A lot of people panic when they get tired and that is when bad things happen.Wow, interesting posts. I didn't find it strenuous at all, and at the time I was a 46 year old, out of shape, overweight guy and my kids weren't particularly strong swimmers. But all my other snorkeling adventures were in open waters. At Castaway Cay if you get tired you can just move a little closer to shore where you can stand up.
Anyone else have opinions?
If you swam buoy to buoy and ended up at the far side of the lagoon, the shallow part of it can be 5-10 minutes away, if you are constantly swimming. That‘s a long way if you are exhausted and not experienced.At Castaway Cay if you get tired you can just move a little closer to shore where you can stand up.
I've had years of swim lessons, but live in a landlocked state and don't trust my abilities in the ocean.As a licensed scuba diver and avid snorkeler I have had to pull 4 persons that either did not know how to swim or were poor swimmers Infact the last guy I pulled off the ocean floor 15 feet down admitted he did not know how to swim and that he had walked out to the sandbar and had no idea what low/high tide was. Please take swim lessons for your sake and your loved ones.
I didn't find it as bad as swimming in the ocean. With the breakers Disney installed, you don't get the wave action of an ocean. (We've done some boogie boarding in Maine.) Tides still go in/out so you could have a current. My issues were more with getting used to the snorkel equipment and breathing through the tube, that's really what wore me out more than the swimming part.I've had years of swim lessons, but live in a landlocked state and don't trust my abilities in the ocean.
I wonder if I would be a natural at snorkeling because most of the time if I'm swimming in a pool I tend to only use my legs anyway. Also, I have natural buoyancy.If you have never been snorkeling rent some fins, mask and snorkel and head to a local pool or lake first and practice. I'm a master diver,cavern and stress and rescue certified and snorkeling is harder for me. Don't try to swim, you should keep your arms down by your side and use your legs with long slow strokes. Unless you are diving down to see something on the the bottom you are basically floating. Getting used to a mask, fins and breathing with your mouth is the hardest part.
Yep, me too on the buoyancy thing. I have to use more weights when I dive then someone my size should cause I'm too buoyant. I can float on my back all day without having to move my arms or legs. You will probably do ok snorkeling, I think the issue for most people is they try to swim using their arms and they try too hard. Just relax and it's easier. You will have to occasionally steer with your arms but I just do slow sort of passes with my hands under water like I do when I'm diving.I wonder if I would be a natural at snorkeling because most of the time if I'm swimming in a pool I tend to only use my legs anyway. Also, I have natural buoyancy.
I'd also add take long slow kicks with your fins. If you get tired, are you comfortable with floating on your back and kicking? Just don't try to go to fast and it's not too bad.I have tried snorkeling every time I've been to CC. Only once was I able to see two statues and a sunken boat. They were all very far out. I am near sighted and it's a major disadvantage when trying to locate the buoys that mark the statues. I also have had trouble with water getting into my mask. I wonder if putting some Vaseline on it might help it seal better. You will always get water in your snorkel. Just learn how to clear it before going out very deep. I use the foam vests instead of the blow-up vests. That way I don't have to worry about losing air. If you find the boat, depending on how tall you are, you may be able to stand on its roof to rest. I am 5'7" and was able to stand with my head above water. If you get tired, don't panic and trust your vest to keep you afloat.