One of the common myths is that only professionals are engaged in diving and it is not accessible to ordinary people. When you watch people dressed in wetsuits and other equipment on the beach, diving seems to be insanely difficult and dangerous, and, besides everything else, boring.
If you look back at a recent history - about 10 years ago - we can say that people with good physical training, such as athletes and special forces, went to divers. Today, diving is very popular among the population. This occupation is for the forces of both women and children and the elderly. If we analyze the dynamics of diving in our country, then we can safely say that this sport is just beginning to develop.
Why is a swimming mask a necessary element of diver’s equipment?
According to most divers, a diving mask is the main element of equipment for a diver. It should be noted that swimming without a mask is considered a distress signal for all codes of the underwater federations.
Mask for diving - why is it?
In water, the human eye is not able to reproduce information about objects of the world with the same clarity as on land. Therefore, free space is required between the eye and water.
A diving mask is one of the simplest devices created for this purpose.
Why is a mask necessary for diving, not glasses? Because it is undesirable to dive into swimming goggles to a depth of more than 1-2 meters, since with a significant difference in pressure the goggles will begin to function as suction cups. A mesh of hemorrhage in the eyes is the lesser of the ills that are guaranteed to you in this case. Therefore, for diving to great depths, it is precisely the diving mask that is needed, since it, due to your exhalation with your nose, is able to equalize the pressure between the environment and the mask space.
In the process of diving as a result of the fact that the pressure of the water on the mask increases, you may experience uncomfortable sensations. This is because there is a difference in pressure between the inside and the underwater equipment. You can equalize the pressure if you make a slow exhale through the nose into the mask.
What does a swimming mask consist of?
Each diver’s mask consists of a hard rim, in which one or several straps for fixing equipment on the face, and a soft case are built-in. The vast majority of modern masks have a silicone body. It should be noted that it can create glare on the glass, but it significantly increases the diver's viewing angle.
The strap of the mask can be made of silicone or rubber. Of course, the first option is more preferable, since silicone is many times softer than rubber and more elastic.
How to choose a mask for diving?
The choice of masks for diving today is quite wide. This equipment has a rich assortment of colors and shapes. The best mask for diving involves a maximum viewing angle with a minimum amount of space under the mask.
The space bounded on one side by the diver’s face, and the mask on the other, is called the mask space, which is filled with air. Of course, the larger the masking space, the more difficult it is to keep the head body down or in a horizontal position, since the lifting force due to the presence of air is greater. That is why it is necessary to choose the mask, the volume of the masking space of which is less. A volume of about 200 cubic millimeters is considered normal.
When a mask is considered perfect
- If it matches the shape of your face. Masks are available specifically for a narrow face or wide. That is, they are not dimensionless. When trying on a mask, you need to pay attention to how it fits to your face. The mask, which is great for you, will sag. This is dangerous, as water will easily fall under it. If the mask is small, then it will put too much pressure on the face, which will create a lot of inconvenience.
- The strap is comfortable. Many divers prefer masks with fabric or neoprene straps. But silicone is considered more reliable, as they fit more tightly to the head, reducing the likelihood that the mask will fall. However, girls with long hair will be more comfortable if they use masks with neoprene straps.
- Does not affect visual acuity. If the diver uses lenses or wears glasses, then it is better for him to make a mask to order with diopters. Otherwise, it may reduce visual acuity, which will lead to discomfort when using it.
- If with a small amount of mask space has a large viewing angle. When you try on a mask, check if it is convenient to look around. Usually, the closer to the eyes the glass of the mask, the better its visibility. In addition, glass that is close is easier to clean.
- You like it externally. Together with this mask you have to spend quite a long time, so it would be better if you like it - its shape and color should suit your taste. Naturally, for the sake of this, you should not sacrifice the practicality and convenience of the model.
A children's mask for diving is selected according to the same pattern.
How to remove water from a mask
In the process of immersion and swimming, it is possible that water will enter the under-mask space. This can happen due to hair falling under the equipment flange, as well as if you are yawning, laughing or talking.
In order to remove water falling under the mask, it is necessary to tilt your head back, press the top of the mask and exhale through the nose. Provided that your mask is equipped with a valve, there is no need to press on the upper edge.
If you did everything right, then the water will go through the bottom flange. These steps can be repeated until the fluid is completely removed.
What to do if a snorkeling mask fogs up?
The mask may fog up when immersed in water. In order to prevent fogging, you just need to wipe the equipment glass on the inside with saliva, and then rinse with water. This action will help prevent mask fogging.
After immersion, the mask should be washed well in fresh water. Leaving this equipment part in direct sunlight for a long time is not recommended.
How to reduce pressure on the eardrum?
One of the unpleasant results of the fact that the pressure has increased can be uncomfortable sensations in the ears. Why is this happening? Due to the difference in pressure inside the ear, where the air is, and outside, where the water is. In order to level the pressure, you need to “purge”, that is, pinch your nose with your fingers and try to exhale it. If your mask has a nose protrusion, then it will be extremely easy for you to do the above.
Where to buy a mask for swimming?
Many products for diving can be bought in goods stores, for example, Sportmaster offers them. Masks for snorkeling are usually presented there in a large assortment. Which equipment company is considered the best? It is believed that the best diving masks are made by the Japanese company Tusa. The company has existed since 1952 and was one of the first to produce diving equipment. Tusa snorkeling mask is sure to become your reliable guide to the underwater world.