Scuba Masks and Swim Fins

Two Important Pieces of Diving Gear That Should Fit Perfectly

Sep 14, 2008 Jim Bray

A scuba diver's two most important pieces of basic dive gear are their scuba mask and swim fins. A diver's level of comfort depends on a mask and fins that fits right.

Fish are equipped with eyes that can focus underwater and fins to give them movement. A diver has to wear a dive mask to have clear vision and swim fins for movement while diving. A mask creates a pocket of air in front of the eyes which enables them to focus. Fins provide the propulsion underwater.

Choosing the Right Dive Mask

There are many different styles of scuba masks. Some masks will fit the face better than others. There are two basic styles of mask, a 3 lens style and a 4 lens style. A mask with 3 lenses has a single front lens and two side lenses. A 4 lens mask has two lenses, like a pair of glasses, and two side lenses. Each style will give a diver a little different field of vision.

The shape of the mask and the silicone skirt on the mask must form an air tight seal on the diver's face. A good way to check if a mask fits properly is for the diver to place the mask on their face with the strap hanging loose and inhale. If they then lean forward, the mask should remain on the diver's face.

Proper care of a diving mask is important to help ensure a perfect fit every time. A mask should be stored in a hard plastic case, with the lenses down and out of direct sunlight. This will keep the silicone skirt from losing its shape.

A new scuba mask comes with a protective coating on the lens. This can be removed with a soft cloth and toothpaste. The toothpaste should be nonabrasive to prevent a diver from having a scratched scuba mask after cleaning. It is a good idea to try the toothpaste on a small part of the lens first.

For divers who wear glasses, there are many styles of mask that can be fitted with prescription lenses. This prevents a diver from trying to use an underwater mask with prescription glasses. Contacts can be worn safely with a normal mask. The mask gives an adequate degree of protection from the water.

Fitting Scuba Fins

With the right pair of dive swim fins a diver can move fluidly through the water with the least amount of effort. This means a diver will be less tired, conserve air and have longer bottom times when diving.

There are plenty of styles of fins to choose from, depending on a diver’s preferences. Some divers choose a split fin while other divers prefer the more traditional styles. Divers should consider the type of diving they will be doing when deciding on which style of fin to buy.

Divers can choose from a foot-pocket fin or a heel strap fin. The foot-pocket fits the foot like a slipper. The heel strap is held on with a strap over the heel. Most divers wear neoprene boots with the heel strap fins. It is important to wear the boots when testing for a proper fit.

When a diver’s swim fins fit properly, they should feel snug, not tight. The toes should not feel pinched and the pocket or heel strap should be just snug enough for the heel not to slip.

A diver will know when they have the best scuba fins. Their movement in the water will become more fluid and their legs will be less tired. They will use less air and have longer bottom times. The right pair of fins will help a diver swim further and faster with less effort and have a more enjoyable dive.

The copyright of the article Scuba Masks and Swim Fins in Water Sports is owned by Jim Bray. Permission to republish Scuba Masks and Swim Fins in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Basic Scuba Gear

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