Most Essential Learning

Competencies:
• Displays initiative,
responsibility and
leadership in
recreational activities.

HOPE-4
ACQUATIC ACTIVITIES
 Lesson Health Optimizing Physical Education 4:
2 Aquatic Activities

What is it

CANOE ARTIFACT
In 2010, a wooden dugout boat was discovered submerged and was retrieved in Lagasit
River in Rosales, Pangasinan. It is believed to be a century-old boat used early Filipinos. It
weighs more than five tons, measures eight-meter-long, two meters wide at its front and
its back, and height of up to 1.5 meters. The artifact is displayed in the municipal hall of
Barangay Casanicolasan, Rosales, Pangasinan. (Visperas, 2010)

Water or aqua a certain unique attraction to people of all ages. Children love to engage
in water to play, while adults alike would get lured to take a dip at the sight of a pool or the
beach. Water, in its most natural form, can be a great venue to relax, to workout, to have
fun, to pump up to the adrenaline, and to challenge one’s limits.
The Philippines, having more than 7,000 islands, is bound with natural water forms which
can host numerous aquatic activities. There is surely something to do the different waters of
our country, which attract not only locals but foreigners as well. Aquatic activities may be
done in water such as swimming and snorkeling, on water (surface water) such as surfing
and whitewater rafting and under water such scuba diving.
Water has special characteristics that provide a unique environment for activities and goo
workout. These characteristics include buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, and enhanced
cooling. Buoyancy is the upward force of water on an object. This is the reason why boats
and people float on water. It also gives a weightlessness feeling, which makes it easier to
move, lift knees, or even jog in water (for some water activities). Hydrostatic pressure, on
one hand, is the pressure exerted by the water ate equilibrium due to the force of gravity. In
other words, it is the weight of the water pressed down on the object. Hydrostatic pressure
is exerted on the body from all sides and this pressure, combined with buoyancy, helps keep
standing balance in water. Water, therefor, helps people who have problem with balance
and coordination. Lastly, water has enhanced cooling characteristics that transfers heat
away from balance and coordination. Lastly, water has enhanced cooling characteristics that
transfers heat away from the body much quickly than air given in the same temperature.
This is the reason we can stay longer in water and can tolerate longer workouts withoust
feeling being overheated.

This chapter will present different activities that we can do on water. One will learn the
basic skills in snorkeling, canoeing, kayaking, and scuba diving. Activities going through
the lessons, one will be encouraged to live a more active life by trying the aquatic
activities.

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 SNORKELING
One of the best but simple way to see, discover, and
appreciate the intriguing underwater life is through [Grab your reader’s attention with a
snorkeling. It allows one not only to grasp the great quote from the document or
use this space to emphasize a key
amazing beauty of marine life, but swim with them as
point. To place this text box
well.
anywhere on the page, just drag it.]
Snorkeling is peeking through life underneath water
by swimming with aid of a snorkel and mask. Through
snorkeling, one can observe the underwater
attractions for longer period of time, without the need to constantly resurface to gasp for
air, and with relatively lesser effort.
Snorkeling is not only used for recreational purpose. It has also used in water-based search
by rescue team and in water sports such as underwater hockey, underwater rugby, and
spear fishing.
Snorkeling helps the overall fitness of a person. Aside from having fun under the water
swimming, doing the flutter having fun under the water swimming, doing the flutter kick
and driving tones and trims the body. It works out the quadriceps, hamstring, calves, ankles,
hip flexor, core muscles, and shoulders while swimming. Above all snorkeling builds greater
lung capacity as one is forced to hold breath underwater for sustained periods of time. It
increases the oxygen uptake, which is positive indicator of aerobic fitness. It is also a good
cardiovascular workout as it increases heart rate and strengthens the heart muscle.

How did snorkeling begin?

Need, creativity, and technology have allowed the ordinary hollow reed to become the
modern-day snorkel. The following timeline outlines the events that lead to modern-day
snorkeling (AquaViews.com,2010)

Skin divers of the island Crete in the

Hollow Read Mediterranean used hollow reed to
3000 B.C
breather while submerged in water as
they collected sponges.

An ancient bas-relief dating 900 B.C.

Animal skins were depicted divers in Assyria using animal
filled with air 9000 B.C skin filled with air to lengthen their stay
underwater.

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 Alexander the Great encouraged the
development of the first diving bell,
Diving Bell 300 B.C. which was a cauldron designed to trap
a pocket of air when it was lowered
into the water.

The shell of the tortoise was used to

Eye google from shells
1300s develop a gadget to protect the eyes
of tortoise
as well as to see more clearly in water.

Leonardo de Vinci proposed and

created the first contemporary
Hollowed tube and snorkel, hollow tube designed
sketch of webbed 1400s attached to the leather-head helmet
swimming gloves of the driver, allowing to breathe
even when face was submerged
underwater.

