I am going to Hawaii for my honeymoon next month and my fiance really wants to snorkel. I know that CFers can't scuba dive (well, a lot can't) but what about snorkeling? My friends who have done it said they don't think I can. I have 45% lung function.<br><br>I am not planning on snorkeling in really deep water. Way too afraid to do that<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"><br>
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Snorkeling
- Thread starter sue35
- Start date
I am going to Hawaii for my honeymoon next month and my fiance really wants to snorkel. I know that CFers can't scuba dive (well, a lot can't) but what about snorkeling? My friends who have done it said they don't think I can. I have 45% lung function.<br><br>I am not planning on snorkeling in really deep water. Way too afraid to do that<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"><br>
I am going to Hawaii for my honeymoon next month and my fiance really wants to snorkel. I know that CFers can't scuba dive (well, a lot can't) but what about snorkeling? My friends who have done it said they don't think I can. I have 45% lung function.<br><br>I am not planning on snorkeling in really deep water. Way too afraid to do that<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"><br>
My docs were fine with me snorkling while on a cruise a few years ago and I think my PFTs were around where yours are now. Just make sure that the equipment is VERY clean and that you don't aspirate any water (this was what they were more worried about). It might not be what you want to hear but I ended up having a really hard time with it and gave up before the session was over. Between the limited air and the pressure around my chest from being surrounded by water, I was just too SOB and it wasn't fun. On the other hand I ended up getting admitted soon after getting home so I might have had compromised lung function.
My docs were fine with me snorkling while on a cruise a few years ago and I think my PFTs were around where yours are now. Just make sure that the equipment is VERY clean and that you don't aspirate any water (this was what they were more worried about). It might not be what you want to hear but I ended up having a really hard time with it and gave up before the session was over. Between the limited air and the pressure around my chest from being surrounded by water, I was just too SOB and it wasn't fun. On the other hand I ended up getting admitted soon after getting home so I might have had compromised lung function.
My docs were fine with me snorkling while on a cruise a few years ago and I think my PFTs were around where yours are now. Just make sure that the equipment is VERY clean and that you don't aspirate any water (this was what they were more worried about). It might not be what you want to hear but I ended up having a really hard time with it and gave up before the session was over. Between the limited air and the pressure around my chest from being surrounded by water, I was just too SOB and it wasn't fun. On the other hand I ended up getting admitted soon after getting home so I might have had compromised lung function.
Hey Sue,
The first time I snorkeled my FEV1 was 40%. During my first time, I was laying on a raft and would put my head down in the water to see periodically. We did off beach snorkeling to start.
On most arranged snorkeling excursions the operators will give you a bouyancy vest. While this is decent for helping you float, I found it to be restrictive to my breathing and made me fee claustrophobic.
Now I snorkel and swim wearing a bouyancy belt. It is basically a piece of dense foam that you wear around your waist. When wearing it you can easily flip from a position of sitting in the water to being face down. I can even be in some fairly choppy surf and not feel to horribly stressed. Search for flotation belt or bouyancy belt and you should find lots of options.
I love the belt because you sit higher in the water than with a bouyancy vest. Also, it is really easy to pop up for a second, take a rest, and/or clear your snorkel.
I say give it a shot and have a strong swimmer with you holding your hand while you explore the beauty of the sea. My hubby (he is a certified diver which helps) and I have snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef, many sites in the Bahamas, Bora Bora, FL, etc. Better to try now than to never have tried I say <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
Happy floating!
Steph
The first time I snorkeled my FEV1 was 40%. During my first time, I was laying on a raft and would put my head down in the water to see periodically. We did off beach snorkeling to start.
On most arranged snorkeling excursions the operators will give you a bouyancy vest. While this is decent for helping you float, I found it to be restrictive to my breathing and made me fee claustrophobic.
Now I snorkel and swim wearing a bouyancy belt. It is basically a piece of dense foam that you wear around your waist. When wearing it you can easily flip from a position of sitting in the water to being face down. I can even be in some fairly choppy surf and not feel to horribly stressed. Search for flotation belt or bouyancy belt and you should find lots of options.
I love the belt because you sit higher in the water than with a bouyancy vest. Also, it is really easy to pop up for a second, take a rest, and/or clear your snorkel.
I say give it a shot and have a strong swimmer with you holding your hand while you explore the beauty of the sea. My hubby (he is a certified diver which helps) and I have snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef, many sites in the Bahamas, Bora Bora, FL, etc. Better to try now than to never have tried I say <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
Happy floating!
