The Folding Snorkel:
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To use a snorkel or not while diving? Is the folding snorkel an answer to this age old debate?
Have you ever found yourself explaining to another diver on the boat why you are using a snorkel while you are scuba diving? Or perhaps you heard someone snicker that you had a snorkel on your dive mask. Maybe you got caught up in or overheard a debate about the benefits of using a snorkel while diving.
If you ever found yourself in any of these situations, you know that there are 2 camps when it comes to scuba diving and snorkels.
In one camp is the side that says they would never be caught without a snorkel during a dive. They want it on the surface in case of rough water, a long swim back to the boat, an emergency situation, etc.
In the other camp are those that say a snorkel is useless and can only create problems by catching on things, getting in the way, banging their head, etc.
Whichever side people are on, they are very passionate about their opinion. Go to a scuba forum, ask the question whether you should use a snorkel while diving, and watch the comments fly.
Will a folding snorkel put an end to this debate?
A folding snorkel is exactly what it sounds like - the snorkel is folded in half or in thirds and can then fit comfortably in the pocket of the diver's BCD. The diver can keep the snorkel in the pocket the whole time and only take it out if needed. 
Or, alternatively, the diver wears the snorkel on the surface while waiting to descend, takes the snorkel off before or while descending and puts it back on the mask after surfacing when the dive is over.
Seems pretty straightforward. I have never used a snorkel that folds so I can't give you a review of how they work. However, I have read many positive reviews of folding snorkels.
People that have them seem to be converted to this type of snorkel. One thing you would want to test out before going underwater with a snorkel that folds is how easily they detach. Make sure you can do this pretty effortlessly, or you will end up leaving the foldable snorkel on your mask and defeating the whole purpose.
Best Folding Snorkel Recommendation
If you think this type of snorkel is for you, we recommend you try this foldable pocket snorkel. It gets top ratings from users and easily attaches back to your mask with velcro.
Where do you fall in this debate?
Which side of the debate you fall into is obviously your personal opinion. I can see merits on both sides of the argument. Personally, I always wear my snorkel when I am diving. I have had no major problems with it and typically use it while I am waiting on the surface - both before and after the dive.
I still use my old basic snorkel that I purchased over 15 years ago when I first started diving. As far as I remember, folding snorkels weren't even available back then. Starting to feel old here.
There are some alternatives to this debate which can be tried if you don't like the idea of a foldable snorkel. You could attach your snorkel to your BC or put it under your knife strap if you wear one. These ideas might be a good compromise if the snorkel bothers you while it is on your mask. Just make sure that snorkel is attached securely so it doesn't end up on the ocean floor.
Why don't you let us know what you think about this issue? We'd love to hear your opinions.
For more information, check out our other pages on masks and snorkels:
Scuba Diving Mask Introduction //Scuba Diving Masks: Basic Info //Scuba Dive Mask: Care, Maintenance, Defogging Tips //Prescription Scuba Mask //Features of a Scuba Snorkel//Choosing the Best Snorkel for You//Dry Snorkels
You can also check out our Snorkel Store for all the snorkels we have available.
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