looking for ideas - taking a group snorkeling

[freedivernd]

I've been asked to take the local boyscouts on an "introduction to snorkeling" in a couple of weeks.  I did it for them last year and it went good.. we went to a popular site with clear water and tons of fish in the shallows and a monster snapping turtle.  So this year, I'll have some repeat scouts and probably some that have never snorkeled (like was the case with most all of them last year), but we'll be a long way from any water I'm real familiar with.. so I'm wondering about some activities that could make the snorkeling an exciting and enjoyable experience for them even if there just aren't many fish or sunken boats to see.  I won't have any trouble finding clear water for them in the area.  Just wondering if anyone else has some good ideas for me.

[JBPearson]

When I was little I always enjoyed taking a couple of the plastic model boats we had around the house (they were about 20" and fairly realistic) and throwing them off the dock so I could find the "wrecks" when I was snorkeling.  I also enjoyed picking up rocks to find crayfish to feed the bass but watch out for those pincers. :o 
Good luck!  It sounds like fun.

[usediver]

where are you going to be??

golf balls are fun , the torpedos work well, soccer ball to chase on the surface..
check a local community pool to see if you can borrow some of their training items, rings, discs, bricks, whatever...
i'd mention the uw hockey but the bottom is too soft..    oops..

: )



   

[DiverQueen]

Cut up Hot Dogs to feed to the fish!  Cheese in the can.  Frozen Shrimp.  Canned Corn (needle and thread, thread it like the old time Popcorn Chain on the Christmas Tree trail it in the water or tie around wrists of the bolder kids (not the shy skittish ones)!  Fish and kids are easily motivated by food!

[popolarbear]

i too am very interested in were you are going. i would bring my scouts also if the spot is local and you dont mind. we got inexpensive gear to share also.

....
my recomendations as im doing the same. vis in most minnesota lakes and rivers is not as great. atleast in the twin cities. occasionaly we have been treated with some exceptions. if you want interesting bring several old loafs of bread and feed the fish. last week we had so many sunfish following us it was insaine! i also had a carp follow me once for awhile it was strange.

for kids especialy if they dont swim well. i would suggest either snorkle vests or a shorty. my boys float in a shorty when i make them wear it. it is too me a great assurance of safty if i always know they will float to the surface.(actualy my boys are very accomplished swimers and probably would get me out of trouble if anything)

the best shore vis i have seen so far has been a protected marina on lake minnetonka. vis was probably close to 15ft. i suspect it was a combination of the weeds the surrounded the area filtering the water and the shelterd area, and the fact it was sandy. no sediment at all.....

the most interesting spot so far was a  toss up betweeen acouple different river spots. tons of small minnows of all sorts that would sit down stream of you and your mask.(not recomended perhaps for the beginner)..my boys like to spear hunt but that is a can of worms you dont want to open.

goood luck. (west-twin cities dude)

[freedivernd]

all good ideas... the location isn't set yet, but will be either in the Ottertail area.. so maybe west battle lake or clitheral lake I'm thinking.. or near Perham.. then thinking Little McDonald, Lake 6 or 7, or Paul.  The rivers would be good but the best spots in the rivers around here are just below the dams.. a bit rough for the novices.  good visibility won't be the issue.. that's fairly easy to find.
Fred

[Shooter]

This map might expand the possibilities.

[freedivernd]

just an update... the scouts ended up camping nearer the tried and true dive sites so I didn't have to offer them anything more that what the fish or turtles had to offer.. did bust up some clams and feed some sunnies, but otherwise, the fish did a fine job of entertaining us.. vis was good too.  Thanks again.
Fred