Whether you have a full beard, a goatee, or sideburns that connect to form a small beard around your chin, you may be wondering if it’s possible to go snorkeling with a beard. The answer is yes! However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind in order to have a enjoyable and safe experience.
First, it’s important to make sure your beard is clean before getting into the water. Beards can act like filters, trapping things like dirt and bacteria. If you’re putting your face in salt water with a dirty beard, you could end up with an ear or sinus infection. So make sure to wash your beard thoroughly with soap and water before heading out.
Next, you’ll need to take measures to keep your beard from drying out while you’re snorkeling. Salt water can be very drying, so it’s important to use a good conditioner on your beard before getting in the water. You may also want to consider using a leave-in conditioner or oil once you’re out of the water to help replenish moisture.
Finally, it’s important to protect your skin while snorkeling, even if you’re wearing a full-face mask. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can reflect off of the water and cause sunburns, so be sure to apply sunscreen all over your face before getting in the water.
Snorkeling with a beard is definitely possible – just be sure to take care of your hair and skin beforehand!
The Benefits of Snorkeling with a Beard
Snorkeling with a beard has many benefits. For one, it keeps your face dry. No more water up your nose! It also provides warmth in cooler water temperatures. And let’s not forget the added sun protection. Beards can help reduce the amount of UV radiation that reaches your skin.
Another great benefit of bearded snorkeling is that it can help you avoid contact with harmful marine life. Jellyfish, for example, are less likely to sting you if you have a beard. Sea lice and other parasitic creatures are also less likely to attach themselves to your skin if you’re wearing a beard.
Of course, there are some downsides to snorkeling with a beard. The biggest downside is that it can be difficult toequalize the pressure in your ears when you have a beard. This is because the air trapped in your beard makes it harder for the pressure to equalize. To equalize the pressure, you’ll need to use the Valsalva maneuver, which involves exhaling through your nose while pinching your nostrils shut.
Another downside to snorkeling with a beard is that it can be difficult to keep your mask from fogging up. Bearded snorkelers often solve this problem by using anti-fog gel or spray on their beard before putting on their mask.
If you’re thinking about giving bearded snorkeling a try, we suggest doing some research and practicing in a pool before heading out into open water.
How to Snorkel with a Beard
Snorkeling with a beard can be a bit tricky. You need to make sure that your beard is not too long, otherwise it will get in the way of your mask. You also need to ensure that your beard is well-groomed so that it does not get tangled in your snorkel. Let’s take a look at some tips on how to snorkel with a beard.
Step One: Choose the Right Mask
If you want to snorkel with a beard, the first thing you need to do is choose the right mask. Most masks will not seal properly if you have a beard, so it is important to find one that is specifically designed to accommodate facial hair. You may also need to trim your beard down to a shorter length to get a good seal.
Step Two: Put on Your Mask
Once you have the right mask, it’s time to put it on. Make sure that the straps are tight but not too tight, and that the mask is sitting centrally on your face. If the mask is not sealing properly, adjust it until you get a good seal.
Step Three: Prepare Your Beard
Whether you’re a first-time snorkeler or an experienced pro, it’s important to take the time to properly prepare your beard for your upcoming expedition. Here are a few tips on how to snorkel with a beard:
- Trim your beard before you go. While you don’t want to shave it completely, trimming it will help reduce the amount of water that gets trapped in your facial hair.
- Wash your beard thoroughly with a gentle shampoo and conditioner. This will remove any dirt, debris, or salt water that could become trapped in your beard.
- Apply a thick layer of conditioner to your beard. This will help prevent it from becoming dry or brittle from the salt water.
- Use a wide-tooth comb to brush through your beard and remove any tangles.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your beard remains healthy and comfortable while you enjoy the beauty of the underwater world.
Step Four: Put on Your Mask
Now that your snorkel is in place, it’s time to focus on your mask. If you don’t have a beard, you can skip this step. But if you do have a beard, you’ll need to take some extra care when putting on your mask.
Beards can interfere with the seal of a mask, so it’s important to test the fit before putting your head under water. Put the mask on and tighten the straps so that it’s snug against your face. Then take a deep breath in through your nose. The mask should suction to your face and create a seal. If there are any gaps around your beard, the water will leak in and you’ll get a mouthful of salt water.
Once you’ve got the seal sorted, it’s time to put your head under water and start snorkeling!
Remember to Breathe Normally
Now that your mask is in place, it’s time to start snorkeling! Try to breathe normally and resist the urge to hold your breath. If you start feeling anxious, take a few deep breaths and focus on relaxation. Remember, if you start panicking, you’re more likely to accidentally remove your mask.
Explore the Reef!
Now that you’re all set up, it’s time to explore the reef! Snorkeling is a great way to see beautiful fish and coral up close. Be sure to stay clear of areas with strong currents, and be careful not to touch any of the coral.
Snorkeling with a beard can be challenging, but it’s definitely possible with the right equipment and technique. Follow these steps and you’ll be able to enjoy all that the underwater world has to offer!
Conclusion
If you have a beard, there are a few things you need to do to make sure you can snorkel comfortably. First, make sure your beard is short enough that it won’t get in the way of the diving mask’s seal. Second, use a conditioner or oil to keep your beard from getting too dry and brittle in the salt water. Finally, take care when putting on and taking off your diving mask so you don’t accidentally pull out any beard hairs. With a little preparation, you can enjoy a great day of snorkeling even if you have a beard!