Benjamin Franklin came up with an

Wooden Paddles 1717 idea of using wooden paddles
attached to the hands and feet to
help swimmers swim faster

Modern fins were invented by

Modern Fins
1912 Frenchman Louis de Corlieu. Patent
for this was obtained in 1933.

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 What are the bas equipment in snorkeling?

Snorkel equipment went through different innovation in tome. It became more refined
and more feature were added added various design have been introduced in the market.
The basic gears needed in snorkeling are the snorkel, goggles, and fins. Other essential
equipment, although optional for some, are the floating vest and rash guard.
A. Mask
The mask serves as the viewing device in appreciating the world beneath the water.
Without the mask, everything viewed underwater will be blurred or distorted. The
airspace created in the mask is what helps un seeing clearly underwater.
There are two most important things to remember in choosing a mask. These are fit
and comfort. Please refer to Tips in Choosing a Mask” for more information on how to
pick out the correct mask.

PARTS OF THE MASK

1. Strap
2. Mask skirt
3. Nose Pocket

B. Snorkel
The snorkel is a piece of equipment that makes it possible to breath at the surface
while the face is submerge in water. The snorkel is basically composed of a tube, also
called the barrel, and a mouthpiece. The tube -end sticks out of the water while the
mouthpiece goes in the moth. The snorkel also has clip so it can be attached to the
mask.
There are different kinds of snorkel one can choose
from. Their important differences lie in the feature or
part that a particular snorkel has or does not have.
The Classic snorkel has the most basic part, the solid
tube and the mouthpiece. Sometimes, this can be
bent to a specific shape.
The snorkel with a flexible tube below the strap
attachment point is more comfortable than the
classic snorkel. The flexible tube allows the top and
mouthpiece to rotate to different angles to better fit
the face. It can also drop away from the face when
not in use.

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A common feature of many snorkels is the purge valve. This is a small valve just lower than
the mouth that empties the collected water that comes down the tube when one blows it
out.
A splash guard prevents splash water and spray from easily entering the tube.
The dry valve is a special valve on top of the tube that completely stops water from entering
the tube when a wave comes or when driving underwater.
C. Snorkeling Fins
Water resist or “pushes back” anything moving
through it. This is the principle behind what the fins do.
It is this resistance that provides much of the
propulsion created by moving fin. When one swims, the
sole of the foot experiences resistance creating
propulsion, the same way fins encounter resistance and
create propulsion as well. However, fins are obviously
wider and thus have a larger surface area than the feet,
and therefore they encounter more water and
produce more resistance, thus works better
than the bare feet.

Speed and efficiency in swimming are

where one gains in wearing fins. They provide
the necessary locomotion to propel effortlessly
in the water. Fins conserve more energy, and
therefore, allow the snorkeler to reach further distances. Moreover, fins may also protect from
accidental contact with rocks and corals. Trending in water also becomes with fins.

There are two basic kinds of fins, the full-foot fin and close fin and the adjustable fin or open fin.

Full-Foot Fins

Full-foot fins are preferred by many divers for the simplicity of their operation: you simply step
into a molded foot pocket that keeps your foot right in place in the fin. Simply put, they’re like
closed shoes that enclose your entire heel (but not necessarily your toes, as those are called open-
toed fins).

Key Characteristics of Full-Foot Fins:

• Easy to wear and remove
• Can be worn barefoot
• Proper fit is more critical
• Doesn’t offer thermal protection
• Best for warm water dives

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Open-Heel Fins
As the name suggests, open-heel or strap fins don’t cover the entire heel. Instead, they feature
rubber straps that can often be adjusted for a more comfortable fit.
Spring straps are the latest innovation to take the dive gear industry by storm, alleviating any of the
troublesome features of the regular strap closures and durability. This feature makes open-heeled
fins suitable for those who want to dive in colder waters because the adjustable nature of the open-
heel fin makes it possible to wear several sizes (and thicknesses) of dive boots or socks with the fin.
The allowed use of dive boots with open-heeled fins also helps protect and provide traction for the
feet during rocky shore dives. Some divers have even seen improvements in their propulsion from
the use of open-heel fins, particularly a strengthened bond between foot and fin.

Key Characteristics of Open-Heeled Fins:

• Adjustable for a more custom fit
• Worn over booties or diving socks
• Ideal for scuba diving
• Slightly bulkier and more expensive
• Increases drag on the surface

The adjustable fins, on one hand, are open at the heel and have adjustable straps to secure the feet.
Such fins are often used with dive boots. They are good choices when diving in cold water, as the
boots will help the feet from getting cold. The adjustable fin generally has a more rigid blade than
the full-foot and it can proved a more forward thrust but requires more effort to use.

