Snorkelling is a great way to explore the ocean without having to leave the comfort of the surface. For those more daring, it allows the chance to dive down for a minute or two to see something closer up a little farther down below. This fun activity is ideal for children and adults alike, and it also has some great health benefits for the mind and body.
Improves breathing and cardiovascular health
Snorkelling assists in increasing your lungs’ capacity to hold oxygen, as breathing through a tube is more difficult than regular breathing – think of snorkelling as a form of breathing exercise. Your heart rate increases while you are snorkelling – this can be either from the physical exercise associated with swimming, or at times from the anticipation of not knowing what is lurking below in the darker water. Increasing the heart rate encourages the heart to strengthen and lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease in the future.
Joint mobility and overall fitness
Water-based exercises are good rehabilitation techniques for joint injuries. Snorkelling has the same benefits for the body with the added bonus of taking place in the ocean instead of a pool. Like regular lap-swimming, snorkelling is a low impact form of exercise, and can be a fun way to get the kids or yourself involved in 30-minutes of exercise. Although, once you’re in exploring, we’re sure you’ll be lost to the wonders of the deep for hours.
Good for Mental Health
Exercise releases endorphins, and snorkelling is an excellent way to get your body moving (or trick yourself into it if you aren’t a fan of exercise). The increase in endorphins will in turn boost your self-confidence. The focused and controlled breathing required whilst snorkelling has similar mental health benefits to meditative techniques such as yoga. Controlled breathing may help you feel a greater sense of calm, and help relieve stress and anxiety.
Performance enhancer for water-based sports
Utilising a snorkel while training for water-based sports helps to build lung capacity and regulate breathing in athletes. The angle of the snorkel’s breathing piece allows athletes to practice their technique and positioning without having to worry about raising their heads to breathe.
Back to nature
Snorkelling allows beach goers to experience the wonders of the ocean and encounter vibrant sea life that transforms the ocean floor into what seems like another planet. Observing sea life in its natural habitat can be very relaxing to snorkelers and help relieve sufferers of anxiety and attention deficit disorders.
Get your own snorkelling gear
If you want to start exploring the wonders of the deep or give your kids an aquatic activity that’s good for the mind and body, get your snorkel gear from the team at Dolphin Scuba. With one of Australia’s most diverse ranges of premium scuba brands, snorkels and diving gear, Dolphin Scuba are able to kit you up with snorkel gear ready for your next dip in the ocean. Our team is made up of full-time dive instructors with years of experience and knowledge to help our clients. We can help you at our Welshpool store, open 7 days a week or you can contact us on 9353 2488.
