I need to learn how to clear my mask for scuba. Can somebody help?
954371
You are using the term "mask clearing". That means exactly that, clearing the mask of water. I see everyone else is assuming you mean "mask defogging", which is not what you have asked.\nThere are two methods of mask clearing.\nIf your mask has a built in purge valve, it's a simple matter of holding your mask against your face and exhaling out of your nose. The purge valve is located directly under your nose and will open to let the water out. It shuts when you stop exhaling through your nose.\n The second and more common way, is to get your body vertical in the water column, tilt your head back a bit and with a free hand lift the bottom edge of your mask away from your face and exhale through your nose at the same time. Continue exhaling until the water is gone and you have seated the mask back on your face.This forces most of the water out of your mask.\n If you find that you're constantly having to do a mask clearing, there are three possible culprits.\n1/ That mask simply doesn't fit. Your face is unique, masks are mass produced to fit many but not all people. Test fit them in the store before purchase, without using the mask strap. Place it against your face and inhale a bit from your nose with your mouth shut. If it doesn't stay on for 30 seconds at least, it isn't a good fit. Move on to the next mask.\n2/ Your mask strap is on too tight. Too tight mucks up the seal on the mask skirt. Try loosening the strap.\n3/ You have hair trapped under the mask skirt or the skirt isn't seated correctly. If you're diving cold and have a hood on, you also may have part or all of the hood under the mask skirt. I've seen warm water divers put the entire mask skirt on over a hood, believing that was correct. They found the hard way, it wasn't.\n For your pool and eventual OW dives, eventually the instructor will have you do a complete mask removal and replacement with clearing. It's no issue, just remember to inhale through the reg and exhale through your nose as you put that mask on. When you're done, he'll likely give you a handshake for a job well done.
1123519
I've been a certified diver for over 30 years.  Swimming on the surface is not the same as swimming underwater.  I was not a strong swimmer when I got certified, but I was able to pass the swim test.  I think it's more important that you feel comfortable in the water than you be able to swim long distances.  \n\nIf it was me, I would go to a local pool and practice swimming laps.  You'll probably only be able to do a few at first, but you should be able to increase that soon.  Practice good form, regular breathing, etc.  If you're not sure what good form is, watch the other people swimming laps.  Notice how they turn their head to breathe rather than lifting it up out of the water, how many strokes they take before they breathe, which side they turn their head to, etc.  You can also sign up for an adult swim class, and get some regular training and practice.\n\nStay with it - scuba is great.  It's a good way to meet a bunch of outgoing, friendly people, and it can be a lot of fun to go somewhere different and exotic and go diving.
37166
well i find that spiting in them and then rubbing and then rinsing doesnt work\n1. you can buy anti-fog sollution\n2.(what i do and many other competitive swimmers) cover the inside of your goggles with saliva using your tongue (i swim about 5 hours a day and they dont fog up during this time)\n3. buy new goggles with anti-fog solution and DONT TOUCH THE INSIDE (but it does wear out after a while
466529
Simple....\n\nJust take up SCUBA diving, and do some mask removal/clearing underwater, the pesky little offending 'bogeys' will work their way out on their own!\n\nAND, everyone will have the pleasure of viewing them... quite often they end up in your hair!  \n\nOr you could use a tissue of course!\n\nOK, if no tissue available... pretend you have an annoyingly itchy face (especially the nose area) and attempt to remove it discreetly!
558382
chlorine would be the number one suspect\n\nnumber 2, you might want to close your eyes when you dive in, change of pressures\n\nnumber 3 dont dive face first
584693
You have to hold your breath and keep your eyes open or wear goggles.\nPut your head down into the water and put your feet up in the air out of the water. It is easy if you can swim under water. Learn that first.
626152
Saliva works for a little while.\nJust keep a little bit of water in the mask so that you can shake your head and swoosh it around on the lens when it does fog.\nThis is what I do and it works just fine.
245689
There is a liquid available at most scuba shops that you can use on the lenses to keep them from fogging up. However, simply spitting in them, wipe it around with a finger, and rinse has always worked for me.\n\nEDIT: A quick warning regardling a later answer. DO NOT USE RAINEX on plastic. It will haze the surface. I tried that on a motorcycle helmet shield and ruined it.
652590
Check out poolgearplus.com they have some pretty neat stuff there.  I just clean mine with the pump vacuum.
