Mask/Panic Problems

[Stoo]

Luckily I was only in about 10 feet of water at the time, so I didn't hurt myself.

Hey Andi... There has been lots of good advice given already, but don't underestimate the importance of mastering this skill. Ten feet of water IS more than enough to seriously hurt yourself.

Practice this skill until you have it down just right. Try swimming with your snorkel only, holding your nose at first and then without. Keep your eyes open as much as you can. All of these drills will help you overcome your reaction to a little water in your face!

When my girlfriend started diving (It's a "requirement"...) she had similar problems. A lot of practise and she's an expert now! Don't give up, even though it might be frustrating. Eventually, it will "click"!

 

[Andi30]

Stoo - if you are reading this.. I noticed that you are from Ontario and have logged a LOT of dives. This whole thing happened in Gulliver's Lake. After reading all of these posts, I had intended on practicing there when I can, but the algae is already starting to get kind of gross and we ended up with swimmer's itch after the last dive. Do you know of a good and easy place (hopefully in the GTA) that I can go? BTW-I live in Oakville and work in Toronto, so it would be great to find a place near either location. Thanks!

 

[runamonk]

Andi,

Everyone goes through this. The only thing you can do is keep practicing the skill. Remember to relax and go slow! That's the biggest piece of advice I've been given by everyone I ever dive with. My wife calls me the "A.D.D" diver hehe.

Another thing you can do is try a totally different mask. I found that the first mask I was using leaked constantly, it drove me nuts. I spent alot of time on dives just trying to keep my mask clear and it was a pain in the butt.

If there is a pool nearby just head there and get in the shallow end with your mask and snorkel and work on flooding and clearing your mask. This is something that bothered my wife for a little while too. Keep working at it, you'll get it so that it becomes second nature and it won't freak you out anymore.

BTW my wife wears contacts, just keep your eyes closed. There isn't anything good to see without your mask on.