Essential 2000‑Character Snorkeling Quick‑Start Guide 🌴🐠

Pack just a handful of gear and a brand‑new universe awaits beneath the surface. Here’s snorkeling A–Z in roughly 2,000 characters.

A solo snorkeler glides through a garden of multicolored corals

1. Why Snorkeling?

• Ultra‑simple: All you need is mask, snorkel and fins.
• Ten‑minute learning curve: Float, exhale “Phoo~” and you’re set.
• Budget‑friendly travel: Daily gear rental ≈ 30,000 KRW.
• Family‑friendly: Kids and grandparents can join together.
• Sustainable: Minimal impact if you keep hands off corals and wildlife.

2. Gear Checklist 🛠

Item	Picking Tips
Mask	Check face seal; anti‑fog coating is a must.
Snorkel	Dry‑top models block splashing water.
Fins	40 cm+ blades; big hip‑driven kicks for more thrust.
Suit / Rash guard	UV & jellyfish protection; 3 mm wetsuit if water < 24 ℃.
Life vest	Mandatory for beginners and kids.

3. Core Skills in 3 Steps

1. Bubble breathing – Face in water, exhale “Phoo~”, feel the seal.
2. Fin kick – Barely bend knees; power comes from hips.
3. Surface rest position – Relax arms & legs, breathe, feel buoyancy.

4. Top Spots (KR & Overseas)

• Seobin‑baeksa, Udo (Jeju) – 20 m viz, damselfish galore.
• Bongsudae, Goseong (Gangwon) – Gentle sandy slope; perfect for first‑timers.
• Balicasag, Bohol (Philippines) – Swim a metre from sea turtles.

5. Seven Safety Rules 🚦

1. Buddy up within 5 m visual range.
2. Postpone if waves > 1 m or viz < 3 m.
3. Mind your fins – no coral‑kicking.
4. Use reef‑safe sunscreen only.
5. No touching or collecting marine life.
6. Hydrate: 200 mL every 30 min.
7. Carry whistle & SMB; signal if caught in current.

Cruising through a swirl of reef fish on a sunny afternoon

6. Handy Tips 🍯

• Anti‑fog: Rub one drop of baby shampoo, skip the rinse.
• Action‑cam: Mount 30 cm in front for minimal distortion.
• Leg cramp? Flex toes toward nose, stretch, return slowly.
• Plan three trips? Buy your own mask & snorkel set.

7. Quick Q&A

Q. Can’t swim—still possible?
Yes. Life vest + shallow sandy entry is enough.

Q. Wear contact lenses?
Fine, but use disposables; blink if water seeps in.

Q. When to buy gear?
After three trips, start with mask & snorkel set.

8. Next Level 🚀

Freediving (10 m breath‑hold) → Scuba OW (18 m) → Wrecks & manta tours!

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Snorkeling is “the lightest ticket to ocean exploration.” Five minutes of setup and ten minutes of practice let you greet the blue world. This weekend, peer into clear water at a nearby beach and open the door to a new hobby—the ocean is always there. 🌊