It`s always good practice to have a snorkel. But you don`t always need it on your mask. Try one of the snorkels that fits nicely in your BC pocket. I use one that is really flexible with a velcro like attachment that I keep in my BC pocket. If I ever need it, I can quickly attach it to my mask strap (which has the other end of the velcro thing). That way I have one in case of an emergency, but it`s not always in the way.