Without a Mask

[toolhoe]

I know there are times when you have to be able to breath through your scuba without a mask, and is something I am having trouble with. I was just wondering if anyone knows a technique to do this or if it is something you just have to get used to.

[chris1744]

it is something you have to get used to. to practice, fill up a bathtub or sink with water and breathe under the water with a snorkel. eventually you should get used to it.

[Lycurgus]

you'll be breathing in thru your (mangled) regulator during pool comp and out through your nose. You'll have your mask on for the first 5 seconds...but not the next 20 minutes or more ;)

[sierra 1]

I know there are times when you have to be able to breath through your scuba without a mask, and is something I am having trouble with. I was just wondering if anyone knows a technique to do this or if it is something you just have to get used to.


Same here mate, same here. But I got used to them because I go to my friend's pool and he doesn't have enough mask for everybody but he has enough snorkels. I find it really hard to breathe without masks. It makes me breathe faster than I normally do with the masks on. So far, I'm getting used to it and my breathing started to slow down.

[sheep_dog]

This here might help:

People start having problems because they cannot shut away their nose, because humans are used to breathing through the nose, not the mouth.

You may also have discomfort because water gets in the eyes, up the nose, and because bubbles bounce off the face (if you are SCUBA without a mask).

Have a swim buddy. Underwater (SCUBA), start off by looking down. Then remove your mask. Water will flood your face. Because you are looking down, water does not rush up the nose yet, and the bubbles do not attack your face. Exhale through the nose, inhale through the mouth. Keep doing this for a while, until you get comfortable. Then swim forward, having your buddy assist you. You will feel water rushing around your face. Keep doing this until you get comfortable. Soon, you will be able to inhale and exhale through the mouth only.

Now you can get used to having your head up, or upside down. Water will gush up the nose. When it starts, just exhale through the nose slowly, and relax. It's not going to hurt you if you are calm.

If at any point you freak out, pinch the nose closed with fingers and breath, trying to relax and get your crap together again. Don't shoot to the surface... As a diver you know what that will do...

You can substitute the SCUBA with a snorkel. It's cheaper, but does not give you as good training. It's a good way to start, though. The sink is also a good way to start, or just standing there, breathing with a flooded mask.

After some time, you will get used to it. Don't resist the water, learn to accept it. Good luck!