[Celebrate! Kindle Publication] "Floating Underwater Walk! Happy Snorkeling Starting Today" is now on sale! A special preview of the Introduction and Chapter 1!

Hello everyone! I'm Yoshida, an instructor at the Miura Sea School! Thank you for always reading my blog!

Yesterday, an introductory book on snorkeling was released as an Amazon Kindle e-book!!

Well, it felt like a long time, yet also short... As an instructor, while interacting with all of you at the sea every day, I've always had the desire to "convey the joy of snorkeling safely to more people!" and "be there for that anxious feeling one has as a beginner!" Being able to shape this into a book now, I am truly overwhelmed with emotion...!

The title is, "Floating Underwater Walk! Happy Snorkeling Starting Today"

The subtitle is, "Safe and Secure Techniques Taught by a Pro & Domestic and International Recommended Spot Guide"!

I wrote this book for those who are thinking, "I want to try snorkeling, but I'm nervous..." "Is it okay if I'm not good at swimming?" "What kind of gear should I choose?"—specifically for snorkeling beginners and intermediate users who want to step up even more.

From knowledge on how to enjoy it safely, tips on choosing gear, recommended spots both in Japan and abroad, to even slightly geeky (?) step-up techniques, I have packed in as much of my knowledge and experience as I possibly could!

And! Believe it or not, this book... is available for [FREE] unlimited reading for Kindle Unlimited members! Even if you purchase it, I have set it at an exceptional price of [99 yen] as a token of my gratitude! (It might be for a limited time, so please get it soon! Haha)

This time, to commemorate the publication, and for all of you who are curious about "what kind of content is it?", I am specially releasing the full text of the book's "Introduction" and "Chapter 1: What is Snorkeling Anyway?" right here on this blog [in its entirety]!!

It's going to be quite long (haha), but I would be happy if you could get a feel for the atmosphere of this book and what I am trying to convey! Please take your time to read it when you have a moment.

So, here you go!

Introduction: Hello! Why not spend a slightly special holiday peeking into the sea?

Hello! I'm Yoshida, an instructor at the "Miura Sea School" in Kanagawa Prefecture, where I share the fun and safety of the sea. Nice to meet you all!

Suddenly, do you like the sea? Me? I... well, I love it way too much (haha).

...When I say that, people often ask, "Did you grow up near the sea?" but actually, I am from Aichi Prefecture. Near Nagoya, and honestly, it wasn't an environment where the sea was right there.

But you know, ever since I was little, for some reason I loved water. Swimming in the neighborhood pool or playing in the river during summer vacation was just incredibly fun. I also took swimming lessons, and I absolutely loved that unique feeling of buoyancy when you're in the water, and the free feeling of your body becoming light.

It wasn't until I was a bit older that I first stepped into the world of the real **"sea."** I think it was on a family trip to the sea in Izu... I put on cheap underwater goggles (they weren't anything as fancy as a mask!) that my parents bought for me, and the shock of the moment I timidly put my face into the water!

"Whoa, this is totally different from the pool! Something is moving! There are living creatures!"

I still vividly remember being super excited as a child. The boy who just loved playing in the water became a captive of the sea in an instant that day (haha). It's simple, isn't it?

From there, my longing for the sea grew stronger and stronger, thinking, "I want to know more about the sea!" "I want to know more deeply about this exciting world!" That passion grew, and I seriously thought, "I want to make this my job!" Before I knew it, I was on the path to becoming a professional diver. Since it was 1997, it's already been... (counting on fingers) 28 years!? Time really flies...

Over all this time, I have truly dived into many different seas. From the sea here at my home ground, the Miura Peninsula, to the crystal-clear waters of the remote islands of Okinawa, and the untouched, pristine seas in distant foreign lands... Each sea has its own unique expression, and every time I dive, I find new discoveries and excitement. It feels as if I am being allowed to peek at just a small part of this great living creature called Earth.

Usually, I enjoy the sea together with everyone here at the "Miura Sea School." From those with a burning passion to get their diving license to those who just have a casual interest in "peeking into the underwater world," a great many people knock on the door of this sea school.