Steph
Hey Sue,
The first time I snorkeled my FEV1 was 40%. During my first time, I was laying on a raft and would put my head down in the water to see periodically. We did off beach snorkeling to start.
On most arranged snorkeling excursions the operators will give you a bouyancy vest. While this is decent for helping you float, I found it to be restrictive to my breathing and made me fee claustrophobic.
Now I snorkel and swim wearing a bouyancy belt. It is basically a piece of dense foam that you wear around your waist. When wearing it you can easily flip from a position of sitting in the water to being face down. I can even be in some fairly choppy surf and not feel to horribly stressed. Search for flotation belt or bouyancy belt and you should find lots of options.
I love the belt because you sit higher in the water than with a bouyancy vest. Also, it is really easy to pop up for a second, take a rest, and/or clear your snorkel.
I say give it a shot and have a strong swimmer with you holding your hand while you explore the beauty of the sea. My hubby (he is a certified diver which helps) and I have snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef, many sites in the Bahamas, Bora Bora, FL, etc. Better to try now than to never have tried I say <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
Happy floating!
Steph
The first time I snorkeled my FEV1 was 40%. During my first time, I was laying on a raft and would put my head down in the water to see periodically. We did off beach snorkeling to start.
On most arranged snorkeling excursions the operators will give you a bouyancy vest. While this is decent for helping you float, I found it to be restrictive to my breathing and made me fee claustrophobic.
Now I snorkel and swim wearing a bouyancy belt. It is basically a piece of dense foam that you wear around your waist. When wearing it you can easily flip from a position of sitting in the water to being face down. I can even be in some fairly choppy surf and not feel to horribly stressed. Search for flotation belt or bouyancy belt and you should find lots of options.
I love the belt because you sit higher in the water than with a bouyancy vest. Also, it is really easy to pop up for a second, take a rest, and/or clear your snorkel.
I say give it a shot and have a strong swimmer with you holding your hand while you explore the beauty of the sea. My hubby (he is a certified diver which helps) and I have snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef, many sites in the Bahamas, Bora Bora, FL, etc. Better to try now than to never have tried I say <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
Happy floating!
Steph
Hey Sue,
<br />
<br />The first time I snorkeled my FEV1 was 40%. During my first time, I was laying on a raft and would put my head down in the water to see periodically. We did off beach snorkeling to start.
<br />
<br />On most arranged snorkeling excursions the operators will give you a bouyancy vest. While this is decent for helping you float, I found it to be restrictive to my breathing and made me fee claustrophobic.
<br />
<br />Now I snorkel and swim wearing a bouyancy belt. It is basically a piece of dense foam that you wear around your waist. When wearing it you can easily flip from a position of sitting in the water to being face down. I can even be in some fairly choppy surf and not feel to horribly stressed. Search for flotation belt or bouyancy belt and you should find lots of options.
<br />
<br />I love the belt because you sit higher in the water than with a bouyancy vest. Also, it is really easy to pop up for a second, take a rest, and/or clear your snorkel.
<br />
<br />I say give it a shot and have a strong swimmer with you holding your hand while you explore the beauty of the sea. My hubby (he is a certified diver which helps) and I have snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef, many sites in the Bahamas, Bora Bora, FL, etc. Better to try now than to never have tried I say <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
<br />
<br />Happy floating!
<br />Steph
<br />
<br />The first time I snorkeled my FEV1 was 40%. During my first time, I was laying on a raft and would put my head down in the water to see periodically. We did off beach snorkeling to start.
<br />
<br />On most arranged snorkeling excursions the operators will give you a bouyancy vest. While this is decent for helping you float, I found it to be restrictive to my breathing and made me fee claustrophobic.
<br />
<br />Now I snorkel and swim wearing a bouyancy belt. It is basically a piece of dense foam that you wear around your waist. When wearing it you can easily flip from a position of sitting in the water to being face down. I can even be in some fairly choppy surf and not feel to horribly stressed. Search for flotation belt or bouyancy belt and you should find lots of options.
<br />
<br />I love the belt because you sit higher in the water than with a bouyancy vest. Also, it is really easy to pop up for a second, take a rest, and/or clear your snorkel.
<br />
<br />I say give it a shot and have a strong swimmer with you holding your hand while you explore the beauty of the sea. My hubby (he is a certified diver which helps) and I have snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef, many sites in the Bahamas, Bora Bora, FL, etc. Better to try now than to never have tried I say <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
<br />
<br />Happy floating!
<br />Steph