Essential to Snorkeling

In a land far away, an activity dubbed snorkeling was popular. It was "all the rage" and all the "cool kids" were doing it. That land was earth and snorkeling was the hit activity in beach towns and beach resorts. Kids and adults alike populated the reefs with one goal, actually more like a DREAM: to view the ocean in a way never before seen, as a fish! But before they could embark on their endeavors, they had to obtain one vital component. The one piece allow them to truly enjoy the ocean.

The one and the only.....snorkel keeper!

Wow. Really Anthony, did you just write a whole hook driven by the Lord of the Rings theme to explain a snorkel keeper. Yes.. oh boy...

All kidding aside, a snorkel keeper is really no bigger than a silver dollar but without it snorkeling can be difficult. Some don't even know what one is -- they may have heard the term -- but just to be clear, a snorkel keeper is a connector piece that holds the mask and the snorkel together. IT allows you to move freely without worrying that your snorkel will submerge and having the piece of mind knowing that the snorkel won't grow fins and decide to swim away; it can't, it's attached to your face!!

Most keepers come attached to the snorkel with a clip -- you then attache it to your mask strap. Once attached correctly they are quite secure, are user friendly and can be easily to be swapped with other masks.

So when you think snorkeling, don't just think snorkel and mask, make sure you have that keeper. Because without it, you just won't enjoy the ocean as effortlessly as you should. It's your little plastic key to ocean fun! Sorry, at CWIC we get a little excited about this stuff. Really, you should see us. I typed this whole blog with full snorkeling regalia on. I have to go, my mask is foggy and I need to find a body of water. Hasta Luego!

Anthony- Intern, Blogger, Spanish Speaker, and Action Figure

http://www.destinationwater.com/- A C Walters Intercoastal Corporation

A Day in the Sun with the Huntington Beach Jr. Guards

We shipped out from the Long Beach harbor at 7am on Monday -- I, along with 40 Jr. Lifeguards and their instructors, pointed our noses toward Catalina on the "Great Escape" dive boat. From the moment I walked on board, I was taken in as one of their very own and enjoyed getting to know as many of them as possible.

HB Lifeguard instructors Kathy and Rory were amazing people - we spoke of the importance of the program that was developed in 1963 for youth 9-17 years of age. "It provides so much," explained Kathy. "Kids need purpose, community and an outlet for their excess energy. I can't tell you how the program has bettered the lives of so many." Kathy, now a mother of four children, has been a part of the program since she was a teenager. Each summer she shares her love of the ocean and water safety. "I can't think of a better way to spend my summers," said Kathy with a smile on her face.

Rory is most impressed with how the youth progress over the 8 week program. "I see boys and girls come in out of shape, unenthusiastic about life and just plan blah," he explained. "And then as the weeks go by, their eyes are wide and they get into great shape. They really come alive...this is the best summer job in the world."

And for anyone who has doubts about the upcoming generation -- I'd like to quell your fears. The group was well-mannered, well versed and passionate about life. I spoke with many of them about their futures, their hopes for their careers and their love of being out in the ocean.

After about 2 1/2 hours on the open sea, Catalina came into view. We anchored about one football field off of the shore and the kids were more than ready to jump into the ocean. Kathy introduced me as part of CWIC and brought out masks and snorkels that our Founder and President Cindi Walters donated for the 2009 season. Kathy and I shared information on using a snorkel, clearing purge valves, attaching snorkel keepers and more. The kids then lined up to receive their own mask/snorkel combo...and they were off!

I jumped in with them and we roamed through huge kelp beds, discovered bright orange Garibaldi fish (California's official state fish) and other smaller varieties. A couple of the kids took it upon themselves to be my guide -- their kindness
and willingness to take me in as one of their own was awesome! In the afternoon, we held fun filled competitions that inspired the kids to laugh, cheer and band together.