Seeing children's eyes sparkle when they see a fish for the first time and shout, "Wow! It's Nemo!" or watching someone who wasn't good at swimming show a huge smile the moment they manage to float and say, "I did it!" Being there for those moments is the greatest joy of this job and serves as my source of energy.

But you know, when you work as a sea professional for a long time, it's not all fun and games. The power of nature is sometimes harsh and has unpredictable sides. Honestly, I have experienced moments where I felt a chill, thinking, "Whoa... that was dangerous!" That is precisely why, along with the wonder and fun of the sea, I feel in my own skin how important its dangers are and how vital **"safety"** is. I called myself a sea professional, but in front of nature, everyone should be humble.

That is why, through this book, I want to explore the world of **"snorkeling"** with you today!

"Oh, I know that! That's the thing where you float on the water surface and look at the underwater world, right?" Yes, exactly! That's it!

The greatest appeal of snorkeling is, above all, its **"ease."** You don't need to get a special license like you do for diving, nor do you need to carry heavy tanks on your back. Basically, with a three-piece set consisting of a mask (underwater goggles), a snorkel (breathing tube), and fins (flippers), anyone can easily peek into the other world that spreads out underwater.

Just by floating your body on the water surface and gently putting your face into the water... there, sunlight sparkles and shines through, colorful fish swim by smoothly, and swaying seaweed and coral spread out... It's as if you've wandered into a large aquarium, or as if you are a bird flying through the sky, walking freely underwater; you can experience such a mysterious sense of buoyancy and wonder. Your daily stress will just fly away somewhere. Really!

...If I only say good things like that, I can almost hear someone saying, "Wait, but Mr. Yoshida, I'm still a little worried..." (laughs)

"Can I really breathe properly underwater...?" "I'm not good at swimming at all, will I sink...?" "I want to do it with my children, but is it safe?" "I don't know what kind of equipment to choose, and it looks expensive..."

Yeah, yeah, I understand. I really do. When it comes to new things, especially activities involving nature, your anxiety might be just as big as your expectations, or perhaps even bigger. Especially since the sea is vast, you can't touch the bottom, and it has a bit of a scary image, doesn't it?

Snorkeling is popular precisely because it is "easy." There is no doubt about that. But, here is an important point... because of that **"ease," there is also a side where it is easy to let your guard down.**

"Well, this much should be fine." "I'm the only one who won't get into an accident." You end up thinking that somewhere in your heart. Especially when you've done it a few times and gotten used to it, that's when it's most dangerous...

Unfortunately, every year there are news reports of water accidents while snorkeling caused by that slight lapse in judgment or lack of knowledge. As a sea professional, this is truly sad.

That is why, in this book, I don't intend to just tell you, "Snorkeling is fun!" and only convey its sparkling charm. Of course, I will convey that fun, excitement, and sense of the extraordinary as much as I possibly can! I promise!

In addition to that, as a professional and as an instructor, I want to share with you without holding anything back the "concrete knowledge, little tips, and important ways of thinking to enjoy snorkeling safely and 120% from the heart." That is what I am thinking as I write this book.

I will explain difficult technical terms as simply as possible. Even if they do come up, I will follow up by saying, "To put this very simply, it means this~," so please rest assured.

By the time you finish reading this book, the anxiety you are holding will be resolved by concrete knowledge, and you will be able to say, "Oh, I can do this!" "If I'm careful about these points, I can enjoy it safely!" "Alright, next holiday, I'll go to the sea with my family (or friends, or by myself!)" You will be able to take the first step toward the sea with confidence and a positive attitude. If that happens, there is no greater joy for me as an instructor!

You really don't need any special athletic ability. Even if you aren't confident in your physical strength, or even if you are with your children, depending on how you enjoy it, you can fully enjoy it. You don't need to buy expensive equipment that costs tens of thousands of yen from the start at all.

What you need is just a little bit of curiosity, like "What is it like inside the sea?" Just the feeling of "I like playing in the water!" like me is enough. Just a little bit of courage to say, "Alright, let's give it a try." And the basic knowledge written in this book to enjoy it safely.

With that, it doesn't matter where you grew up, your age, or your athletic ability; everyone has the right to safely enjoy that beautiful, mysterious underwater world. That is what I believe.

Now, are you mentally prepared?

Think of this book as your reliable buddy, and let's go on an adventure together into the world of safe and super happy snorkeling! Let's go!

