The Mask
Let's start with my pet hate .. It's a mask, not goggles !! Goggles do not have a nose pocket and you can't equalise goggles.
The mask is probably one of the most problematic pieces of equipment for students, novice divers and some 'experienced divers'. The problems usually start at the dive store with incorrect fitting so we will start with that.
When you have chosen a mask from the 100s of different shapes, sizes, colours, prices, follow the simple steps below to ensure you have a correct fitting:
- Place the mask on your face, DO NOT put the strap over your head make sure you have not trapped your hair or the strap under the skirt.
- Inhaling through your nose will 'suck' the mask to your face. Stop inhaling, the mask should remain in place without you holding it, feel/listen for air entering the mask, if it does and you have nothing trapped under the skirt, the mask is not right for you so choose another one.
- If there is no air entering the mask so far you have a good fit, many people stop there but now is the time to 'pucker-up'. Purse your lips to simulate having a regulator in your mouth, better still, if you are buying a new Mask/Snorkel combi, use the snorkel. Do not be afraid to test it, move your mouth around, look up, look down, look all around, if the mask is still on your face without strap after all this, you have a winner.
- When you buy your mask it is a good idea for you to also buy a spare mask strap, you never know when you, or your buddy (who is not prepared like you) may need one.
A Slap Strap
Also pick up what is commonly known as a 'Slap Strap', this soft neoprene cover fits over your mask strap to stop the strap pulling your hair or getting tangled, it is a must for the ladies.
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Anti Fog
Spit in your mask if you wish, it's your choice, me, I prefer other methods to keep my mask fog free. I have used Sea Drops for years and you will always find a bottle in the front pocket of my BCD.
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OK, so you have your new mask and ready to take a dive .. Yeah right !! This is where many go wrong and suffer the consequences of a non stop foggy mask. The mask lens may look as clear as day but it has a protective coating that has to be removed or your mask will fog, FOREVER !!
The solution to this problem is simple, when you get home head for the bathroom and get your toothpaste, not your fancy gel stuff either, the original white paste. Take a seat in your comfortable chair, put on a movie and away you go. Put a couple of spots of toothpaste on to the inside of the lens and with one finger rub it into the lens using a circular motion. Many divers know this but still make the mistake of 'squirt, rub, finished', this is not a two minute job, ten minutes minimum, then rinse, dry and store your mask away from direct sunlight. I do this at least once a month, it keeps my mask clean, smelling nice and helps keep it fog free.
The solution to this problem is simple, when you get home head for the bathroom and get your toothpaste, not your fancy gel stuff either, the original white paste. Take a seat in your comfortable chair, put on a movie and away you go. Put a couple of spots of toothpaste on to the inside of the lens and with one finger rub it into the lens using a circular motion. Many divers know this but still make the mistake of 'squirt, rub, finished', this is not a two minute job, ten minutes minimum, then rinse, dry and store your mask away from direct sunlight. I do this at least once a month, it keeps my mask clean, smelling nice and helps keep it fog free.
My Mask Leaks
You you are on your first dive with your new mask and it leaks, there could be a number of reasons for this:
Reason
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Solution
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