(Pic above: Kathy Sharing info on masks & snorkels)

After a long day in the water, we headed back to the mainland. The sun was shining and we were all in a content daze -- enjoying the salty breeze and the water lapping up against the sides of the boat as we cruised. I was so very thankful all the way home that I had the opportunity to experience a day in the life of the Huntington Beach Junior Lifeguard program. And I'd like to inspire parents around the world to consider getting your kids involved in a local Jr. Guard program! Seeing the Jr. Lifeguards in action drove home a major point: we as human beings need to reconnect with nature -- find community with others -- and get our bodies moving! True purpose & ultimate peace will follow...

Thank you HB Jr. Lifeguards for your kindness!!! And thank you to my sister Ann Engevik for taking beautiful photos of the event!

- Jen Engevik of CWIC






Pic: Jen & Rory
adjusting a mask

http://www.destinationwater.com/- A C Walters Intercoastal Corporation

Ireland's Wonderful Beaches

What comes to mind when you think of Ireland? Lets both think, rain, greenery everywhere and small cars. However what the rest of the world doesn't think of is Ireland's wonderful summer beaches!

As we all know, Ireland isn't a place for much sunshine -- many days see dark clouds, lots of rain and people hiding behind four walls by a fireplace. This is true much of the year but if you're able head over to Ireland in their summer time! If you are as lucky as I have been for the last 30 days on the Ireland coast -- you may find yourself loving its expansive, white sand beaches.

Imagine walking to the beach and if you live any where near a beach you probably see people there all the time, but -- well in Ireland you find stretches of beach that no one has enjoyed in months. I can't tell you the honor this Southern California boy felt to enjoy the sun on untracked sand.

Portmarnock Strand, where I spent most of my time, was one of the most beautiful beaches I had been to in awhile! Okay yes the water was cold, come on its Ireland, but one of the most interesting things about this beach was that you could walk over hundred yards out in the water and still have the water be waist level, this was very strange concept for me...and an amazing adventure. the second most interesting thing was the way my feet felt on the beach, by this I mean that it felt like I was walking in a home with a hard wood floor that had been flooded...very strange but unique! To fully understand...you need to take a trip to Dublin and check it out...

-Cameron Walters - Intern, Hopeless Romantic, Die hard Swimmer

http://www.destinationwater.com/- A C Walters Intercoastal Corporation

A WHAT Valve?!?

Purge:

A. To cause evacuation of a person.

B. To clear of imputed guilt or ritual uncleanliness.

C. To put to death or otherwise eliminate (undesirable or unwanted members) from a political organization, government, nation, etc.

D. To rid of whatever is impure or undesirable; cleanse;

purify.

So Option A, no comment. B, Yoga or a confessional should work just fine. C, Jason Bourne would be proud, or confused... He probably wouldn't even remember. D, You mean to effortlessly get rid of the unwanted water in your snorkel?

YES! That is exactly what I mean. A Purge snorkel does just that. Let's say you are snorkeling and a little splash of water drops down your snorkel. You can still breathe but that taste of saltwater lingers in your mouth. With a purge snorkel you can blow air through your snorkel, like shooting a spit wad through a straw, and the excess water will leave through the purge valve located at the bottom of the snorkel, very close to your mouth.

What is this good for? Well, let's say hypothetically that you have been waiting to see this one particular fish, or crab, or eel for what seems like forever. You can tell it's about to happen but all of a sudden, SALT. Salt all in your mouth and it's disgusting. That right there is a perfect time for a Purge. No need to go above surface and clean everything, just purge it out.

CWIC carries all sorts of Purge snorkels such as the incredibly convenient Alert Whistle Snorkel, Vacater, Siren and Inhale Dry.

Above all else...get in the water. Check it out. Stop watching Planet Earth (Not to knock it, I love the show) and go experience it. It's so close, so accessible, so real and it's basically free! Spending time in the water is a lot like going to the gym. At first you are reluctant; why?, it's too cold, and I'm tired. But afterward, it's all but impossible to regret a little adventure into the water. So purge out everything else and jump in :)

-Anthony; Nature Lover, Intern, Blogger, and that's what I look like in the gym.

www.destinationwater.com- A C Walters Intercoastal Corporation

Dear First Timer...

