For anyone who needs a chuckle

[DOkie]

Yep, I'm sure I'll get a few giggles out of this (and probably some serious reprimands), but thought I'd post my recent discovery here for those of you who are considering ice diving.

I have a mask I absolutely LOVE, but found it's down side this winter. It has a purge and although when ice diving we make sure we "bake" everything we're using, keep our regs out of out mouths until we're under water, etc. etc. etc. it NEVER dawned on me that the purge would freeze open in 15 degree weather. Well let's just say a failing purge during the summer can be an annoyance, but in 33 degree water, it's equivalent to eating a gallon of ice cream in five seconds. The water shoots right up your nose simply because it can!!! Used it on the next dive with no problem (of course I prepared it correctly) but I just wanted to give a warning and share one of my various "duh" moments.

 

[elmo6s]

LOL! That must have been terrible!

 

[1_T_Submariner]

Good experience. Usually painful or uncomfortable experiences are the best teachers.

 

[fisherdvm]

I was told that a purge valve is harder to clear your nose with a gloved hand.

 

[nymbus]

I was told that a purge valve is harder to clear your nose with a gloved hand.

I'm sure it could be more difficult, only because the purge is generally a hard little piece of plastic...

this is so funny- and yet another reason I have always been really reluctant to dive with a purge mask.

one of those "funny for me, painful for you" sort of moments...

 

[RICHinNC]

You came out ok...that is what matters. At least you weren't melting candles on a stove.

 

[h90]

thanks I'll keep that in mind and don't buy such a mask.....

 

[Sjassi]

Seems like you had a cold experience. At least your lips didn't freeze together like a freediver i know.

 

[ecudiver]

lol glad to hear everything went ok and that sounds very very cold

 

[muddiver]

I doubt I would have encountered that.

The last mask with a purged I ever bought had a little stub off the mushroom valve on the inside of the nose pocket that poked me in the nose when I tried to use it. Tossed it out after two dives and never bought another purge type mask.