Chapter 1: What exactly is snorkeling? ~An encounter with the unknown, starting from the water's surface~

Well then, in the "Introduction," I shared my self-introduction and my passionate thoughts on snorkeling. Thank you for reading!

From here on, let's take a closer look at the main topic, "snorkeling"!

1-1 What does snorkeling mean? What do you do?

When you hear the word "snorkeling," what kind of scene do you specifically imagine? As I touched on in the "Introduction," I imagine the strongest image is floating on the sea and looking into the water, right?

That image is absolutely correct!

But since we're at it, let's take a look at the origin of the word. If you know things like this, you might sound a bit like an expert (laughs).

In English, "snorkel" is written as "Snorkel." This word apparently comes from the German word "Schnorchel."

What is this, you ask? It was the name of a "ventilation device with a periscope" used by German submarines (U-boats) during World War II. They would stick just this device out of the sea surface to take in air to run the engines or to exhaust air.

It's like, "Huh, really?" isn't it? I was a bit surprised when I first learned that that simple breathing pipe had a connection to submarines.

Well, putting that history aside (laughs), modern leisure snorkeling is much more peaceful and fun!

To put it simply, it's "using a mask, snorkel, and fins to observe or play in the water at or near the surface, without using special diving equipment (like tanks)." That's about it.

The point is "at or near the water's surface." Basically, the main thing is to put your face in the water and enjoy the underwater world while floating.

Therefore, you don't need to be an incredibly good swimmer, and it's okay if you can't hold your breath for a long time. Just entrust your body to the water's surface, relax, and fully enjoy the extraordinary scenery spreading out before your eyes. That is the real thrill of snorkeling.

1-2 You're good to go with the "three-piece set"! Basic equipment

So, what exactly do you need to enjoy snorkeling? You might be worried that you need full-scale equipment, but please rest assured.

Basically, if you have just three items, anyone can start right away! We professionals call this the "three-piece set."

1. Mask First, you can't start without this! It's essentially "underwater goggles" for seeing clearly underwater. The type that covers your nose is standard. Why cover the nose? Because it allows you to exhale through your nose underwater to clear water out of the mask (called a mask clear) and prevents the lenses from fogging up. Well, I'll explain the detailed usage thoroughly in a later chapter (Chapter 3!). Regardless, with this, the blurry underwater world will become surprisingly clear and sharp! You might even be able to see the expressions on the fish!?

2. Snorkel This is also an essential item! It's a J-shaped pipe that allows you to breathe easily while keeping your face in the water. If you keep this in your mouth, you can continue observing underwater without having to lift your face for air. It's a great tool. There are many types, but for beginners, I recommend one designed to keep water out. More on this in Chapter 3!

3. Fins Maybe it's easier to call them "flippers"? With these, you can glide through the water with very little effort. You might think, "Can't I swim without them?" but there is a huge difference! With fins, it's easier to swim against light currents, and more importantly, the level of fatigue is completely different. It's an item I definitely want you to use to conserve energy. There are many types of these too, so the key is choosing the right one for you. Of course, I'll explain how to choose them in Chapter 3!

See? It's surprisingly simple, right? With a swimsuit, a towel, and this "three-piece set," you're all set to start snorkeling!

1-3 Floating on the surface, an underwater walk! Basic ways to enjoy snorkeling

Now that you have your gear, it's finally time to head to the sea! How exactly do you enjoy snorkeling?

The basics are really simple.

1. First, let's try floating calmly on the surface. If you are wearing a life jacket, your body will naturally float if you relax. Don't panic; just relax and get your body used to the water.

2. Put on your mask and snorkel correctly, and try putting your face in the water slowly. It's a heart-pounding moment! But it's okay. Just confirm that you can breathe slowly in and out through the snorkel.

3. Let's freely observe the underwater world! The moment you put your face in, you'll surely let out a "Wow!" A mysterious and beautiful world, completely different from what you see above the surface, will be spreading out before your eyes!

What kind of scenery is waiting for you there?

Sunlight might be filtering into the water like a swaying curtain, drawing sparkling patterns on the sandy seabed. A school of silver-shining small fish might pass by in front of you, moving as if they were a single living creature. In the shadows of the rocks, a fish with a slightly goofy face might be hiding, or a colorful wrasse might be swimming around busily.

