How to Snorkel with A Full-Face Snorkel Mask

The use of full-face snorkeling masks has gained worldwide popularity in recent years, as it feels more natural to breathe through the nose instead of the mouth, unlike with the traditional snorkels. This type of snorkel mask is also very popular among beginners, who prefer full-face protection from water. While there have been snorkelers who remain skeptical about it or those who raise safety concerns, the use of full-face snorkel masks also has some benefits, which will be discussed later on.

In this post, we will be discussing everything that you need to know about how to snorkel using a full-face snorkel mask. How you use the full-face snorkel mask is somewhat similar to how you use the traditional one, but with a few key differences. If you’re curious about it, then keep reading.

What Is a Full-Face Snorkel Mask?

A full-face snorkel mask has the capability to cover your entire face while you snorkel underwater. It features two portions, the top for viewing and the bottom for breathing. Unlike traditional snorkel masks, full-face snorkel masks don’t have a mouthpiece, thereby completely preventing gag reflex most snorkelers experience.

What’s great about it is that the snorkel is built into the mask. While they appear to be shorter than the traditional one, full-face snorkel masks stop at the top of your head. In addition, this type of snorkel mask isn’t shorter than the traditional snorkel masks. It’s because the air is internally funneled, specifically at the lower portion of the snorkel mask.

Advantages of Using a Full-Face Snorkel Mask

It allows natural breathing

Using a full-face snorkel mask allows you to inhale and exhale, either from your mouth or your nose. The natural feeling aids in keeping you calm and relaxed, especially when you’re already in the water. In addition, it’s great for beginners as there wouldn’t be any learning curve in terms of using the full-face snorkel mask.

It’s an effective water barrier

As the name suggests, a full-face snorkel mask seals your whole face, thereby decreasing the possibility of water penetrating the mask. Having a mustache also wouldn’t present a problem if you opt to use this type of snorkel mask. It features a rear strap, which holds the snorkel mask in its original position, giving you the freedom to move however you want without losing it.

It features a built-in dry top system

While this feature is also offered in traditional snorkel masks, high-performance full-face snorkel masks absolutely take snorkeling into the next level. In case you’re not familiar, full-face masks have been designed in a way that even the smallest amount of water gets into the mask, it will then be channeled away off your face. There’s also a small valve you can find at the bottom that allows you to drain the water.

It prevents jaw fatigue

Full-face snorkel masks don’t have the mouthpiece you need to bite on, making it a lot comfortable for you even if you wear it for extended periods. This holds true, especially if you have mouth or sore jaw issues.

It allows better visibility underwater

Full-face snorkel masks feature a curved lens, which extends just right behind your eye. The way it’s been crafted allows a clear and uninterrupted 180-degree view. In addition, the frame is sealed just behind your line of vision, which would mean that it wouldn’t be changing your view.

It features anti-fog breathing circulation

Full-face snorkel masks have the capability to prevent fog, unlike the traditional ones. They also come with a dual vent system, which effectively allows air circulation without fogging.

How to Snorkel with A Full-Face Snorkel Mask

• - Make sure that you’re only using a certified full-face snorkel mask. You may try the brands Scubastore or Decathlon, as these are among the most trusted in terms of water sports gear and apparel. In addition, both companies, in our opinion, exceed your expectations and they follow-up and post-sale consultation services.
• - Notice that the full-face snorkel masks feature an adjustable strap made of elastic textile. Having this type of material in your full-face snorkel mask already makes a big difference, as it will not pull your hair.
• - Choose the right size. We do recommend the sizes small and medium for women and kids while medium and large sizes for men.
• - Notice that this full-face snorkeling mask also offers a 180-degree view of the seabed.
• - This feature also allows quick fog evacuation, as well as great comfort and reliable sealing.
• - Once you have strap the full-face snorkel on, then you’re good to go.

When you’re using the mask for the first time, make sure to do these steps:

• - To eliminate the mask fogging due to the manufacturing process of the full-face snorkel mask, wash it using warm soapy water. Doing such terminates the manufacturer’s residue and lubricant. In case you didn’t know, the manufacturer applied this lubricant so that the silicon skirts won’t lose their flexibility and color.
• - After washing, apply an abrasive cleaner, specifically on the internal portion of the glass lenses. However, this step should be skipped if the lenses are made of plastic. Doing so will only scratch the lenses.
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  - Using toothpaste also offers a simple and easy solution to clean the lens thoroughly, as well as preventing it from fogging. However, you need to make sure that the toothpaste is actually the paste type and never the gel type.

Conclusion

Getting yourself a high-quality and reliable full-face snorkel mask allows you to enjoy more of your snorkeling time. However, you must be able to know the basics of using one for it to be deemed effective. Hopefully, this guide has been of great help in case you’re doubtful about getting one.

As mentioned, there have been some concerns that were raised about it but if you look deep enough, you will realize that it makes snorkeling a lot more comfortable for you, especially when you compare it to the traditional snorkeling masks. We trust that you will now be able to put this new knowledge into good use now that you have read how to snorkel using a full-face snorkel mask.