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         Home Page                                                Snorkel and Mask                                  Updated on:  22^nd November 2010

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Useful tips on how to prepare your snorkel and mask to enhance your scuba and snorkeling experience

 

Your whole snorkeling experience depends upon how correct you have prepared your snorkeling equipment.

Continuously adjusting your mask and snorkel when you are already in the water can take some of the pleasure away. You do have to set them up  before each snorkeling outing. You just need to find the correct configuration once and that's it.

 

 

Preparing your mask for first time use

Setting up your mask is easy. If you are using a padded mask cover strap, which I strongly recommend, pass the mask strap though the cover. Some mask cover straps have a velcro closure which enables easy fitting so if you are thinking of buying one, choose one with this feature.

Before using the mask be sure that you adjust the mask strap to fit you comfortably. It is important not to tighten the mask too much. Besides being uncomfortable, sometimes tightening the mask will also make it leak water. Adjust the snorkeling mask, so that it fits you just snug.

Finally after the necessary adjustments, be sure that the strap is properly secured within the mask strap locking mechanism.

Within our scuba mask care guide, we pointed out that the faceplate within new snorkel masks,  will contain a protective coating which is as a result of the manufacturing process.

For this reason it is important to remove this substance before first using the mask as it will otherwise fog up during the dive. So remember to use a mask defogger solution.

 

Preparing your Snorkel and Mask

Breathing through the snorkel is simple and easy as long as the snorkel is properly attached.

In order to properly prepare the snorkel, you have to first attach your mask to the snorkel attachment. This attachment  that comes with your snorkel is found on the snorkel barrel.

The attachments for most modern snorkels come in plastic and are easy to attach to the mask strap. Simply press down on the extending top part of the plastic attachment. You will notice that the bottom part will raise away from the barrel creating a gap between the attachment and snorkel barrel. Now slide the mask strap within this gap. There done it, the snorkel should now be attached to the mask.

Now wear your mask and together with the snorkel, and position the snorkel to the left side of your head. Adjust the snorkel height and rotate until the snorkel remains in your mouth. Be sure that the top of the snorkel is positioned at the top of your head, this way you do not need to position the snorkel using your mouth whenever you use it.

 

 

 

Your snorkel and mask should now be ready for you to experience great scuba snorkeling adventures. Be sure to read the rest of our snorkeling gear guides for more additional tips on: