Snorkeling with a mustache question

[nehdeh]

My DH has a mustache and has had difficulty on previous cruises getting a good seal around his mask when snorkeling. He has been told it's because of his mustache. Anyone have any tips for him, other than shaving it off, to help him get a good seal?

 

[American Scrapper]

I'd like answers this too. My DH has shaved his off each time in order to ensure a good seal.

Kathy

 

[tvguy]

I have a beard and mustache. Just remove all the air from mask by inhaling through your nose until you feel the mask tighten up. Also make sure you have the bottom of the mask as close as you can to your nose, between your mustache and nose.

 

[GoofyDisney]

Can't you put vaseline on your mustache and it helps lock out the water?

 

[HooKooDooKu]

I have a beard and mustache and never had any serious proplems. I would say that my mask is not perfectly water tight, but close enought that I have to take it off to clear up fogging (even after using the spit trick) more often than because too much water has gotten in.

However, the single biggest reason I think I don't have a problem is because I went to a dive show and sought professional help in finding a mask that fits my face.

 

[MarkRG]

I have a beard and mustache and never had any serious proplems. I would say that my mask is not perfectly water tight, but close enought that I have to take it off to clear up fogging (even after using the spit trick) more often than because too much water has gotten in.

However, the single biggest reason I think I don't have a problem is because I went to a dive show and sought professional help in finding a mask that fits my face.

And this is the right answer. Go to a dive shop and buy a professional mask. They have ones that will fit his face even with the mustache. I have a mustache too and have no problems with leakage with the mask I bought from a pro shop.

 

[nehdeh]

I was wondering about the vaseline thing too...anybody tried it??

Also, how much would a mask be from a dive shop? He'll RARELY use it again. Would somewhere like Sports Authority have them or do you mean a specific dive shop?

Thanks for everyone's help!

 

[jrabbit]

Haven't tried the vaseline but I used my chapstick (which I carry with me all of the time on the cruise) to "grease up or slick down" my mustache and it really helped a lot.

Sometimes I have wanted to shave it off but DW has NEVER seen me without it. She's seen pictures of me (granted, a MUCH younger me) before I had the mustache and says that I look like a dork. Oh yea, and I agree... and so do my kids

 

[HooKooDooKu]

how much would a mask be from a dive shop?

Expect something around $30-60 (exact price will depend upon whether your face fits the cheaper masks or not).

Initially, that will sound expensive (considering you can purchase a mask, snorkel, & fin sets for $25-35 at large sporting goods stores). But otherwise you risk wasting money on "cheap" equipment as well as the cost of the snorkel excursion should you wind up with a leaking mask.

We purchased all of our equipment from dive shops (mask, snorkel, fins, and even vests) for a total of around $300 - $400. We've only used it on about four snorkel excursions accross 2 cruises, but we consider it money well spent. We know that every time we do go snorkelling, we have equipemnt that fits (and has only been in our mouths) so we can spend our time enjoying the snorkelling.