Mask Clearing from the rec.scuba newsgroup.

Here's a post from the rec.scuba newsgroup:

Mike,

What value can you put on avoiding a big fight, hurt feelings andsulking during your vacation? Boyfriends (and girlfriends) put a lotof pressure on the their partners when they push them towardssomething that they find uncomfortable. Their partners can feel thatpressure whether there was actual pushing or not - simply because theywant to please, impress or compete.

It can happen when you try to teach too actively, as well.

I liked talskeddy's post, but I would make sure that when you hit thepool with your GF that you do teach too actively. Instead, acceptthat she will be doing the learning - at her own pace.
If she gets frustrated or hits a wall - give her room. Only help whenshe asks.

Being able to clear a flooded mask builds confidence for snorkelers,whether or not they have to use the skill. Surface diving is also agreat confidence builder.

If you really, really want to have her teach herself mask clearing ina fool proof method. Have her follow my Mind, Body, Spirit technique for scuba and snorkel training:

1. Visualize the task at hand by breaking it down into the individualsteps involved.
2. Affirm the tasks by speaking them out loud and acting them outstanding in shallow water.
3.Place the mask and snorkel on and have her relax, floating face downon the surface, before submerging. Have her float like this on thesurface for 2-3 minutes doing deep breathing exercises.
4. Have her submerge, again in shallow water,sit on the bottom andclear the mask.

Oh yeah, don't let her tighten down the mask strap too much, it makes the mask leak.

You could also talk to your local dive shop and get her a one hourpool session or even have her take a quick snorkeling course. Theyshe'll learn mask clearing, suface diving and the buddy system. Theprice of a grumpy vacation just aint worth it.

Schultzie

www.zendiver.blogspot.com

(The original posts follow - Sorry about the formatting)

On 15 May 2005 22:40:19 -0700, "talskeddy" <david_bazeley@yahoo.com>wrote:
>resist the temptation to put the mask on too tight (it doesnt help)

>>at the pool:

>-put the mask on loosely>-underwater, press mask against face with hand (this creates negative>pressure and keeps the mask on without distortion>-practice letting in a little water by breaking the seal at the top>-practice swishing the water round to clear the glass>-practice getting rid of excess water by blowing air though nose (be>near the surface>-advanced - practice tightening your mask by inhaling though your nose>(bend your head forward to get water out of nose place and blow water>out of nostrils first)>>hope this helps>>It took me a while to figure some of this out>Do it at the pool

________

> Hello all,> apologies if this is not the right place but the snorkelling group> seemed kinda quiet.>> Me and my GF will be taking a holiday soon which will involve a bit of> snorkelling. Now the problem is that she is a bit nervous about the> whole mask leaking thing (I have just got her a well fitting mask so> that should help) and breathing underwater. I figured that going to> the local pool and playing around with taking the mask off underwater> should help (starting in shallow water and working deeper). However,> being a rock climber I have witnessed couples ending up in screaming> matches when boyfriend decided to 'teach' girlfriend climbing. I> would like to avoid this.>> So my question is do you have any tips for helping someone who is a> bit nervous about diving/snorkelling, but is otherwise perfectly> comfortable in the water?>> Cheers>> Mike