Some Advice Please

[Dao Jones]

I start my OW class the 25th and have been swimming regularly in preparation. Today I started using mask, fins, and snorkel so I'd be familiar and comfortable with them by then, and had a few difficulties. Any help or insight would be appreciated.

I'm using a Omersub Alien mask, and right off the bat it leaked quite a bit. I have a mustache and know that can cause leakage. I wasn't sure if the mask was adjusted tightly enough, so kept making adjustments and reseating the mask on my face, and finally got to the point where it leaked very little- if at all. The mask seems really tight and almost uncomfortable, but tolerable. Any guidelines on how tight my mask should be? Maybe I should back off just a little and try again.

I've read that as a test for proper fit you should be able to purge a bit of air, creating a vacuum, and the mask will stay on your face without the strap. I have yet to find a mask that will do that on my face. Is this common?

The main problem with my fins is that they seem hard to keep in the water when swimming at or near the surface (I can tread water in them just fine though). I'm more comfortable swimming laps without them. It might just be my kicking technique (or lack of). When underwater they were much easier to use and I was plesantly surprised at how quick I could get around. Any tips on making my surface swimming more effective with them or is this just a normal thing?

My snorkel worked like a charm and I'm very happy with it. It stayed dry when surface swimming, was easy to breathe through, and easy to purge. I'm not happy with how tightly I clench it with my teeth though. I tried relaxing as I swam but would find myself lock-jawed on the mouthpiece again and again. Several hours later my jaw muscles were still sore! I hope this will pass with time, or I perhaps I should keep a replacement mouthpiece handy once I buy a regulator eh?

All in all I had fun while trying to dial-in my gear and swam way longer than I intended to. I hope I can iron out these little things so I can focus on OW. Thanks much for any tips you may have.

 

[TSandM]

Two tips about the moustache -- one is to trim the part that's up by your nose, so that the mask can seat. The other is to smear it with Vaseline before you put your mask on. I have a friend who does the former, and my husband does the latter and says that it works for him.

 

[dlndavid]

go down, it's a kick, don't worry

 

[aznlmpulse]

I was told once that with the mask on your face, everything buckled up and fastened, it should still be "loose" enough for you to take one hand and pull it straight off your face without too much difficulty. I've seen people come out of dives without mask imprints on their faces...I for one always come up with one, but the tightness of my straps never become uncomfortable, or bearly tolerable. I would say it's a fitment problem along with your mustache. I always try to shave the upper most part (right under your nose) before a dive and that's helped some. I think maybe you should go back to a dive shop with a knowlegeable or experienced diver, and get a mask that has a better fit, then work from there. You should be able to look straight up at the ceiling, place the mask on your face, inhale thru your nose and have the mask stick to your face from the suction. When you pull the mask off your face, it should make a popping noise...if it just sounds like a sloppy hissing fart, then it wasn't a good seal.

As for your fins, you might want to look into ones that are negatively bouyant, or just swim backwards on surface transits. It tends to be easier anyways.

 

[spectrum]

Tight is seldom good. Too tight will cause the mask to splay out and not find your face, Did you try it lightly strapped?

The mask should never be tight to the point where comfort is even a question. You may need to get into a dive shop and get properly fitted. Some folks (like me as a kid) have faces that run backwards right after the eyes making it hard to the ends of the mask to seal. Others have laugh lines that pose a challnege. A good shop will see the challenge an know aht works for that problem.

In general ypou should be able to press the mask lightly to your face and it should grip like a suction cup. You do not want to be sucking it hard with your nose, anything will seem to fit that way. Do this with your snorkel or preferably a regulator mouthpiece in your mouth since this will modify your facial contour.

Pete

 

[Louma]

It is good that you are swimming but use it to just get in shape. Not to work on technique (for now). I think you may be expecting too much from yourself and you will get frustrated before you even start your class. Let your Instructor show you the proper techniques. About your mask, you can use Vaseline – just be aware that it will destroy the silicon skirt on your mask over time or you can trim or cut off your moustache. I’m going to assume that you did not try this mask on prior to your buying it. If you had waited you would have learned about fit and how to determine it. As far as swimming with fins – it is harder on the surface. You are probably using a bicycle type of kick and not using your thighs. Also, you may be kicking too fast and not getting the fin to fully “bite” into the water. If you snorkel enough, you will get used to it and it will get easier. But remember, as divers, the use of fins are much more comfortable/efficient underwater. For now, swim for the exercise, or enjoyment you’ll be learning a lot of new “stuff” real soon. Welcome to what I hope will become a life long passion!

 

[dkktsunami]

Depending upon your bouyancy characteristics swimming face down on the surface with fins can be difficult - roll over on your back and movement will be much easier.

 

[PerroneFord]

There are a number of SB members (including a couple of instructors) in your town who could assist you.

 

[DiveMaven]

If you don't want to use Vaseline because it breaks down the silicone, just get a small container of silicone grease (food grade) and smear that on your mustache. You can buy a small container at your dive shop. My husband uses silicone grease, as well as trimming the top of his mustache as suggested. Works like a charm.

If this doesn't work, you might have the wrong mask and need to look for a new one.

 

[AquaHump]

The strap of a mask is just there to hold the mask on while you are on the surface. It should not be tight at all. Maybe try a difrent mask?