SCUBA Theory: Popcorn Breathing
Popcorn breathing refers to the skill of breathing through water. Here's how to do it.
Partially fill your snorkel with water. (non-ocean is preferred to start out). Look downward, but don't submerge.
Put the snorkel in your mouth
place your tongue against the roof of your mouth Slowly breath in. Air will bubble through the water making a sort of popcorn sound. Congratulations, you can breath through water.
As the air bubbles through it will splash water up into your mouth a bit. Your tongue will keep the water from hitting the back of your throat. Once you get used to doing this, you'll find that you can handle having water in your air supply much easier.
Once you've mastered popcorn breathing, you'll find yourself even more comfortable in the water. Often times if you start to choke on water, placing your tongue on the roof of your mouth can help regain calm and suppress your gagging reflex. If you're having a rough time clearing a snorkel, this allows you to grab some more air and finish clearing the rest of the water.
Every student I've helped has managed this skill. If it's difficult the first few times you try it, take a little water out of the snorkel and try again. Once you mastered it, try adding some more water or doing it with your head submerged. Stack the odds against you and leave your mask off.
The more you can challenge yourself in controlled conditions, the more relaxed you'll be during your dives.
If you're relaxed, you'll have more fun. Oh, when you're done with this one, go do some locomotives.
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