Diving Mask

Given that the purpose of snorkeling is to observe what goes on below the surface, a good diving mask is essential in ensuring you are actually able to see clearly underwater.

Unlike a pair of swimmer’s goggles, a snorkeling mask is one that encloses the eyes as well as the nose, and is required for staying below the surface for extended periods. This additional feature not only reminds you to breathe in through your mouth, but more importantly, helps equalize the pressure around the mask by allowing for some exhaled air inside it.

A diving mask may have a single lens or separate lenses for each eye. These are made of tempered glass, which is much stronger and less likely to break into small shards than regular glass. Never buy a diving mask with regular glass lenses, as if these break, they can splinter into small, sharp shards and cause serious injury to your eyes.

An important aspect of finding the right mask is making sure the seal or skirt is of good quality, as this is what keeps the water out of your eyes. Look out for masks with double skirts made of silicone, which are softer against the skin and more long lasting than their neoprene counterparts. The retaining straps which hold the mask to your head are also usually made of silicone, ensuring a snug fit.

It is essential that you are comfortable in your diving mask, so make sure you choose one that fits well! You can try on a mask before buying it by holding it to your face and inhaling slightly through your nose. This creates a vacuum and allows you to see how the mask would feel under water. More importantly than looking out for any additional features, make sure that the shape and size of the mask feel comfortable, and that it seals well.

Like snorkels, diving masks may also come with purge valves to help dispel water that may leak in. If your seal is good, though, this feature may not be necessary at all. Alternatively, some snorkelers actually prefer allowing a small amount of water to swish around their mask as it can help in clearing the lenses instantly if they fog up.

If you have tried snorkeling and are unable to get used to breathing through your mouth, you may want to invest in a full face mask like the Tribord EasyBreath. As the name suggests, these cover your eyes, nose, as well as mouth, and allow you to breathe normally as you would above water. They contain separate channels for inhaling and exhaling, and so ensure that you always breathe in fresh air. They also reduce the chance of getting facial cramps when snorkeling for long periods, as they don’t require you to bite down on a mouthpiece.

Various other specialty masks are also available, such as those which contain ear muffs and integrated cameras. If you have any special requirements for health or recreational purposes, it may be convenient to find devices for these that are integrated with your mask, and minimize the amount of equipment you need to carry.

Source: https://www.jenreviews.com/snorkeling/