A leaky mask is a nightmare, isn’t it? Hand on heart – who among us divers doesn’t know it. You’re enjoying a beautiful coral reef or admiring a school of colourful fish when suddenly you feel the water start to leak into your mask. And there it is. Instead of watching the underwater beauty, you keep stopping, spilling water and using more air than necessary. Fortunately, there are a few simple tricks to prevent this.
1.
Granted, all masks look similar at first glance, but the differences are really there! Experienced divers will tell you that the best way to tell the quality is by the face mask. Really good silicone is soft, pleasant to the touch and beautifully flexible – unlike cheaper rubber options. This allows your mask to adapt perfectly to the shape of your face. Personally, I recommend looking for masks with a double edge – that little silicone “ridge” on the inside of the cheekpiece does wonders for a perfect seal.
Tip: Read our guide on how to choose a dive mask.
- The size must fit
Just like with shoes – the mask has to fit! You’ll find some models in a variety of sizes, while others are specifically designed for smaller or larger faces. Trust me, even if you have a non-standard face shape, the right mask is waiting for you somewhere.
How do you know you’ve found the one? Try a simple test: put the mask on your face (without the strap), breathe in lightly through your nose and… Voilà! If the mask fits comfortably and stays in place, you’re on your way. Don’t forget to try out the mouth movements too – sometimes the mask sticks great until you start laughing or talking underwater. And watch out for masks that are too small – no one wants to come out of the water with bruises around their eyes!
- No intruders under the cheekbone!
This is a classic beginner mistake that just about everyone has made. Even the thinnest hair can disrupt the seal of your mask. So make sure you gather your forehead hair properly before putting it on. If you’re using a wetsuit, run your finger around the edge of the hood and make sure your cheekbone is resting directly on the skin, not the wetsuit.
And gentlemen with moustaches – I’ve got bad news for you. Ideally, you should get rid of it before diving. You don’t want it? I understand! In that case, try applying a little silicone grease to the part of your cheekbone that touches the moustache. Just please don’t use Vaseline or similar petroleum-based products – they will break down your precious silicone faster than you can say “snorkel”.
- Center the mask precisely
Do you know what is a common cause of leaks? A poorly positioned mask! Make sure you have it exactly in the middle of your face. Also check the position of the strap – it should be neither too high nor too low on the back of your head. This is because the wrong position of the strap can pull on the cheekbone and create gaps where water likes to enter.
5. Tightening the strap more tightly is not the solution!
This is a myth that is surprisingly widespread among divers. When the mask leaks, the first instinct is to tighten the strap as much as possible. But alas – that won’t solve the problem, quite the opposite! Too tight a strap deforms the facepiece and creates more places for water to seep through. The mask should fit comfortably, not strangle you!