Water in Your Mask – How to Overcome the Fear Part – 2

In the last blog we looked at the basics of removing water from your mask. Nowlet’s look at the procedure in more detail. Master these steps and water in the mask will never be a problem for you.

1. Before you begin, remind yourself that you are practicing a way to overcome a discomfort, not a danger. Remember that staying relaxed makes everything much easier. If you want to, you can practice these steps on land, as much as possible, to increase your comfort levels.
2. Pinch the upper mask skirt to allow a little water to trickle in. Allow the water to flow near or over your eyes. Start slow and keep increasing speed of the inflow. Keep doing this till you are okay with water reaching till just below your eyes.
3. Now practice breathing in and out through your mouth with the snorkel. Next try breathing in from the mouth and out through the nose. If you feel water going into your nostrils, breathe out through the nose and tilt you head down to look at the floor. This will trap air in the nostril and stop water from getting in.
4. Next, use one hand to hold the mask firmly against your forehead. Take a deep breath though the mouth and look down to keep water out of your nose. Exhale as hard as you can through the nose while tiling your head up. Continue exhaling as long as you can. Air will bubble up to the top of the mask and force water out from the bottom. Ensure that the mask is firm against your forehead, to prevent air from escaping from the top of the mask. Before you finish exhaling, look down again to prevent any remaining water from entering your nose.
5. You will probably need to repeat the process a few times to get rid of all the water.
6. You are not going to be able to get rid of all the water on your first attempt. Go to the surface, relax for a few minutes and repeat step 4. Keep doing it until you are able to clear all the water from your mask.
7. Keep practicing until you are confident of your mask clearing abilities.

That’s it. Water in your mask is no longer a worry for you.

Snorkeling opens up a new world to you. Like all rewarding activities, it does require a little effort and care to do it properly to maximize the enjoyment it offers. There will always be small hassles like getting water in your mask. For a rookie, this can cause discomfort and perhaps even a slight feeling of panic. Going snorkeling on a charter boat with an experienced crew will ensure you have the confidence and support you need to deal with these minor glitches quickly and easily. Whether you are a novice or an experienced snorkeler, the underwater world off the big island of Hawaii is an unforgettable experience. How great it is depends a lot on the boat that takes you to the snorkeling locations, the comforts it offers and experience of the crew. The best boats will give you the best experience.