USVI-On-Line

Hello everyone!

We're heading down again in a couple of weeks, but I have a question regarding snorkeling equipment. I've used my mask and snorkel(dry) successful for a few years, but when we were down in November, I kept having alot of leakage into my snorkel and mask. I know my face hasn't changed shape , so what could be causing the problem?

Suggestions?

Lori

The silicone rubber that forms the seal has dried out and is as pliable any more.

Or you've gotten some sand in the silicone seal and it's leaking because of the sand. Go to a dive shop and have them look at it and see if it can be fixed.

Go to the dive shop for a fitting. I was leaking one year and found I had the mask too tight.

I was experiencing a leaky mask during our trip in December.

I was complaining about it to Capt Phil and Tarn on the Wayward Sailor during a daysail and Tarn had me put the mask on and then she looked it over and said while pulling it down further on my face, "Maybe it's seated a little high, try this" No more leaks!! Such a simple solution!

It sure made the snorkel a lot more enjoyable.

I think it's probably that the seal's too old. We snorkel a couple of weeks a year, and then store until the next year. The set's about 5 years old, so I guess my anniversary present is a new set. I'll check out Cruz Bay Watersports in about 8 days.

Thanks again.

Lori

Five years old dosn't seem too old to me. My mask is move than 12 years old and still is in good shape. It's important that you rinse the salt water off everytime you use it and always store it away clean.

Tarn has a good point, try reseating the mask either higher or lower and relaxing. I notice when I first start snorkeling after a year off it takes me a bit to get a good seal the first time out. I've attributed the leaks to residual up-tightness from my non-island life.

My mask is at least 10 years old and still good. Diana2 has some good advice. After every snorkel, rinse with fresh water. Since I have a beard I coat the lower seal that contacts the whiskers with Unpetroleum Lip Balm. It helps make a good seal and since it is an all natural product it doesn't react with the silicone like a petroleum jelly will.