How to start: Snorkeling

Step 1: Buy a snorkel - I recommend a sports or outdoor store to get a little more comfort then Kmart.

They do kid sizes as well.

Don’t worry about flippers yet unless you get a good deal on a set.

Step 2: Clean the lenses with toothpaste. This is probably an old wives tale, but we still follow to reduce fogging.

Step 3: Head to the pool. I recommend learning to swim at a swimming pool rather then the ocean. Remember scuba classes always start in pool.

The movement of the ocean, marine life, seaweed and pressure to get going can make it more difficult.

It took a number of months before our daughter was confident snorkeling in the ocean. I wish I’d done this but that’s another story.

Step 4: Put on the googles and snorkel then fiddle with the fit. It needs to have suction but not feel too tight.

Step 5:  Ok - yuck but essential. Before going in the water. You need to spit on the inside of your googles and rub it across the lenses. This definitely stops them fogging up.

Step 6: Make sure there is no hair in the googles or the suction part around your face as this will encourage leaks.

Step 7: Float or swim with your face in the water. You need to breathe through your mouth and not your nose. This and the sound of your breathe will likely take a while to get use to.

The mouth piece will likely feel uncomfortable but your mouth adjusts.

Step 8: Keep practising. Remember to adjust and tighten your googles as needed.

Once you feel more confident:

- move into areas you can’t touch the bottom and practice adjusting your snorkel while treading water

- practice diving under and then emptying your snorkel.

Now it’s time to head to the beach.