10024 Co Rd 81
Maple Grove, Minnesota 55369
763-424-8717
GUDC carries the largest stock of Mask, Fins, Snorkel equipment in the Twin Cities.
10024 Co Rd 81
Maple Grove, Minnesota 55369
763-424-8717
GUDC carries the largest stock of Mask, Fins, Snorkel equipment in the Twin Cities.
Mask Fins Snorkels for Snorkeling and SCUBA
Competitive pricing with expert fit and advice.
GUDC offers discount packages on all snorkeling and scuba accessories. Our quality merchandise and experienced staff cannot be matched by any discount mart. For selection and accurate fit we suggest that you make a personal visit. We also offer a wide range of prices that will beat any discount mart. If you want cheep - we've got it, if you want selection -we've got it, if you want quality visit us. GUDC also respects the trade agreements by quality manufactures that only allow in-store sales of warranty covered merchandise.
How To Select Snorkeling Gear
Mask
Your window to the underwater world is your mask. If your mask fits properly, and is constructed of quality material, you will find hours of enjoyment while viewing our underwater paradise. We recommend the finest quality silicone for the mask skirt, and tempered glass lenses. There are many sizes and styles to fit children, teens, and adults.
To fit a mask: Place the strap out of the way, brush hair back and place mask up to your face. Men with mustache: flatten whiskers down when placing up to face- do not bunch up whiskers. Inhale gently through nose, if mask draws up to your face without leaking you have a seal. The mask should set comfortably on your face without discomfort to your temple, nose, or eye sockets. A mirror can help you see if the mask is sitting on your face properly. You can now place the strap on the back of your head, adjusted only as snug as you felt the mask when you gently inhaled to create a seal. Too tight in no good, it only leaves a silly looking mark on your face that others will recognize you have been snorkeling.
Prescription Mask: If you need glasses to drive - you need glasses to dive / snorkel. Regular glasses may not be worn under a mask since it will break the seal and leak. Options include a mask with corrective vision lenses or the use of soft contact lenses. Ask your eye doctor if contact lenses may be worn. Most divers choose pre ground corrective lenses that fit in two window masks. Some divers due to their prescription require exact ground prescription lenses.
Mustaches: Avoid myths of greasy Vaseline, use a wax like chap-stick or mustache wax to create a base for bushy whiskers. Another option is to shave a tiny space under the nose apx. 1/8 inch for the bottom mask edge to seal, keep surface smooth shaven for days of snorkeling.
Recommendation: Avoid cheep silicone blends or Vinyl . We prefer Crystal silicone the finest grade for the mask skirt, it seals the best and stays soft and supple for years. Vinyl is the lowest grade and the cheapest material often sold at discount marts, it may seal at first but will get stiffer with little use. Vinyl looks clear and is mistaken for silicone or labeled to confuse the buyer.
Snorkel
A snorkel is worn by skin divers as well as scuba divers. To assist in viewing while swimming on the surface or for scuba divers to conserve air while on the surface a snorkel is a handy tool. Snorkels are all approximately the same length , and the inside diameter is standard for adults and downsized for youth. Snorkels range from open on top, water deflectors, to dry tops. Most snorkels today feature a one way valve at the bottom to drain water away called a purge valve. If you do not like the unexpected gulp of salt water then choose a totally dry top snorkel.
Fins
To move easily in the water, or assist in diving deeper so you may see creatures up close we recommend fins. There are two types of fins: closed heel fins to be worn barefoot, and open heel fins to be worn with a boot or water-shoe. If the fins are constructed of quality material they will be lightweight, comfortable and provide ample power to move you through the water.
Closed Heel Fins range from lightweight plastic with rubber molded foot pocket commonly worn by snorkelers, to ridged more powerful fins that can propel a scuba diver even in a current. Advantages of this type of fin include their lightweight to travel with and no bootie required.
Open Heel Fins range from lightweight plastic with open heel foot pocket minimum power to lightweight plastic with open heel and superior power. This type of fin requires the use of a boot either low or tall. The boot prevents chaffing in the large pocket and allows the diver to walk over rough terrain when entering the water. Open heel fins are preferred by scuba divers who need the extra power provided by the larger more powerful blade. Advantages: more power to move easily in the water with scuba gear, in waters where current is common, and foot protection for beach entry's.