This is my letter, to the snorkeler who is about to embark on their first journey into the blue (movie reference intended.) Your mental state is fragile because you are convinced that snorkeling is like nothing you have ever done before and the very thought of being out in the water is more frightening than filing your taxes, rising gas prices, or, the worst going cellphoneless (One word, three syllables) for a week let alone a day!

You need not to worry! Us at CWIC have all been there before and I can assure you, it is totally worth it. Remember being younger, and being terrified of doing a flip on the trampoline? Or maybe you visited an amusement park for the frist time and actually going upside down on a roller coaster, fuhhgettabawditt! Maybe for some of you it was trying something you never ate, for the first time and absolutely loving it. Eventually, you flipped, you rode the coaster, with your hands up the ENTIRE time and yes you even tried that piece of ahi, that spicy pepper, or, um... Lamb. No matter which story is yours, it's hard to explain where the joy we get from these events comes from and finding that next little challenge can be tough but you, the brave little choo-choo that said they could has come upon it, way to go! Snorkeling, it's your next "worth-it" challenge.

First of all, you have to be comfortable. Girls, you have to get over the fact that you will look a little funny in a snorkel mask and guys I promise you will not compromise your wannabe tough guy persona by putting a pair of fins on. What you will find is that while looking for and choosing gear for your next snorkel expedition, color, size, look, or whether or not it all matches is not as nearly important as if it feels good. I can promise, the fish will not care if your little pink accents in your fins match the strings of your bikini which in turn match the color of your mask. You would be wiser to focus on technique so that the fish don't notice you; it will make your experience so much more enjoyable. Remember you are a guest in their home. Think vice versa, a fish three times our size comes stomping around in our house with no coordination whatsoever and just watches us as we... cook breakfast, or maybe read blogs posted by mildly creative interns. *wink*

To elaborate on the technique topic... once you come upon a site with a decent amount of wildlife or you find that you have moved into an area with a group of snorkelers who seem to be already focusing on something, MOVE LESS! It's very important that you kick less and try to completely refrain from using you arms. A good pair of fins is great because it allows you to do minimal work while getting maximum results. That's my one and only ode to the AB-Doer Extreme informercial that has been dominating the paid programming as of late. Anyway, move so little that you actually allow your body to gently rise up and down with the natural bob of the ocean and take time to focus on each and every movement of your legs to insure that you are not going too fast and are totally in control. technique and Etiquette actually go hand in hand. While you do not want to disrupt the natural habitat that has flourished long before you got there, you also do not want to take away from the experience of those around you.

Safety is the last thing I want to touch on. If you worry,"Well I'm just too exposed, I feel too open like there is nothing I can go to or what if I begin to feel lightheaded or need a rest." CWIC to the rescue, with the Hydrosling. Just think, a non bulky alternative to the lifejacket. Takes absolutely no effort to stay afloat and for many, it is the ultimate secutiry. "But CWIC, what about my kids?" Pretty much any watersport provider carries a comfortable fitting very bright orange cap that can be seen from a mile out. One other thing that Body Glove and CWIC can boast about is that we have many snorkels to choose from that include a whistle. Whatever your worry is, we have the products that will help you feel better in the water. The one thing that will gain you the most comfort in the water is experience.

There you have it; Be comfortable, focus on not disrupting anything or anyone and be a safe as you want. Snorkeling is truly a wonderful way to appreciate what the ocean holds, and I promise, just like the roller coaster, you will want to go again and again.


Anthony- Intern, Product Tester, Nature Lover and now developing gills

http://www.destinationwater.com/- A C Walters Intercoastal Corporation

Let the Ocean Enfold You...

Cabo San Lucas, the name alone conjures up many images in two college student minds. Endless stretches of beaches, crystal clear water, hopping night clubs and adventure on every corner. What doesn’t come to mind in two youthful and eager adults is space, especially suitcase space. Being a girl, over packing is in our blood and being a boy, bringing next to nothing is normal. Trying to fit all the necessities of a perfect vacation is hard enough already, but now it is even more complicated with all the new rules and regulations that come along with flying. Fun seems to have to stop at 50 pounds.

