Snorkeling Advice
 

For novice snorkelers, to make your entry into the water less harrowing:

Step 1: Put the drops of anti-fog stuff into the inside of your mask.

Step 2: Go to the edge of the water, carrying mask and fins. Rinse your mask in the water and jam it on your head. Place the strap high on the back of your head, then pull the mask part down where it belongs. Wetting your face and hair a bit helps.

Step 3: Look for a sandy spot with no rocks. Still CARRYING your fins, put the snorkel in your mouth and wade out into knee to hip deep water.

Step 4: Sit down in the water so that your feet are sort of floating under you, put your face in the water so you can see your feet, then pull the fins on UNDERWATER.

Step 5: Flip over onto your tummy face down and head out!

It was painful during this last trip to Kauai to watch beginners put their fins on on the shore, then try to walk flapping to the ocean! The snorkel rental places must not give much instruction.

When you get out, remove your fins before you get out of the water so that you can walk out with bare feet. Do this by sitting down in enough water to float you a bit as you pull your feet up, keep your mask on so you can look at your feet underwater.

Happy fishies!

Or put the fins on (just get them wet first) and walk backward, keeping an eye on the water. A neoprene slap strap (make your own) can be a real hair saver.

Thanks so much from a novice snorkeler.
Any suggestion where to rent gear on the Big Island?
We are staying in Kona.

I'm not a good swimmer and I'm definitely a novice snorkler and it changed my whole experience of snorkling when I started using a life vest. I can snorkle under the water and then bob up to the top whenever I have to clear my mask or take a break, without having to 'swim'. It was so much less stressful and so much more enjoyable.

Up behind the Costco is a Snorkel Bobs; think it's the easiest in and out as far as driving streets goes!
If you want to relax with9out a vest (I find them a bit cumbersome), use a noodle. Also, bring a neoprene beer cozy if you don't want to buy a slapstrap.
There are other places in town (alii Drive)that might be closer depending on where you are staying.
p.s. get a boogie board too; if the surf's a bit much for snorkeling (if you aren't in a bay), you'll have fun.

Spit works well as an anti-fogger.