Clearing a mask is one of scuba diving’s essential skills. Some masks fog easily and it’s important to know how to fill your mask with water and be able to exhale through your nose to clear a mask.
During a dive, your mask can get foggy for a number of reasons including: sheer excitement of seeing something magical underwater, hair getting stuck in your mask or a mask that still has its plastic film. New masks need to have the plastic film inside burned off with a candle or lighter before use.
Follow these steps to clear a mask from water:
- Take a few deep breaths
- Full your mask with a little bit of water by placing a finger in between the mask and your face. Alternatively, tilt the mask forward slightly allowing it to fill with water
- Look down
- Place two fingers from each hand on the top of your mask at either side
- Exhale through your nose as you look up and down
- If there’s still water inside your mask, repeat the same process
- Remove your hair from the seal and make sure the mask is sitting comfortably in the right position on the crown of your head
- Please remember to exhale through your nose and not your mouth!
- For those that have sensitive eyes or wear contact lenses, it may be more comfortable to perform the skill with your eyes closes.
As with anything, practice makes perfect. If you’re not comfortable at the beginning performing these skills, try again in a controlled environment. Some people struggle to clear their mask which causes them to panic, which is why this will be covered in all Try Dives and Diver Level 1 certifications. It’s a new sensation and practicing in the right environment will help put you at ease.
Things to remember:
- Remember to breathe! Breathing will help you feel comfortable and more relaxed
- As you’re clearing your mask, do not lift it from your face as this causes your mask to fill with water
- Look down and then up, repeat as necessary
- Take your time and do it slowly
- With low profile masks, like those used in freediving, use the palm of one hand at the top of the mask and then exhale to clear
- If you have a beard of mustache, consider using vaseline on the hair under the mask to help seal the mask from water.