So aside from the typical items one would pack on a vacation, Mike and I found ourselves having to leave behind our old beloved mask and snorkel because we just couldn’t seem to fit it among all my shoes. That is until we were introduced to Body Glove’s new Enfold mask and snorkel. Unlike your ordinary snorkel, the Enfold is made out of silicon; it was flexible and light and squeezed right into our suitcase.

In no time Mike and I were out snorkeling the gorgeous Mexican reef. The Enfold was so convenient in size and space that Mike could throw it right into his backpack and we would be on way to the beach. He loved being able to walk along the ocean with nothing more than a backpack that fit everything he needed, boys are such minimalists. He also claimed that women flocked to him in amazement of his handy snorkel…Yeah right. Aside from all that, the mask even worked great. Its revolutionary design made the perfect air tight fit, we were able to snorkel all day. And the best part was when we were finished; I folded it right back up into Mike’s bag and we headed to the bar for a much needed cocktail.

It is safe to say that the Enfold was the perfect vacation buddy, a whole day of adventure that ceased to take up precious room in either of our suitcases. We may have never known what was lurking below us if it weren’t for the Enfold, and we realize now that you shouldn’t let space play a factor in your fun. Small, flexible, and easy to use, the Enfold showed Mike and I a whole new side of Cabo we may have otherwise missed out on.

Posted by Cori - CWIC Intern

http://www.destinationwater.com/
- A C Walters Intercoastal Corporation

True Exfoliation

The Debate... Does the ocean and all its salty, sandy wonder do good things for your skin and your complexion? Anyone, anyone? I've heard of Old Wives' Tales, but this is surely different. We have all been there; out of the water to lay on our very carefully laid out woven tablet of cloth (towel), and we rest. Maybe you do some people watching, maybe snacking on some fresh fruit (nothing tastes better at the beach than fruit), or like most of us, you doze off. Look at that! It's time to leave. Pack your things, dust yourself off and if you frequent any beach from San Clemente to Newport, get ready to hike, uphill.

When I was younger, this part was the worst... I had the mom who insisted on me wearing the trunks with the mesh OH SO COMFY inner whitey tidy lining. Pop quiz, when sand is added to inner whitey tidy lining of trunks that have been washed more than 67 times, what happens? For a little boy, its pandemonium. more uncomfortable even than the itchy Christmas sweater that sits on the hanger for 364 days but is worn, faithfully; to witness the unwrapping of gifts and careful construction of four walled gingerbread shanty houses. But what does this have to do with the skin...?

You have just got back from the beach, dropped essentials on the ground and wandered towards the shower. Flick the thing on, wait around, examine some incredible tan lines (Good news! Tan ensued!) and finally hop in. This is the incredible part... just rinse. Get the sand out of your hair, off your skin and out of your ears. It works like a scrub!! No need to use a store-bought scrub, just a little body wash, a quick rinse and jump out and somehow, someway, you are exfoliated! Skin looks clear and tan, and just a tan sun kissed. Your eyes look brighter, your teeth are definitely whiter and your hair does that really cool thing where it requires no product, it just molds as if you woke up, but not really, you are disheveled, but high fashion, ya know? Oh, just come out with it, you look good!

So how does this work? in all our fancy scrubs, whether they are apricot scented or a very pretty color, there are small pebble like things. The hygiene companies call them exfoliating cleansers or invigorating textures. People, they are little rocks... In the ocean, there is sand, and salt and compounds that all become stuck to your body as you frolic around and attempt to look cool or like you belong there. When you leave, you pick up more sand and yes, these little compounds remain stuck to you. Think of a visit to the ocean as a full body exfoliation. Advantages over spa as follows; You are in the Sun! You avoid the awkward fact that someone else is rubbing your body and drum roll please... It's probaly around 80-100$ dollars cheaper to pay for parking and a few snacks than go and partake in fancy named treatments that are modeled after what else, NATURE!!!

So go explore the ocean: It is exfoliating, it is outdoors and for goodness sakes, it feels Great!!

For more insights on the ocean and how to enjoy it visit us at http://www.destinationwater.com/

-Anthony - Intern, Product Tester, Nature Lover and done wasting money on exfoliating scrubs :)

http://www.destinationwater.com/
- A C Walters Intercoastal Corporation