The most common problem we see with new dive and snorkel students is mask clearing.  This is one of the BASIC skills required to pass the class.  Students must be able to demonstrate this skill in the pool and on their open water dive.  So why do some many students have problems with this skill? 

The main symptom that causes most students to have their problems is anxiety.  No one likes to have water in their eyes and/or up their nose.  We start our skills in the shallow part of pool then later we move to the deep end both on mask and snorkel.  We then we add a regulator which makes the skill a little easier.  In the beginning, many people think they will run out of air doing this skill.  This skill normally takes anywhere from 10 - 20 seconds to clear the mask and snorkel. 

We try to get students to understand 3 basic principles in mask clearing.

1. LOOK UP, most of the time this is the one part of the skill students fail to do.   See the roof (in pool) or the sky.
2. CRACK THE BOTTOM OF YOUR MASK, this is done by gently applying pressure on the top of your mask.
3. BLOW OUT USING YOUR NOSE.

These three skills will almost always clear your mask.  The most important skill to remember is to relax, relax, relax, and you will be successful.