How to Adjust a Snorkelling Mask

Snorkelling masks are one of the key pieces of equipment for scuba divers, snorkellers and other people who want to be able to see underwater without getting water in their eyes. Snorkelling masks fit over the eyes and part of the face of the people who wear them, providing a lens into the underwater world. There are a wide variety of masks that suit novice to expert snorkellers, but all of them require some amount of adjustment before they can be used properly.

Instructions

    • 1

      Ensure the mask fits properly. To do so, place it against your face, but do not put the strap over your head. Inhale. If the mask fits your face properly, the suction created by slowly inhaling air will hold it in place.

    • 2

      Loosen the strap so it fits over your head when you hold the mask to your face. To do so, pull the tag end of the strap toward you. If the strap has tag ends on each side of the mask, make sure to tighten each equally.

    • 3

      Tighten the strap just enough so the mask does not slide off your face. The strap on a snorkelling mask is meant only to keep the mask from slipping off of your face. The pressure under the water is actually what seals the mask against your face.

    • 4

      Climb into the water with the mask over your face. Slowly inhale as you place your head underwater. If the mask is tight to your face, and there is no water leaking in, your mask is properly adjusted. If water leaks in, take your head out of the water, and pull on the straps to tighten the mask. Do this until the mask no longer leaks.

    • 5

      Some snorkelling masks have purge valves, which allow you to remove water from the mask, should it leak when you are underwater. To purge the water from the mask, press it against your face, look toward the bottom of the area in which you are snorkelling, and exhale through your noise.