D. Snorkel Vest
Snorkel vest are small and inflatable, which provide more buoyancy while floating on water.
This will help in consuming less energy in moving around. However, one must take note that
snorkel vest is not equivalent and should never be used as a substitute to life vest.
E. Skin Protection
Snorkeling may require to be under the sun for some time. In order to protect the skin from
the heat of the sun, one may use a good biodegradable sunscreen or a better choice will be
wearing a long sleeve rash guard.
F. Swimming Cap
The swimming cap is a big help in keeping hair out of the snorkel and the face as well. It will
also help in preventing the scalp from burning in sunny day.
G. Mask Defogger
Mask defogger helps prevents the mask from fogging up. Be sure to choose one that is
nontoxic, biodegradable, and alcohol free for one’s protection and for the protection of
marine life.

How are the gears set up?

Step 1: Clean and Defog the Mask

❖ When masks are new, some have packing oil on them that can cause severe fogging. TO
avoid this, clean mask thoroughly first with soap and water.
❖ Defog mask with defogging solutions. Some use different alternatives like using a little
amount of toothpaste and rubs them on the mask then washes them off. Another popular

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 practice among divers is splitting on the mask then rubbing it around the mask before
washing it with seawater.

Step 2: Attach the snorkel to mask by clipping the mask strap clip to the strap of the mask. The
snorkel can goon either side of the mask but most would put it to the left perhaps because scuba
divers place them on the left side.

Step 3: Put on mask. Adjust `the strap of the mask to get a good fit, which is usually done by
adjusting the strap to the appropriate notch.

Step 4: Put the snorkel on the mouth. Seal lips around the mouthpiece. Adjust the snorkel’s height.
Rotate until the snorkel remains in the mouth. Make sure that the top of the snorkel is positioned at
the top of the head.

Step 5: Try on the fins. If one is using the open fin, put on the booties first and slip on foot. Adjust
and secure strap at the back of the heel. The foot should be held firmly but not so tight. In using the
close fin, just slip in the foot like putting a shoe. Some fins do not have a left foot and right foot fins
while others have. Some use a pair of neoprene socks to avoid having blister on the feet especially at
the back of the ankles.

How is snorkeling done?

Test and Practice

It is best for beginners to try the gears on shallow. This way, one can get used to wearing the
mask and breathing through the tube. While on shallow water, bend slightly at the waist and squat
until the face is submerged in the water. Relax and breath through the snorkel while enjoying the
aquatic life.

Floating Position

When one feels quite comfortable using the mask and breathing through a snorkel, it is time
to start floating.

Kicking to Move

The next step is learning to be comfortable with snorkeling fins. Practice in the deeper part of
the water. Float, then do the basic flutter stroke, the most common under water kick.

Driving Deeper

If one wants to go a little deeper to have a better view of the marine life, one can either
use the “feet-first” or “head-first” dive.

A. “Feet-first” Dive

B. “Head-First” Dive

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 What are the important things to remember while
snorkeling?

To have enjoyable adventure in snorkeling, follow and remember the following safety tips:

S tay close to the shore if you are beginner. Some beginners misjudge their capacities and
endurance and before knowing it, they are exhausted.

N ever it alone. Always have a buddy so that whatever happens, someone is there to help you. It
is advised to have a minimum party of three. A buddy to lookout for each other in the water and
shore lookout. Know where to call for help in case of emergency.

O one up, down, while driving with your buddy, one should stay on the surface while is
underwater. In case the diver has problem, one can help or seek help.

R ain check! Always check the weather forecast and the state of the sea. Wind can cause waves to
increase, which snorkeling challenging to do.

K now your surroundings. Know the are where you will be snorkeling. Know the tides. Be careful
around rocky shore or some marine life that may be known to be aggressive. Know the conservation
rules and regulations.

E nergy retention. Do not overestimate your limits. To avoid being worn-out, flotation device or a
simple snorkeling vest will help conserve energy.

L eave them alone. Do not touch marine life. Maintain safe distance as well. Touching them might
damage their habitats and hurt marine life. In the same way, you might also suddenly be stung,
bitten, or hurt by some marine life if you touch them. Try to make sudden moves that will statle
them.

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LET’S DO THIS!!!

Activity 1: Choosing Snorkeling Equipment

You are going to snorkel for the first time and you were also given a budget by your
parents to buy all the necessary equipment for snorkeling. You went to the sport store and saw so
many choices of masks, snorkels, and fins.

1. How will you choose your mask?

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

2. What feature of the snorkel will you be looking for? Why?

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

3. What kind of fin will you be buying and why?

______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

Activity 2: Best Snorkeling Places in the Philippines

What are the top snorkeling spots in the Philippines? Surf the Internet and pick one
snorkeling spot. Create a short ad about the place. Make sure you will be able to convince your
classmates and teacher that the place you have picked out is indeed a snorkeling spot for them to go
to. Use illustration board to present you output. Be creative with your ad and in your presentation!

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