Where Did This
Notion Come From?
To better understand some peoples’ obsession with snorkels and scuba diving, you have to know a little bit about the history of diving equipment. I learned to dive at a time when BCs, as we know them now, did not exist. Some divers wore what we today refer to as snorkeling vests; these, however, were only intended for use in emergencies.
Even after BCs came into common usage, it was not until the 1980s that most divers were using BCs that enabled them to comfortably rest or swim at the surface with their heads out of the water. Prior to this, snorkels were almost essential.
Think about it: A “properly weighted” diver (supposedly) floats at eye level at the surface. This meant that, without modern BCs, divers could not keep their mouths out of the water without struggling. This left two choices: Breathe from a regulator, while at the surface, or breathe from a snorkel. Obviously, the latter choice better conserves air. Thus, until the 1980s, you could easily make an argument that snorkels were essential for scuba diving.
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