Mike,

While I agree with you about the wings under many circumstances, and 
generally about snorkels, the situation that this guy described cries out 
for an air passage during such a long surface exposure. If you are on 
your back in heavy seas for any extended period and your cylinders are 
empty (can you breath off a depleted set of doubles for 14 hours??) then 
you need an _alternate_ air source--a snorkel. You are better off face 
down, keeping your head out of the water in heavy seas takes effort, that 
effort may be what delivers you into exhaustion/hypothermia and death. 
With a snorkel you can float face down where you can swim easier if need 
be, and where your body is in the optimal, relaxed position for a long 
exposure if need be. Yes I know lying on your back is relaxing and yes I 
do it after dives all the time, but in 4-8' seas, it is more relaxing--in 
my experience--on your face. A good snorkel will keep your airway open. 
Trying to breath with water splashing across your face and no secure 
airway is no fun.

There is a reason that the rescue divers in all the navys and coast 
guards of the world use a snorkel in in-water rescue operations--because 
they work!

Later,

JoeL

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