Stay Cool and Snorkel for Seafood!

Summer in Florida cooks from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Beat the heat diving for scallops or lobster. If you don't have a boat, ask a friend who does. Boat ownership is costly so if you offer to pay for gas and lunch, you could convince most boat owners (myself included) to take you hunting. If you don't know anyone, google is your friend. There are tons of local guides that can put you on the water. Here are my hacks for having a productive day on the water. If you have no desire to scallop or lobster, this list of snorkel/dive gear is still a plus for anyone who likes to explore underwater.

Fun for the whole family...even your Uncle with 1 arm!

1. Get yourself quality snorkeling gear. Here are the products I have used for over 40 years of snorkeling, scuba diving, spearfishing, lobstering, scalloping and exploring the water.

   1. Mask - Cressi masks are the best low volume masks built in Italy to last. I still have my SuperOcchio I got in high-school when I got scuba certified. That was 45 years ago and it still performs great. Get some quality anti-fog or give your mask the hawk tuah. Your spit will usually work for a little while, but the frog spit or sea drops stuff lasts all day.

   2. A snorkel with no fancy valve systems. If I had a dollar for every failed purge valve snorkel I've seen, I'd be rich. Get a simple snorkel with no frills. While you're at it, this mask strap cover w/ snorkel holder is handy for keeping your snorkel in the correct position.

   3. Mares Avanti Dive Fins - I've had these fins for 40 years and they haven't changed the design because they got it right the first time. I really feel like a fish. I prefer the full footed fins over strap-on fins, because I've had straps fail on me multiple times leaving me in a pickle on the water. Get yourself some dive Socks to keep your feet warm and avoid blisters from your full-footed dive fins. You will feel like a fish and harvest more scallops and lobster with good fins.

   4. If you are taking kids out be sure to have proper flotation and some pool noodles or saddle floats to help the youngins stay above the surface and look below.

   5. Dive Flag and pole to fly your flag high for other boaters to see. If you have a pvc pole in your garage, this will also work and/or you can zip tie a flag to a stiff fishing rod and put in the rod holder or t-Top on your boat. You can also drag around a floating flag system if you wander from the boat.

   6. Lastly, do not forget sunblock and UV clothing. You can still be stylish on the boat and protect your skin. These rash guards can you give you protection from a jellyfish that is floating by as well, but most importantly they protect your back while you are diving and returning to the surface. Skin cancer is real and this is a way to protect yourself from over-exposure. If you like a good breathable hat, consider a custom water color to hat from yours truly. Mother Ocean has inspired a great deal of my art and teepublic allows me to share it with you. They have great prices. Check them out!

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Young eyes are helpful!

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