Clearing Your Snorkel
Water entering your snorkel is a normal part of snorkeling, whether from a wave, submerging briefly, or just breathing technique. Clearing it quickly and calmly is a basic, essential skill. For background on snorkel designs and features like purge valves, see Choosing and Setting Up a Snorkel.
The Blast Method
When water enters your snorkel, exhale forcefully and sharply through your mouth to push the water out through the top of the tube. This is often called the blast method, and it works on any snorkel, regardless of design.
The key is a sharp, forceful exhale, not a slow one. A gentle breath out will not generate enough force to clear the water.
Water doesn't always fully clear on the first try. Breathe back in cautiously rather than assuming the tube is clear, and blast again if you feel any water remaining.
How a Purge Valve Helps
Many modern snorkels include a purge valve near the mouthpiece, a one-way valve that lets water drain out the bottom of the tube instead of requiring you to blast it all the way out the top. If your snorkel has a purge valve, clearing water usually takes less effort and less force than the full blast method.
Even with a purge valve, a firm exhale is still often needed to fully clear the tube. The valve reduces the effort required, it does not eliminate the need to clear at all.
Staying Calm When Water Enters
Water entering your snorkel can feel startling the first few times it happens, but it is a normal, expected part of snorkeling. Stop, exhale forcefully to clear the tube, and resume normal breathing once it's clear. If you're ever unable to clear it or feel panicked, lift your head above the surface and breathe normally until you're ready to continue.
