VonVan

Hello, I've never even been to Hawaii but have youngsters in my life who would like snorkel equipment for Christmas. (7-8 years old.)

I'm hoping someone can advise on best brand(s) or qualities to look for?

Thanks for any advice-
I think Fodors is a wealth of info!

sylvia3

I think that US Divers is a consistent company with a good product. I also found some great deals (today!) while I was looking for some adult gear for my daughter. Try the site Silk Pear, which has some terrific youth prices (bottom of the page): http://www.silkpear.com/sports-outdoors/ ($6.99 shipping for all)

Tomsd

For kids - I would just try to get an inexpensive mask and fins that fit - as they will outgrow good equipment. If you are traveling - most places you can rent them.

Tomsd

For a starting point - in Hawaii - check out Snorkel Bob's - and you can even rent it for a week on one island - and if you travel to another island - turn it in there.

sylvia3

The cost of rental can be more than the price of a good set (the ones on the site I listed are good); trying to find a good fit with cheap gear is a bad idea; cheap stuff leaks.
Make sure the mask is tempered glass and the snorkel has a "dry" option and a purge valve.
BTW, the options at Snorkel Bob's (a good group) are $22 for a week for youth sets (don't go for the ancient set for $9; they're the same ones my kids hated 25 years ago!); you can buy your own (and sell them if you want) for less. Try getting sets with fins that have an adjustable back strap; they are very versatile, size-wise.
I also saw some good sets on Amazon and other places; ag

lcuy

If either of the kids wear glasses, get them them the mask with corrective lenses. Most rental places have them for a slightly higher fee. Buying them is very expensive, only worth it if they'll use the mask often. I discovered these about 10 years ago...snorkeling is so much more fun when you can see!

sylvia3

Because you mentioned
"for Christmas" I assumed that these were going to be gifts. In the case of the Aqua Lung and US Divers products (on the link I gave), you get high-quality sets for less than the cost of a one-week rental. I have been scouring the shopping sites looking for the same thing the past few days; those prices ($18 for a full Aqua Lung set, including bag, and adjustable foot straps)are excellent.
If a child is very near-sighted (and especially if they will be going a bit deeper to view things closer), there are stick on magnifier insert options for masks that are pricey ($10+), but good (makes the mask effectively bi-focal). RX rentals (of course), cost more (and we couldn't get a small-enough mask when my daughter thought she needed it).

VonVan

Yes, these are to be Christmas gifts. To tell the truth, I only listed this under "Hawaii" because I knew that's where there would be knowledge!

Your answers have been incredibly helpful, and I'm relieved at the prices. Thought they would be much higher for quality brands.

You have been wonderful - offering time and effort to help me shop wisely. Thank you.

Tomsd

If Aqua makes a set that reasonable - go for it. All I was saying it that there are some reasonably decent snorkeling "kits" out there for kids that would work. Fit is very important. And have the kids practice in a pool before you go over so they get the hang of it.

Tomsd

And once the kids get the hang of it - they can even wear contacts if they have them/need to. I even have an oversize ski mask that let's me wear glasses (don't wear contacts anymore) - but not sure if you can find that in a snorkel/dive mask.

sylvia3

I suspect the youth sets by Aqua Lung (and/or US Divers) will be perfect for the ages you mention; I check on Amazon and the prices for nice sets can be pretty reasonable (try also SwimOUtlet.com; they have Speedo sets, but I've never used that brand).
Happy shopping!