In the sea of Miura where I am, there are many encounters. In the spring, you might see newborn bigfin reef squid babies swimming with all their might. In the summer, you might see colorful butterflyfish that have come from southern seas. If you're lucky, you might encounter a large school of fish and experience the incredible intensity of feeling like you've become a part of it.

The sound is also different underwater. The noise of the land fades away, and it's a quiet, peaceful world where only the sound of your own breathing and the occasional small "crackle" of tiny creatures resonate. This feeling of weightlessness and tranquility is incredibly comfortable. I secretly think it has a detox effect, as if your daily worries and stress all melt away into the water (laughs).

In terms of health, snorkeling is a great aerobic exercise that uses your whole body. Isn't it the best to be able to resolve a lack of exercise while having fun?

And above all, the most wonderful thing is being able toshare this excitement with family and friends! "There was a beautiful fish over there!" "Look, look, a crab is walking!" You can look at each other's faces on the surface and laugh together. Those kinds of experiences will surely become wonderful, unforgettable memories. For children, it should also be the best environmental learning opportunity to come into contact with living nature.

There are many ways to enjoy it. You can just float and look at the scenery, you can chase after a fish that catches your eye, or it's also fun to try taking underwater photos.

There are no fixed rules. While being careful about safety, enjoy your underwater walk freely at your own pace. That is the greatest charm of snorkeling.

1-4 This is how it differs from diving! Easier underwater observation

Here, let me talk a little more in detail about the "differences from diving" that I touched on in the first half of Chapter 1. I think you'll be able to better appreciate the ease of snorkeling.

As I mentioned last time, the biggest differences were the depth of the dive and the method of breathing.

• Diving: Breathing using air from a tank while diving to deep places.

• Snorkeling: Enjoying the water while breathing air at the surface through a snorkel, near the surface.

To be specific, here is where these differences appear...

1. The required equipment is completely different! Snorkeling is based on the "three-piece set" I explained earlier. It is lightweight and easy to carry. On the other hand, diving requires a lot of specialized equipment, such as heavy tanks filled with air, a jacket for buoyancy control (called a BCD), a regulator for breathing, and gauges to show depth and remaining air... and so on. If you buy it all, it gets quite heavy and expensive...!

2. The preparation (training) is different! In the case of snorkeling, to put it extremely, if you read this book and acquire the basic knowledge, you can enjoy it right away after practicing a little in shallow water. (Of course, it is safest to join a tour with a professional at first!) On the other hand, for diving, you need to thoroughly learn the knowledge and skills for safe diving through academic courses and practical training in a pool (or shallow sea). It usually takes several days to obtain a license (C-card).

3. The "range" you can enjoy is different! The appeal of diving is being able to see the mysterious terrain of the deep sea and rare creatures that only live there. It really feels like an "expedition." On the other hand, the appeal of snorkeling is being able to easily enjoy the bright, shallow world of the sea where plenty of sunlight reaches. Actually, colorful tropical fish and coral reefs are often easier to see in shallow places.

4. Are the people suited for it different? (This is just a tendency!) Of course, it is not a matter of which is better or worse, but a matter of preference, but...

• People who might be suited for diving:

  • You like exploring unknown worlds!

  • You like machines or mechanical things!

  • You want to acquire some serious skills!

  • You want to see the deep sea world even if it takes time and money!

• People who might be suited for snorkeling:

  • You just want to enjoy the ocean casually!

  • You aren't very confident in your swimming or physical strength...

  • You want to enjoy it with your children or family!

  • You love bright and colorful underwater scenery!

  • You prefer preparation and cleanup to be simple!

How about that? Now that you've compared them like this, don't you see how "easy" and "accessible" an activity snorkeling is?

1-5 What is Skin Diving? An Advanced Look at Snorkeling

Now, let's add a little more information about "skin diving," which seems similar to snorkeling but is actually a bit different.

Last time, I mentioned it's like a "step-up version of snorkeling." That's exactly right; skin diving is an activity where you dive underwater while holding your breath, using only the same "three-piece set" (mask, snorkel, and fins) as snorkeling. It might be easier to visualize if you call it "free diving."holding your breath underwater. It might be easier to visualize if you call it "free diving."

