FAQ's

We know you have questions and here we have done our best to anticipate and answer those that might already be on your mind.

How do I pick a mask that won’t leak?

It’s important that you select the right type of mask to fit your face. If you are a large build with a larger than normal head, you will need to select one of our large and long masks. If you have a regular sized face, we’ve indicated the packs that “fits most faces.” If you are a small frame person then select our mid-range masks. All the masks we have been hand-picked and tested by our divers for fit and comfort and quality.

What is the difference between Silicone and Silitex?

Silicon is a product that stays soft and retains its shape for years. Silitex is a combination of PVC and silicon. It gets harder as it gets older and is less comfortable to wear. It doesn’t seal against your face as well as silicone. PVC snorkels often give you mouth ulcers if you use them for long snorkeling sessions.

What size fin do I choose if I want to wear reef walkers inside my fins?

It is best to select reef walkers with a very slim sole to fit inside your fins. Select a fin size larger than your normal shoe size to accommodate the reef walker.

What size fin do I choose if I want to wear dive socks inside my fins?

Dive socks are quite thin so fit inside most open-heeled fins, you just may need to loosen the strap slightly.

What are the different snorkels?

Some snorkels have a dry top, to stop water from entering the pipe as waves break over them. Others have drain valves at the bottom to make clearing any water easier. There are large bore snorkels for adults and smaller bore snorkels for youth and children.

Do snorkels have different mouthpieces?

Yes, snorkels have different barrel lengths and diameters, and some have larger mouthpieces. The best snorkel for you matches the size of your windpipe. Small frame people have smaller windpipes, children even smaller. We have paired our larger diameter snorkels with bigger mouthpieces with our bigger masks and our smaller barrel snorkels with our mid-sized masks. Our children’s packs come with special mini snorkels.

What is a dry snorkel?

A dry snorkel has a top valve that prevents water from entering the snorkel when waves break over it. Some may minimize water in your snorkel as you duck dive under the waves.

What mask is best for underwater photography?

If you are spearfishing or using an underwater camera – you may want to consider a black silicone skirted mask. A clear silicone mask allows light in the sides of the mask, so it is harder to see the screen of your camera, it’s like looking at your mobile phone in bright sunlight. A mask with a black silicone skirt blocks the light and allows you to focus on the image.

What is the best mask for spearfishing?

If you are spearfishing a black silicone skirt allows you to judge distances more accurately so improves your strike rate. As you dive down deeper you may need a smaller volume mask to avoid squeeze.

I have a big head – which mask is best for me?

We have several packs that have a bigger than normal mask – we’ve marked them ideal for a larger head.

How do I choose the right mask for my child?

Size by age is an effective way to select gear. If your child is big for their age, go a size higher. If they are small for their age, then go down a pack.

How do I prepare my snorkel gear before I use it?

You need to clean your mask with white toothpaste on the inside of the lens. Breathe heavily into your mask, if it still fogs, clean it again. You are removing the silicon coating put on the mask in manufacture. Sometimes it can be quite sticky.

How do I stop my mask from fogging?

After you have cleaned your mask with toothpaste you may need to apply some anti-fog solution to the inside of your mask before you dive. Any trace of oil on your skin, from sunscreens or even SPF added to body wash or shampoos can cause your mask to fog. People who use moisturizers on their face will find their mask will fog without an anti-fog spray prior to their dive.

I’ve had masks that leak when I dive down deeper, why is this?

Inexpensive dive masks are designed for surface snorkeling. When you dive down under pressure they collapse and let water in. We have tested all the masks we are selling, and they are all great to at least 18m. Some of the more highly priced masks are designed for scuba divers they are designed to go down to 50m. Their skirts and construction are so comfortable that we have included them in this range.

What snorkeling masks can be used for scuba diving?

There is quite a difference in the materials used between inexpensive snorkeling masks and the higher priced scuba masks. Also, the construction is different. Scuba masks have greater strength around the sides of the mask, so it won’t collapse or twist under pressure. Scuba masks often employ the latest in sealing technology to make sure that the mask won’t leak at any depth.

Can I get prescription lens for my mask?

Over 55% of all Australians wear glasses (or contacts). If you need some sort of vision correction, we can help you fit lens into your face mask. We have several packs that include corrective lens to make sure you see crystal clear underwater.

If you use reading glasses, it may be that you need a booster lens in the bottom of your mask to magnify the smaller things you see underwater. Our booster lens range from +1.0 to +4.5 in 0.5 diopter increments i.e., +1.0 then +1.5. It may be that you need a lens that makes fish at distance clearer. Corrective lenses go from 1.0 to -8.0 in 0.5 diopter increments.

How do I decide which corrective lens I need?

If you need help working out what lens you require you can send us a copy of your prescription and we can help you. We’ll make sure that you don’t miss a moment of your dive.

How tight should my mask be?

You need to allow the mask to sit lightly against your face, allowing the water pressure to make the seal. If you over-tighten your mask, you may buckle the seals and allow water in.

Does snorkeling gear vary in weight?

Yes, depending on the materials snorkeling gear does vary in weight. We have included the total weight of each package for you so you can work out which option is best for your travels.

What is the best thing to clean a face mask?

White toothpaste on the inside of the lens, cleans off any silicone grease or residue from the mask’s manufacture. You can also purchase some excellent mask cleaners – just check the ingredients to make sure they won’t damage your eyes. Cleaners and anti-fogs for goggles, windscreens and glass, usually contain Petro-chemicals that can damage your vision if they come in contact with your eyes.

How do I look after my snorkel gear between dives?

Remove all traces of sand. Wash it with warm water, to dissolve any salt residue, dry and store in a dark but airy place, hanging in a mesh bag with your fin tips pointed upwards and face mask placed where it won’t get squashed, is ideal. Clean your mask with toothpaste before you store it.

Can I get a mask that will accommodate my go pro?

Yes, we have masks with go pro mounts available. We have chosen models that fit most faces.

I have facial hair which style of mask will suit me and not leak?

Masks with a black silicone skirt usually seal better on facial hair. It helps if you shave under your nose, so a small sliver of bare skin is available for the silicone to seal to.

 If you have a busy beard, you may be better off with a mask with a purge valve. So as water enters through your beard, you can easily clear it out.

You can also purchase some of our edible silicone to slick down loose hairs to assist with your mask seal.

Do not use Vaseline or any other petroleum-based products, they will melt your silicone skirt on your face mask.

Can I get a mask with a purge valve to empty any water that may sneak in?

Yes, a purge valve mask is great for people who dislike water on their face. To empty any water that sneaks in, you simply exhale through your nose, increasing the pressure in the mask and force water out of the one-way valve at the base of the purge valve, below your nose.

I have had a broken cheekbone; how will I get a mask to seal?

If your face is not symmetrical due to an injury, try and buy the best quality silicone mask you can afford.

Some of our new models come with a recent technology with a low friction skirt surface, which provides a superior seal. These have proved wonderfully comfortable and leak free with our customers with non-symmetrical features.

The second option is a mask with a purge valve. If water does leak in, you can easily clear the mask using the purge valve in the base of the nosepiece.

If this is a particular problem for you, please feel free to contact customer service (02) 9689 1389 and we can suggest another option from you from our Warehouse.