How do I overcome these problems with Scuba Diving?

Question

I can take the regulator out of my mouth, but when I put it back in my mouth, water gets into my mask and I suck it up my nose. I am also terrified to let water into my mask. because I have trouble not breathing through my nose. I love divng, but until I can complete these skills I cannot continue with my certification. I wish I was more comfortable under the water, but I don't know how to get over my fear. I have tried practicing in the bathtub, using only the snorkel, but I still suck water up my nose. And advice??? SERIOUS ANSWERS ONLY PLEASE.

Answer 1

Ok, first of all y do u get water into ur mask when u put on ur regulator. Second, i remember when i was learning to scuba dive, we wud do the following to get rid of water in mask. Look up, press down with one hand on the top of the mask and blow out throgh ur nose. THis shud clear all the water without u losing the mask

Answer 2

I'm there with you. I have been diving since 87 i was always getting water in my mask I hate it. I have a tried a few types of mask and the mask gel seal and it just makes it messy. The only thing that helped was getting a new mouth piece from i think its sure fit you heat up the mouth piece and bite down on it to mold it to your bite, kinda like a football mouth piece. It works great your lips don't puff out and your jaw will not get tired over all its just more comfortable. Taking the mask off under-water i had to pinch my nose to get past the training any good instructor will let you pass this way. you get the same results ans you are more comfortable under the water. have fun diving hope it helps

Answer 3

Taking the reg out can't put water into your mask since the two aren't in any way attached; so I'd follow the others' suggestions about firstly making sure you're mask fits as it does suggest that you're trying to inhale through your nose in order to breathe.

Perhaps the first thing to do (and swimming pools are much better than a bath tub, since it's odd being "upside down") is to take a big breath, go under the water with a mask and just calmly practice breathing out, so the absence of breath doesn't induce a panicked response around using your nose.

And in diving, the trick is to pop the reg back in, clear it using the button or blowing hard and then breathe through it again.

The real issue is to get round your need to breathe through your nose.

Answer 4

I agree, it sounds like your mask is too big or too loose. Press it to your face, it should stay up with just the barest inhale through your nose. If you have to keep inhaling to keep it on your face, it's too big. If you are a small woman with a narrow face, you may need to check into a youth sized mask.

I agree with you that the mask removal exercise is the worst... I wear contacts and am totally paranoid about losing them while diving. The best advice I ever got was from my open water instructor who said "RELAX, this is fun!!!" And he was soooo right. 16 years and several more certifications later, he was very right.

Keep practicing... maybe your instructor can help you with some extra pool sessions?

Do keep in mind, SCUBA is not for everyone, and if you can't relax underwater, you could find yourself endangering your life as well as your buddy's.

Answer 5

With the issue of the correct mask fit aside. You need to get comfortable with water in your mask. Practice in shallow water, with just a snorkel (no mask), just work on breathing in and out your mouth, and keeping your nasal passage blocked. Even with a great fitting mask, you are bound to get water in your mask at some point, be sure you don't freak out when it happens. Good luch, dive safe.

Answer 6

I suspect the mask is too big for you, it may not fit your face properly.

If you still have the habit of breathing through your nose, and water gets in, chances are the seal of the mask is too big for you.
If its a good fit, even if you breath through your nose, it will form a proper seal and water should not get in at all.

Anther possibility lies with poor design of the seal near your nose pocket and laugh-line area.

Try to press the mask slightly against your face, tighten the strap a little if you like and check that if it seals right. Breath in through your nose, if the mask sucks tighter against your face, you have a better seal now. Otherwise look for another mask to fit your face.

Answer 7

I sometimes find that if my left ear won't equalise tilting my head to the right and stretching my neck as i hold my nose and gently blow through my nose helps. If the problem is with your hood you could try making a small hole in the top which would allow a small amount of water in - this would prevent air from getting trapped and prevent you from equalising. As the other guy said though - I would get your ears checked by a doctor before trying again, better to be safe than sorry.