Can't clear my mask

[fasty39]

ok, i go to my first class and all is going great until its time to clear my mask. I can blow out my nose just fine until i fill my mask with water....then it shuts down...i cant blow out my nose with water in it...how can i beat this? HELP:depressed:

 

[CLEAR BLUE]

Time and practice. Alot of people have trouble clearing their mask at first. As you're doing it, think it through and it will come. Don't be discouraged, this isn't unusual.

 

[fasty39]

Thanks for the advice. I'm not going to give up. I really want this. My instructor also said time and practice...Thanks

 

[Teamcasa]

Most new divers have trouble with this and most new divers try too hard. Try it more often in the shallows (or a pool) and try not blowing so much air. It takes very little air to clear out a mask.

 

[Couv]

Welcome to Scuba Board.

A couple of things you might want to try to help you ease into the process. Start out by only letting a little bit in at first and work your way up to being able to remove, replace and clear the mask. A neat trick is to slightly lift the skirt just above one corner of your upper lip away from your face using the thumb and forefinger. This way, it is easy to control the level of water entering the mask.

Tips I learned from my students:
Try closing your eyes. I don't know why, but this seemed to help some of my students.

My 10 year old son claimed he perfected his technique by filling his mask up with water, lifting his head above the water and blew through his nose. He said this allowed him to see just how much air he required to clear the mask.

Good luck in your class,

c

 

[Scarface777]

You didn't say anything about controlling where the air comes out at..... You could be blowing air and it escaping out of the top of your mask.... which will cause a fill up. Try using your palm and holding just the top of your mask to your forehead. This will cause the air to only be able to exit the bottom and will force out the water. I don't know if your doing this or not...

 

[TSandM]

Walter writes the best essay on learning mask clearing, and you can find one of them HERE.

Many people have difficulties initially, separating the mouth from the nose in breathing. But the vast majority of people can learn it, and the good news is that mask clearing is something you can practice in a bathtub, hot tub or swimming pool. And you don't need an instructor with you, or scuba gear on your back. I practiced a bunch in my own hot tub before and during class.

 

[Misa]

ok, i go to my first class and all is going great until its time to clear my mask. I can blow out my nose just fine until i fill my mask with water....then it shuts down...i cant blow out my nose with water in it...how can i beat this? HELP:depressed:

fill your mask 1/4 with water...and breath few times with water inside the mask. repeat it for 1-5 times

fill your mask like 2/4 with water...and breath few times with mask 2/4 full of water. repeat it for 1-5 times.

fill your mask 3/4 or full with water...and breath few times with mask 3/4 or full of water. repeat this also few times. When you will clear the mask look up a bit and press on the middle upper side of the mask.

You need to make this exercises to adapt to the situation when you will have water inside your mask. There are moments when you will have to breath 1st in order to clear the mask. Worst you can do is inhale via nose while you have water inside the mask and that would be bad for you. Try to make those exercises in pool or shallow water and for sure you can do it.

Good luck,
M.

 

[fasty39]

Thanks for all the help...i am returning to class today and i will keep all advice in mind and will try it...thanks so much

 

[Steve_Dives]

If water shooting up your nose is alarming, try flooding the mask by pulling the top away. Look up and hold the top of the mask lightly to clear.

My 10 year old son claimed he perfected his technique by filling his mask up with water, lifting his head above the water and blew through his nose. He said this allowed him to see just how much air he required to clear the mask.

Seems like a good idea! I've been outwitted by a 10 year old!