Often, people want to acquire skin diving skills so they can swim with dolphins or take underwater photos from closer up. Because you don't have a tank, you are more agile and can move through the water with a feeling closer to that of a fish, which is the appeal.

The boundary with snorkeling is actually a bit vague, but...

• Snorkeling: Mainly enjoying floating on the water surface.

• Skin Diving: Actively diving underwater and swimming around is the main focus. It might be good to think of it that way.

"So, do you not need a license for skin diving either?" Yes, there is no mandatory license like there is for scuba diving.

However! I want to say this loudly! Skin diving absolutely requires advanced skills and deep knowledge regarding safety compared to snorkeling!

The reason is that diving only with your own breath means you can only stay underwater for as long as your breath lasts. If you push yourself too hard, you could fall into a very dangerous state called a "blackout," where you lose consciousness underwater. This is truly terrifying.

To enjoy skin diving safely,

• The correct method of breath-holding

• Efficient diving methods (have you heard of things like the jackknife?)

• Techniques for equalizing to protect your ears from water pressure

• And above all, knowing your own limits and the strong will to never push yourself too hard

• Always act with an experienced buddy

These things become the bare minimum requirements.

Honestly, I cannot recommend practicing on your own with a casual mindset of "I just want to try diving a little." If you would like to try skin diving in earnest, I strongly recommend learning the basics properly at a school with professional instructors like us.

[From Miura Sea School again!] It may sound biased, but at our "Miura Sea School," we offer programs where you can learn step-by-step, from introductory courses for this skin diving (sometimes called free diving) to courses aimed at leveling up. We provide thorough safety management and careful instruction from experienced instructors, so if you have a dream of "wanting to swim like a dolphin," please come and consult with us. (It is definitely not too late to start after mastering snorkeling with this book first!)

So, skin diving is a very attractive and profound activity that is an extension of snorkeling, but please just remember for now that proper preparation and knowledge are necessary to enjoy it safely. I will explain the detailed tips for diving again in a **later chapter (Chapter 4)**!

1-6 Summary: Snorkeling is the Gateway to Freedom!

Well, Chapter 1 became a bit long, but how was it? Are you able to have a clearer image of what kind of activity "snorkeling" actually is?

• No special license required!

• Basically, having the "three-piece set" is enough!

• Just float on the water surface and observe the underwater world!

• Much easier than diving!

• Skin diving is the advanced version of that! (But safety first!)

Yes, snorkeling is a door to the sea, a gateway to freedom that is open to everyone. Don't overthink it; first, cherish that curiosity of "I want to take a little peek at the world underwater."

Surely, a world full of surprises and excitement that you have never known before is waiting for you right there.

Alright, now you have the basics of snorkeling down perfectly! But when it comes to actually going to the sea, anxieties will naturally arise, right?

So, in the next Chapter 2, I would like to face the **"first-time anxieties"** that everyone tends to have, one by one, and clear them up! With this, let's get your heart prepared and head to the sea with peace of mind!

That concludes Chapter 1.

How was it? Did the "Introduction" and "Chapter 1" alone give you a little sense of the atmosphere of this book and what I want to convey?😊

If you thought, "This is interesting!" or "I want to read more!", I would be incredibly happy!

In the rest of the book, from Chapter 2 onwards, I cover:

・More concrete anxiety-relief techniques (breathing methods, safety measures, for those who aren't good at swimming!)

・The secrets to choosing the right gear without failure (masks, snorkels, fins... etc.)

・Step-up tips for those who have gotten used to it (including an introduction to skin diving!)

・A guide to recommended spots in Japan and abroad (Okinawa, Izu, Miura, and overseas too!)

・And most importantly, troubleshooting methods

and much more, packed with so much information to enjoy snorkeling 120%!

And, I will say it again...

★ Amazon Kindle Unlimited members can read it for [FREE]! ★ Even if you purchase it, it is currently only [99 yen]!

Please take this opportunity to read the whole book! I am rooting for your "I want to try snorkeling!" with all my might!

Check out and purchase the book here!

Thank you for reading until the end! I hope this book becomes the start of your wonderful ocean experiences!

See you later!