Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WHAT IS SNUBA?
On many of the boats that visit Molokini Crater you will be presented with the op-
portunity to upgrade to a snuba dive, but what exactly does that mean?
In short, snuba (SNOO-Bah) is the safest, easiest, and fastest way to experience
what it's like to breathe underwater. It is similar to scuba diving in that you are
breathing off a regulator. The difference is that instead of having to wear pounds
of gear, take an in-depth class, and swim with a tank on your back, during a snuba
dive the air tank rests on a raft above the surface, and the only pieces of equipment
you wear are a weight belt and a lightweight shoulder harness. A 10-foot-long hose
descends from the inflatable raft above you and connects to your regulator, so it's
almost like a 10-foot-long snorkel which, instead of going up to the surface, goes
up to an air tank. Since snuba is so much more user-friendly than scuba diving, it's
the perfect activity for those who have snorkeled a time or two, but have always
been a little hesitant about actually making the transition from snorkeling into scuba
diving.
Here are some commonly asked questions when it comes to snuba diving:
Q: What is the minimum age for snuba?
A:
Eight.
Q: How deep will I go?
A:
Ten feet if diving at Molokini Crater, and up to 20 feet if diving elsewhere.
Q: How long can I stay underwater?
A:
In most cases you will be sharing an air tank with another diver. Most dives last
between 20 and 25 minutes.
Q: Do I need to know how to swim?
A:
Yes. Because the whole point behind snuba is to experience what it's like to
breath
underwater,
flotation for nonswimmers defeats the point of the activity.
Q: I've never snorkeled before. Can I still snuba?
A:
It's helpful to have snorkeled a few times before, but there are people who have
never snorkeled who try snuba and do great. As a quick self-test, pinch your nose
and breathe out of your mouth for 30 seconds. If this feels awkward, you might want
to pass on snuba diving.
Q: Can I fly or travel to Haleakala after a snuba dive?
