Some suggestions, please??

[jd950]

My apologies for what I am sure are dumb questions, but I'm new here.....

I'm going to be taking my OW classes soon and I am having a problem. I've snorkeled for years and have never found a mask that doesn't leak on my chubby face with laugh lines and a moustache. I'll probably shave the stache before class, maybe even this weekend, but I am pretty sure I will continue to leak (my mask that is). The thing is this: I can't clear a mask. I think I know how, but the problem seems to be that I can often clear the nose pocket but the water stays behind the lenses. What I normally do is tip my head up some and blow steadily through my nose. I think the problem is that I haven't found a mask with a large enough nose pocket and what happens is that my nose seals the pocket well enough that it prevents proper clearing. Every mask I have owned or tried presses my nostrils together some. Does this seem a likely cause of being unable to clear a mask? I'm thinking of going nuts trying more masks before my class, and maybe ordering a Tilos Boom which I hear has a nose pocket of gargantuan size, if that is likely to be my problem. What's weird is that my nose isn't all that huge. I actually think it is a bit long and bit wide.

On the other hand if it is more likely that I am simply incompetent at this, then I will just keep working on it until I get it right. When I snorkel, this issue has been manageable because when it gets too bad and I can't keep my eyes open due to the salt water, I just lift my face out of the water and drain the mask. That isn't going to work so well for scuba. As it stands now I'm pretty sure when I have to take my ask off underwater in class and put it on and clear it, I'll end up peering at the instructor through a mask at least half full of water. I suspect that won't go over too well. We won't even talk about doing this with sea water. So, mask problem or skill problem? Any suggestions?

(What I would really like to find is a mask that doesn't leak and which I can clear, but for now, clearing seems more important, since I'll have to flood it and clear it to get certified anyway)

Also, I called one shop and told them about my mask clearing problem and said that I wanted to practice mask clearing at my rec center pool before classes start. I asked about renting weights so I can sit or stand under water more easily to work on this. ( I don't think the rec center will appreciate it if I show up with a bunch of bricks or rocks) The guy at the shop thought I was completely nuts and told me to sign up for a discover scuba class instead, and said they would credit the discover scuba class cost towards the ow class. Now, I've got nothing against using their pool and a regulator for free, but I don't know if it will give me enough time to practice. Out of curiosity I called the other shop in town and they suggested that I wait and try on a bunch of masks on the first class night and see if I could find one that fits better, but also said they would rent me the weights if I wanted, and said I didn't sound completely nuts. Maybe they were just being nice? The problem is that if their masks don't help and I've started class I'm not going to have enough time to order a mask or will be hard pressed to have enough time to master the skill.

So, am I nuts about wanting to work on this with weights in a pool before class and do the the different responses suggest anything about which place would be better for class?

 

[Jeremy Bouwman]

Your instructor will work with you to make sure that you are able to clear your mask properly. However, it is essential to have a proper fitting mask. Go to your LDS and try on a bunch of masks. They will tell you how to know if it fits, but you should be able to breathe in through your nose and then not hear any air leaking in. If no air leaks in, no water will come in either.

 

[scarefaceDM]

Of course your nutz..have you ever done something that no one has before..

No actually. The mask may be the wrong one for you. GO an try on all the masks in the LDS...do not look at price..just try them. There is one that will fit your face.

As for mask clearing. You may not be tilting your head far enough. Sometime this happens. You may have to just tilt your head further back and quicker. And you may have to do it a few time to clear the mask.

But this would be best served with your instructor. Supervising you. They can show you the proper way of clearing and correct you as you do it....Once you start your course..I would talk to the instructor about it...and ask him to help you out. MOST will.

If you go to the pool, work on swiming and cardio...and your breathing. DO not worry about the scuba stuff.

Safe dives.
Stephen

 

[undefined]

There are thousands of other members on Scubaboard who know more than me (last count about 70k), but here is my 2 psi worth:

I wouldn't try weighting myself down in the pool to work on mask clearing skills, at least not without a reg. What I would do is go to a dive shop and try on several masks. Take the mask and place it on your face while inhaling with your nose (very slight inhale - do not try to SUCK it into place hard with your nose). Find the one that stays put without inhaling hard. Rent or buy that mask.

Another thing is to consider you do not necessarily have to clear your mask with only one breath. If you find that you have it halfway cleared off of one breath, keep your eyes closed and repeat the same procedure to clear the rest of the mask. Depending on the volume of the mask and how much air you blow into it you may come up short off of one blow.

Like I said - wait around and one of the 70k people with more experience will offer better advise

EDIT: It seems that two of them already responded while I typed this...

 

[scarefaceDM]

:14:

There are thousands of other members on Scubaboard who know more than me (last count about 70k),
Like I said - wait around and one of the 70k people with more experience will offer better advise

EDIT: It seems that two of them already responded while I typed this...

 

[O2BBubbleFree]

What I would do is go to a dive shop and try on several masks. Take the mask and place it on your face while inhaling with your nose (very slight inhale - do not try to SUCK it into place hard with your nose). Find the one that stays put without inhaling hard. Rent or buy that mask...

Can I add: try this without using the mask strap. Put the mask against your face, inhale, and hold your breath If the mask fits then this action creates a little vaccuum in the mask that should hold it in place for a few seconds.

 

[REII]

jd;

Try on a Tusa Visionator. I have one. That is a very large mask for the chubby face.

I really like mine. It fits well, and has a great field of vision too.

TOM

 

[cinder4320]

Its also much easier to clear your mask when you have a supply of air and not just one breath. Once your mask fits and you have your reg in your mouth I think you will be suprised at how much easier it is.

One other thing is to make sure you are not pressing to hard on the top of the maks or pulling it away from your face. I've seen people pull the mask off letting in a flood of water and then try to blast it away. Gently place a finger on the top rim to hold it steady and then exhale while looking up.

For what its worth I never knew how to clear a mask before learning to dive. I think you'll be aheead of the game practicing before hand.

Miranda

 

[cagemaker]

Don't worry.
Go to many dive shops to try every mask you can. If you purchase other gear from your LDS, the $50.00 mask from somewhere else will not matter. (Even if it does matter to him, he was unable to supply YOU with the proper equipment.)

Clearing a mask with Scuba equipment is easier than when snorkling because of position and having air produces a "calm". You will do well.

In addition to cardio, practicing any diving skills is valuble and confidence building. Building up your leg muscles with fins is different than freestyle swimming. Practicing breathing through the snorkle without a mask is also good for confidence. I routinely swim laps then swim up and back without a mask breathing through a snorkle. I figure 50 yards (150 feet) without a mask will get me to the surface!(not in cave).

Have fun and look forward to developing the skills that you now do not know. It is a hobby and every little step will be fun. Be patient with yourself and be able to laugh at the set backs and rejoice in the accomplishments.

Good luck, don't worry and have fun,

Cagemaker

 

[Vtdiver2]

Try a Sherwood Titan mask if you can find one, they are made for larger faces.
C-Dawg