would feature more marine time and less late nights than those heady trips of my youth.
I have often used shore diving guidebooks to discover good snorkel sites; Malta’ s plethora of easy-entry, beginner-level diver sites means there’ s plenty of options. However, I have become acutely aware over the years, especially when dealing with young children or the inexperienced, how much more wind can affect a snorkeller.
For snorkellers at the surface, the full effect of the wind is an ever-present factor. We discovered the practical reality of this on two days of our holiday, first from the northwest and later from the opposing southeast. The beauty of diving around the relatively small island of Malta, is that one side – and therefore plenty of dive sites – is always in the lee.
The waters, 23-24 ° C even at Halloween, required a 3mm at most and often less. At the surface, the sun was our friend, though it does make sunscreen absolutely crucial for skin protection. Needless to say, the onus is on all of us to use a reef-safe option to ensure we are not adding to the problems of marine pollution.
Progressing to deeper duck-dives
“ I’ m okay dad” – solid drills from Andy ' s snorkel-buddy
PHOTOS: BECKI BIGGINS AND ANDY TORBET
The changing hues of blue to rock to sandy shore
The warm waters allowed us to spend hours at a time snorkelling. This extended immersion, coupled with the heat itself, introduced a risk of dehydration. We made sure everyone’ s water bottles were regularly topped up, and that everyone maintained hydration.
Snorkelling is the simplest form of diving, and in a place like Malta it becomes even easier. But, as with all forms of diving, our physical wellbeing remains a priority, so that we can return to the water, happy and healthy, time and again. �
Team Torbet living the dream
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
PHOTO: BECKI BIGGINS
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