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more ground – or sea . On a recent trip to Malta , we swam out from the inland sea , through a huge crack in the cliff into open ocean and were out for almost two hours . This would not be physically achievable by young children without the use of fins . However , I should add , we also took a sturdy SMB .
Initially it was taken due to the boat traffic that motors through the cave between the inland sea ( in reality a natural marine pool ) and the open Mediterranean . But it proved useful as an aid to the boys when they needed a rest , or simply something to hang on to for confidence as they peered into the indigo blue of the 30 + metre depths .
Recently , snorkels have been introduced as the boys ’ new , albeit not-always successful tool . I first began teaching them how to properly use one on our month-long camping trip to French Riviera this summer , and again in Malta in October . However , both boys , especially the youngest , lacked confidence in some scenarios in which the snorkel gets flooded .
We often think of snorkels as some of the simplest pieces of diving kit – it ’ s just a plastic tube . But it comes with complications that perhaps the average SCUBA reader may take for granted . For instance , holding it correctly in the mouth , especially a small one missing teeth , so as not to let in water , may not be straightforward . The boys need to be aware of their head position , in order to keep the
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Team Torbet investigate Anchor Bay in Malta
snorkel out of the water , then the need to be able to clear it when water ingress does occur . We snorkel instructors cannot take this stuff for granted .
Although still not exactly convinced , the boys are beginning to appreciate that I see more cool things simply because I spend more time with my face underwater .
The final point I ’ d make regarding young kids is the location we introduce them to diving . I have waxed lyrically about UK locations , and indeed plenty of us , including myself , started our diving careers as young snorkellers in Britain . But to make your life as a parent easier , to encourage them and to not ramp up the difficulty , there is no doubt that warm , clear water has its benefits . Yes , a warm location where they can spend hours in the water learning and playing
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without even needing a thick wetsuit helps a great deal . In France this summer we were accumulating around six hours a day in the sea . This is only possible when the waters are 27 ° C . The clarity of the waters helps too . We want to make those first experiences to be as inspiring and full of wonder as possible . At the end of the day , regardless of your age , being able to see the underwater world is what we ’ re all there for . �
For more information on snorkelling with BSAC go to bsac . com / snorkelling Looking to introduce snokelling into your club ? Find out more at bsac . com / snorkellinginstructor
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PHOTO : BECKI BIGGINS |
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Crabbing , not grabbing |
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Time out for a litter pick |
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Mum and boys enjoying the sheltered waters of Ghar Lapsi |