| Removing and replacing a scuba mask is the skill that | | | | |
| most new divers worry about. However with a few | | | | 1. Fill your mask with water by breaking the seal |
| simple steps you can master this skill. | | | | 2. Take a moment to breath and get used to having |
| Mask clearing | | | | your face covered by water. |
| Before you learn to remove and replace your mask | | | | 3. Remove the mask strap and take the mask away |
| completely you should practice clearing the mask until | | | | from your face. |
| you are comfortable with this skill. | | | | 4. DO NOT LET GO OF THE MASK! |
| Remember - when you clear the mask start | | | | 5. Make sure your snorkel is clear and to the side of |
| breathing out before you tilt your head up to | | | | the mask. |
| prevent water going up your nose. | | | | 6. Place your thumb in the nose pocket and guide it |
| The magic snorkel | | | | back to your face. |
| To prepare in advance for the mask removal you | | | | 7. Place the mask strap over your head and make |
| can practice at home with a snorkel. Fill a basin with | | | | sure it is not twisted. |
| water and place your face in the water. Breath | | | | 8. Feel around the skirt of the mask to make sure |
| through the snorkel to get used to having your face | | | | nothing is caught in it, hood or hair, also to make sure |
| in water but still breathing. | | | | it is not tucked up. |
| Each time you do it try and stay an extra couple of | | | | 9. Clear the mask as you have been practicing |
| breaths until you work up to thirty seconds. | | | | before. Remember the point of the practice sessions |
| Practice in your comfort zone | | | | are to build your confidence, if things are not going |
| When you get to your next scuba diving session ask | | | | well ask to take a break and come back to the skill |
| practice in the shallow end first before going into the | | | | later. When you master a new scuba diving skill there |
| deeper water. | | | | is always a great sense of achievement. Making sure |
| When you do have to do the mask removal, try to | | | | you are confident with mask clearing, practice with |
| take things slowly and focus on your breathing when | | | | the magic snorkel at home and taking things slowly in |
| you are nervous. If you panic signal the up sign and | | | | the pool session will help you remove and replace |
| your instructor will bring you to the surface. | | | | your mask with ease and confidence. |
| Mask removal and replace - step by step | | | | Good luck! |