training
Snorkeling is a skilled sport, which can be undertaken at different levels with different difficulties. Although many view training for snorkeling as unnecessary, there are many advantages with undertaking and official training course with one of the governing bodies.
PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) and BSAC (British Sub Aqua Club) are the most famous and recognised organisations with excellent snorkeling and scuba diving training programmes. Both organisations provide courses for qualifications that are regarded and recognised across the globe, allowing dive and snorkel centres to immediately know you abilities and level of training.
There is a strong debate as to which organisation is the best, but both have advantages and disadvantages. PADI are generally seen as more expensive, but have global dive centres and provide an opportunity to gain your qualifications in a short space of time. BSAC has member clubs that meet up regularly to train others, and to snorkel and scuba together. These clubs often have a joining fee but are generally much cheaper than a PADI course, although the training generally takes a lot longer.
Both companies are held in high regard and their qualifications are very similar, covering practically the same techniques and skills. It is always worth finding your local BSAC diving club and local PADI training centre and undertaking a “try-dive” or “snorkel-introduction” course to see which environment you prefer to learn in, although you can change organisation at almost any time.
PADI
The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) accounts for 55% of certified divers, and spans 175 countries. Since 1966 PADI has trained a huge number of divers and snorkelers, and are a worldwide-recognised snorkeller and diver training agency. There are numerous PADI training centres around the world that can provide you with training courses and advice.
These courses include the following stages:
PADI Discover Snorkeling
This is a simple introduction course designed to get complete novices comfortable with the water, and the techniques of snorkeling. The course explains and uses basic equipment and is always undertaken in a warm, safe swimming pool environment.
PADI Skin Diver Course
In order to gain the basic PADI snorkeling qualification of PADI Skin Diver, this course must be undertaken. Comprising of snorkeling on the surface, skin diving underwater, methods of clearing your snorkel, as well as finning techniques and preventing ear problems. This is the perfect course to gain confidence and qualifications, although this is only suitable for those over 8 years.
PADI Skin Diver Open Water Dive
This add-on to your PADI Skin Diver Course gives the opportunity to be taken to practice your snorkeling skills in a marine environment. This course is ideal for those wanting to prepare for some snorkeling whilst on holiday.
PADI courses and qualifications continue right up to instructor level, giving you the necessary skills to train others in the sport of snorkeling.
Please check out the PADI website www.PADI.com for further information.
BSAC
The British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) is the United Kingdom’s Governing body, and with 45,000 members, the largest diving club in the world. You can learn to snorkel via a BSAC School or Dive Club, for which you pay a small membership fee, and learn in a group environment, geared towards providing aid and support.
BSAC qualifications are given to those that successfully complete courses, and are globally recognised, and give other snorkelers and divers an instant profile of your abilities and level of training.
The course structure is as follows:
Basic Snorkel Diver >> Snorkel Diver >> Ocean Snorkel Diver >> Advanced Ocean Snorkel Diver >> Snorkel Dive Marshal
There is the option to continue your training past this point and become qualified to train other snorkelers, and to go on to train other instructors if you wish. The courses are done at your own pace, and the BSAC Club or School will provide assistance and support.
Please check out the BSAC snorkeling website at www.bsacsnorkeling.co.uk for further information.
