The title of this thread is somewhat misleading because of course I can clear my mask - however rather than being second nature its right up there with going to the dentist and having all my teeth pulled out without anaesthetic!
I am in awe of those around me to whom clearing a mask is as simple as finning and is second nature.
What makes me most ashamed is that here I sit with circa 200 dives, mostly un-guided in blue water. I can shoot a DSMB no problems, have good positioning in the water, great trim and buoyancy and am confident and calm with a good SAC rate. All is well with my diving until I need a full or partial flood and mask clear
I've been known to be on my buddys fins willing the dive to end rather than do a partial fill to de fog a mask such is my phobia with the issue. And now I know that it's going to limit my further progression in diving unless I get it fixed
As an example, in November I was on a dive (I remember it well as it was my birthday). After around 30 mins my mask fogged up and I decided to man up and clear it so I psyched myself up and tried a partial flood. This didn't go well while I cleared the fog, the mask started leaking, the more I cleared and adjusted the worse it got even taking the mask off and replacing it didn't seem to help. In the end I got my buddy and thumbed the dive. The only good part about this is that with all the faffing over a period of 10 mins or so my depth didnt change by more than 3 feet.
I guess it all goes back to my OW training in 07. The first pool session was a breeze all skills including mask clear done easily and no fuss. Day 2 in the pool and I was handed off to a DM-T who went over skills again mainly for his practice as my instructor was with some DSDs. Anyway I had a moment where I took a mouthful of water and surfaced. I was stressed and getting cold and had completed everything else so called it a day. On OW1 I went through the partial flood, this time my mind was working against me, again I took a mouthful but my instructor kept me from surfacing and calmed me down. I refused mask off. Finally on OW3 I knew I had to do it but balked at the partial flood and took my mask off and cleared, we repeated this 5 times, and again on OW4. So I can do it.
Even now I balk at the thought of mask off its irrational and clearly in my head. I know I should practise after my Safety stop (so if thing go wrong Im at the surface but still not sure. I always have an excuse not to do it.
So I ask for help and advice to get me over this stupid phobia with any hints and tips for your techniques (I already have a low volume mask in my collection)
BUT PLEASE can we not let this conversation deviate into an agency or training bashing thread
I am in awe of those around me to whom clearing a mask is as simple as finning and is second nature.
What makes me most ashamed is that here I sit with circa 200 dives, mostly un-guided in blue water. I can shoot a DSMB no problems, have good positioning in the water, great trim and buoyancy and am confident and calm with a good SAC rate. All is well with my diving until I need a full or partial flood and mask clear
I've been known to be on my buddys fins willing the dive to end rather than do a partial fill to de fog a mask such is my phobia with the issue. And now I know that it's going to limit my further progression in diving unless I get it fixed
As an example, in November I was on a dive (I remember it well as it was my birthday). After around 30 mins my mask fogged up and I decided to man up and clear it so I psyched myself up and tried a partial flood. This didn't go well while I cleared the fog, the mask started leaking, the more I cleared and adjusted the worse it got even taking the mask off and replacing it didn't seem to help. In the end I got my buddy and thumbed the dive. The only good part about this is that with all the faffing over a period of 10 mins or so my depth didnt change by more than 3 feet.
I guess it all goes back to my OW training in 07. The first pool session was a breeze all skills including mask clear done easily and no fuss. Day 2 in the pool and I was handed off to a DM-T who went over skills again mainly for his practice as my instructor was with some DSDs. Anyway I had a moment where I took a mouthful of water and surfaced. I was stressed and getting cold and had completed everything else so called it a day. On OW1 I went through the partial flood, this time my mind was working against me, again I took a mouthful but my instructor kept me from surfacing and calmed me down. I refused mask off. Finally on OW3 I knew I had to do it but balked at the partial flood and took my mask off and cleared, we repeated this 5 times, and again on OW4. So I can do it.
Even now I balk at the thought of mask off its irrational and clearly in my head. I know I should practise after my Safety stop (so if thing go wrong Im at the surface but still not sure. I always have an excuse not to do it.
So I ask for help and advice to get me over this stupid phobia with any hints and tips for your techniques (I already have a low volume mask in my collection)
BUT PLEASE can we not let this conversation deviate into an agency or training bashing thread