USVI-On-Line

New masks have a film on them that's a remnant from the manufacturing process. Using toothpaste to rinse and scrub them a few times will get rid of the film, then any of the anti-fog products will work better (as will plain old saliva!).

Unless you are on a really tight budget, I'd consider buying your mask from the person at the dive shop that takes the time and trouble to help you find the one that fits best and answers your questions rather than letting them give you that personal service then saving a few bucks by buying elsewhere.

As far as snorkels go, the simpler the better for me. Less gadgets means fewer things that can go bad. Take the time to learn to clear the snorkel and you won't have to take your mask out of the water, even after diving down to get a close look/picture.

I bought my wife a Canon D10 ahead of our most recent trip to St. John. She loves it, and it's capable of taking some great pictures.

We use full size fins that we wear with booties. We already own them since they're a part of our dive gear. If we're doing long swims or have to fight current I like the greater propulsion that they provide for. That being said, I've never used the short ones, but since I've been successful carrying on the ones we already have, there hasn't been any reason for us to try them.

Thanks, Augie. I had seen the tip about the toothpaste on a new mask in some reviews online. I hadn't heard of that before so I'll be anxious to try it. I think getting the mask from the dive shop may be the way to go. It looks like pricing at the closest shop isn't that different anyway. Thanks, again!