What is Snorkeling?
{{refimprove|date=December 2016}} [[File:Snorkeling equipment.jpg|thumb|Equipment for snorkeling: diving mask, fins, & snorkel|270x270px]] '''Snorkeling''' is [[swimming]] while using a [[tube]] to [[Breathing|breathe]] [[underwater]]. ==Overview== Snorkeling is a very popular activity, particularly in places with clear, calm, warm [[ocean]]s. It allows people to see underwater life in a natural setting, without the complicated equipment and training required for [[scuba diving]]. ==Activity== Generally, people snorkel in shallow [[Reef|reefs]] ranging from [[sea level]] to 4 meters (13 feet) deep. Snorkelers can also explore deep water reefs. However, to see deeper reefs, a snorkeler has to hold their breath and dive down to the reef to see it. This kind of snorkeling takes more skill and fitness than shallow water snorkeling. It is also more dangerous than shallow water snorkeling. Snorkelers use masks so they can see underwater. This allows them to see [[fish]], [[Coral reef|coral reefs]] and other forms of [[sea life]]. ==History== [[File:Snorkeling for mussels (5940079877).jpg|thumb|right|Snorkeling|242x242px]] Man has always been interested by what is under the ocean. [[Evidence]] shows that people have been [[free diving]] for at least 5,000 years. The earliest known free divers were [[sponge]] [[farmer]]s in [[Crete]], who lived around 3000 [[B.C.E.]] These farmers used free diving to collect underwater sponges. They used hollow [[Reed (plant)|reeds]] like modern snorkels, to allow them to breathe while underwater. ==Equipment== Snorkelers use three basic pieces of equipment: * A snorkel: A curved plastic tube that snorkelers can breathe through while underwater * A mask: Snorkeling masks protect the nose and face, and allow snorkelers to see underwater * Diving fins: Snorkelers wear these on their feet to make it easier to swim. Free divers also use them to make it easier to dive to deep levels<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2006|title=Snorkeling Equipment|url=http://www.tropicalsnorkeling