22367
A mask is all about the fit.  A perfect fit (strap not too tight, no water leaks -- pereferable even when you laugh or grin) is the only real criteria.  Any mask sold by a reputable shop would fit the bill.\n\nFins -- you need to decide between full foot and open heel.  My preference is open heel (more versatile -- especially for shore diving) although some prefer the full foot.  Fit is also hugely important and if you are shore diving in cold water buy your booties first.  My preference is the Apollo bio fins although there are many excellent choices out there.\n\nIn terms of torch, I think that depends on your application.  I like the Ikelite PCA, the UK SL4 and the small UK pocket light.  These would work for tropical night diving.  Anything brighter will overpower the reef.\n\nFor cold water or cave, you probably need to amp up the power a tad bit and I would look at the more heavy duty rechargeables (including canister lights).\n\nI remain a fan of the Suunto Cobra dive computer but there are *many* other great options.  Start with gas type (nitrox or air only), integration (not air integrated, hose air integaration and hoseless air integration), features and budget and go from there.\n\nTons of choices with regualtors -- start with your budget and diving environement.  I really like the scubapros but there are *many* great choices.  Rodale's Scuba Diving does do periodic gear reviews that are worth a look.\n\nWetsuit is alll about two things:  a) correct thickness for the water temp and your cold tolerance; and b) fit.\n\nWhat about a bc?
832984
Open it fully (not hard) and back off 1/4 to 1/2 half turn. No more or you may cause turbulence in the 1 st stage (heat it doesn't need) and potentially causing condensation in there. Not a good thing for the reg and definitely bad news if you're diving a normal reg and even an environmental, in freezing conditions. It can also cause a possible a supply issue at depth, when you need it most. Leaving it fully open, could cause the valve to stick, making detaching the 1 st stage a vexing experience to say the least.\n It is part of the course, you may have just missed it. I've seen Instructors whip through that part mumbling.\n\nEdit: I disagree with Don on the fully open part regarding overheads etc. So NOT true nor taught in any wreck course or technical diving course. You ARE taught to know your manifold without the need to think. If indeed you do start to turn it the wrong way, the little it has been shut is an immediate indicator. Also, when it's backed off just that little bit from open full, it has NO impact on supply or smoothness of flow to the 1st stage.\n\n Edit: Yup, ask your buddies, they'll agree. As for the fella that answered last...well I guess he's never seen one occur nor read even the OW manual from PADI ( I dug it out, it's in there.). It DOES happen. Just like that outdoor tap that you opened too far and need a wrench to close.\n Due to the amount of dive related questions that are popping up, this evening during a social at the local pub, I asked a pal of mine that owns a 5 star Padi to join under his shop's name. A number of years ago, this man saved my life on a wreck dive, and he's about to become a PADI Director. That's about as high as you get in that particular org as well as standing in my book. I'm not an instructor ( I got bugged again to do the course tonight for free), hence my reluctance to put the word of "god" into some of my answers here. Mine is strictly advice and experience.\n He can. Hopefully he'll join.\n If you're curious, his shop's web site is www.coltcreekdiving.com\n heck, I think there may be a pic or two of me in there too.
246752
Rub the inside of the lenses with saliva using your finger tips. This is the handy and easy way.\nFor better results you can use a piece of raw potato to rub the lenses.\nThen you rinse the goggles before you put them on.\nBoth techniques -plus a couple of others- work also for diving masks.
709325
this is pretty strateforward\n\nhttp://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/scuba.htm
1102398
Depends on where you're at.\n\nI learned when I was living in Thailand for a month. But I have continued my experiences in Brazil, Japan, the Philippines, Australia, and Guam to name a few.\n\nNot knowing where you are or your situation you can learn on vacation trips or pretty much at any certified scuba center near you. You can also search online or the yellow pages for local places nearest you.
356837
I love the purifying mask from o c bigelow, then I use the o c bigelow cucumber skin tonic, I spray it on instead of wiping it on, o c bigelow also has a great honey almond face scrub, and here is a link for a tool that I have that really gets the blackheads out. Steaming is good too use a mini crock pot to get the water hot enough, and Swiss Kriss herbs from the health food store, put the swiss kriss herbs in the pot with water in the sink with a towel over your head and blow on the hot water to make the steam come up.
188353
Stick your index fingers into your ears and breath normal for about 10 - 15 seconds.  It works for me better than the water trick.
1177407
Turn off the vacuum.\n\nremove tube from vacuum to flask.\n\nLift edge of filter paper.\n\nJust do something to break the vacuum.