In almost a thousand dives, I have lost my mask once, and that was a careless back roll off a boat in Australia. I carry a spare mask in two circumstances: a dive where a direct ascent is not an option (overhead or deco) or surf entries.
spare mask
- Thread starter wedivebc
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Carl
New
Yes, always carry one in right pocket. Water temp does not affect decision.
Don't carry one.
LiteHedded
Contributor
it depends on the dive. water temps are always the same so that doesn't affect it.
on big dives yes I do
on big dives yes I do
SCU5
Contributor
I learned the hard way - dropped my mask after a long surface swim at Lobos, borrowed a buddies back up but it didn't fit my face well and was constantly leaking... now I carry a spare.
I don't expect my mask to ever fail but I do expect to drop, fumble or forget my primary mask.
I don't expect my mask to ever fail but I do expect to drop, fumble or forget my primary mask.
OP
Sorry for the confusion here. I am looking for responses from people who consider themselves DIR and specifically if you carry a spare mask with you on a dive.
Some DIRs I have asked say yes, some say no and I was curious what factors might affect that decision and if carrying a backup was in keeping with DIR principals?
Some DIRs I have asked say yes, some say no and I was curious what factors might affect that decision and if carrying a backup was in keeping with DIR principals?
Yes always - in my right pocket clipped off
reasons: my masks tend to hate me for some reason, and the band comes off my head occasionally, or recently it fogs or leaks (they fit, etc and it is not brand specific or style etc, fit great one day, like crap the next). so when it starts to piss me off, i switch mid dive. Also if i lose one on a boat or whatever, pull the backup out and carry on.
reasons: my masks tend to hate me for some reason, and the band comes off my head occasionally, or recently it fogs or leaks (they fit, etc and it is not brand specific or style etc, fit great one day, like crap the next). so when it starts to piss me off, i switch mid dive. Also if i lose one on a boat or whatever, pull the backup out and carry on.
LiteHedded
Contributor
PfcAJ
Contributor
I'll take a spare mask when I want to continue the dive no matter what (within reason) or it would be really nice to be able to see to finish the dive and get home safe.
Dives involving scootering and multiple gas switches get a spare mask. 60ft reef dive? Nope, I'll just call it a day and surface.
Dives involving scootering and multiple gas switches get a spare mask. 60ft reef dive? Nope, I'll just call it a day and surface.
ucfdiver
Contributor
I always carry one-- if I drive 2hrs to the ocean and pay $70 for a charter, I'm diving, and I would be pissed if I missed a dive because I left a mask that I already own for bigger dives, at home.
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