly more active in the morning. To see the most magnificent display of marine life, set an alarm and snorkel at first light!

Trekker Tip #22: Cover your back. When swimming or snorkeling, don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your back and the back of your legs. That thin film of water over your body only magnifies the sun’s rays. And bad burns can ruin a great trip.

Trekker Tip #25: Stay afloat. An inflatable snorkeling vest gives you added buoyancy and safety in the water. In a bright color, it’s the perfect snorkeling accessory for less confident swimmers, or those who plan to swim far off shore.

Trekker Tip #26: Breathe easy. Going under? Newer “dry” snorkels have float-operated valves attached to the surface end of the tube to keep water out when snorkelers submerge.

Trekker Tip #30: Get shorty. The shorty, or spring suit, is the most popular wetsuit style for snorkeling in tropical temps. The warmer the water, the less protection you need.

Trekker Tip #33: Keep your hat on. When you want to look brilliant on the beach, wear a great hat, cap or visor. Not only do they protect your head and face from the sun, they help keep your hair in place.

Trekker Tip #36: Heads up! You lose about 40% of your body heat through your head. When diving in cold conditions, a hood or cap is an absolute must.

Trekker Tip #40: Lock and load. When packing your beach tote, put your wallet, camera, sunblock, and lip balm in sealed Ziploc bags. This will keep your valuables free of sand and water.clog your purge valve.

Trekker Tip #45: Don’t be a blowhard. Opt for a snorkel with a purge valve system. This simple one-way valve just below the mouthpiece makes it easy to clear away any water in your snorkel. That means you don’t have to blow it all the way out the top.

Trekker Tip #50: Waterproof or water-resistant? The FDA considers a sunscreen “waterproof” if it maintains its SPF level after 80 minutes of exposure to water. A “water-resistant” sunscreen, however, only maintains its SPF level after 40 minutes. For swimming, snorkeling and diving activities, waterproof is the way to go.

Trekker Tip #51: Got cold feet? Your extremities are the first things to feel the effects of cold water. Invest in a pair of booties and gloves for extra insulation. As an extra bonus, they’ll also keep you protected from abrasion.

Trekker Tip #53: Go color-safe. Research has shown that the chemicals in some sunscreens can bleach the coral reefs. To keep them healthy and vibrant, choose sunscreens based in titanium oxide or wear protective clothing instead.

Trekker Tip #55: De-fog. When you buy a new mask, clean it with a small amount of mild dish soap or toothpaste before your first use. This will remove any leftover manufacturing compounds that might cause your mask to fog up.

Trekker Tip #58: Don’t feed the animals. Fish feeding has been shown to change reef systems and even make fish aggressive. To help the reef stay safe, please keep your food to yourself.

Trekker Tip #61: If the mask fits. Here’s how to make sure your snorkel mask fits your face properly: Hold it up to your face (without wearing the strap) and breath in through your nose. The mask should seal perfectly and stay on your face without the help of your hands.

Trekker Tip #65: Make bath time fun. Before taking your trip, start your kids’ snorkel lessons in the bathtub. This lets them play with the snorkel and get the hang of breathing though it, without being intimidated.

Trekker Tip #67: Keep your footing. Look for active sandals made with waterproof materials or non-skid soles. They’ll keep you from sliding on wet, slippery beach sand. That means no wipe-outs!

Trekker Tip #72: To fin or not to fin? Fins can help you swim in a current and help you cover more area to see more sea life! If you’re just starting out, opt for fins in shorter lengths. You can always work your way up to longer fins as your legs strengthen.

Trekker Tip #75: Respect the reef. When booking your travel plans, look for companies that promote eco-friendly diving practices. By minimizing stress on sensitive ocean habitats, you’re helping to conserve it for future generations.

Trekker Tip #78: Look, but don’t touch. Be careful not to rub up against, stand, or kick sand on the reef. Coral is a living thing!

Trekker Tip #80: Take a picture, it’ll last longer. It’s illegal to break or remove any coral from the ocean. Resist the urge to bring home a souvenir by taking colorful snapshots with an underwater camera.

 

Reef Gear, Inc.
359 Lake Park Rd, Suite 102
Lewisville, Texas 75057
(972) 353-3700