Mistake thread......

[Guba]

The "giant Stride" off the MV Fling (Gulf of Mexico) is just that---giant. The gate is a full 6 feet off the surface. Add your height to that and it feels like a looong time before you hit the water. I did the big step, hit the water, signaled I was okay, then descended down the mooring line. About ten feet down, my mask began to leak a bit, so I cleared it without stopping and kept moving down. The mask leaked more...cleared it again. Finally, at about 65 feet, I leveled off and my mask flooded badly. I stopped and with a sharp puff attempted to clear my mask again...and blew my mask right off my face!
When I had hit the water, my mask strap had ridden up on top of my head. Only minor pressure was holding it on my face, so when I cleared forcefully, it released the pressure.
By the way, I did manage to catch the mask and put it back on to finish the dive without incident. Taught me to check my straps before descending, though.

 

[DandyDon]

Did you put your mask on over a hood or beanie...?

Finally, at about 65 feet, I leveled off and my mask flooded badly. I stopped and with a sharp puff attempted to clear my mask again...and blew my mask right off my face!

This is one reason I have my beanie over my mask strap, among overs. I usually keep the beanie in BC pocket and put it on at the bottom if I get chilled. Instant relieve.