Thread for the bearded divers!

[ScubaDoo83]

I remember when I first began my certification my instructor told me I'll want to keep myself shaven if i don't want to get water in my mask. I was a bit bummed because I didn't want a hobby of mine to dictate what I could and couldn't do with my personal style. Since then, I've been diving many times with a full beard and stache with absolutely no leakage issues at all. I wonder, what have my bearded diving brethren experienced? Any tips for bearded diving? My beard is currently the longest it's ever been and I have yet to try the hood on yet with this big of a growth on my face. I'm interested to hear other's experience.

 

[Mustard Dave]

I hate shaving - I always get a rash, and my beard grows back quite quick, so I end up with 5 o'clock shadow before midday, and my short collars get worn. I decided to let it grow, but keep it trimmed short. I was a bit worried about mask leaks as I dive a rebreather (clearing a constantly leaking mask wastes diluent). I found I had no problems, so no worries.

On open circuit, a little leak is not a big deal - a little breath out of the nose now and again is not a problem. If it is worse, I am told a smear of baseline can help. There are a couple of people with huge ZZ Top beards at my club, and they manage okay.

You could shave the moustache, but technically it would make you Amish, so you could only use vintage Jacques Cousteau kit, and no dive computer.

 

[Steve_C]

Keep it trimmed a bit just under nose and around mouth so hairs stay out of mouth. No problems.

 

[WarrenZ]

My mustache doesn't seem to affect my mask seal without trimming.

 

[scubatoys]

Been diving for just over 17 years and had a beard for the last 15 of them. I have never had a leak from my beard. However I have seen many come through the shop that don't seem to have the same luck as others. I have seen people used vasoline, Product called mask seal, Mustache Wax and several others. However I seem to think that if they just find that one mask that just fits perfect they too could be leak free without all the hassle. I have helped hundreds over the years to find the correct fit for such situations.

 

[Searcaigh]

Been diving for nearly 30 yrs with a beard and moustache, I generally trim just below the nose slightly and no issues, although when I first started diving I didn't and had no issues back then either.

 

[NateS]

Hollis M1 mask fits me great, but I still usually shave. Unshaven I have to clear about 3 times more often.

 

[rongoodman]

I have always had lots of mask leakage issues, but I can't say they're better or worse with the full beard I grew after retirement.

 

[Bearded_fire_worm]

I need to shave a few hairs close to my nose like a few others. Definitely have leakage if i don't and mask seals well after.

 

[Dive Right In Scuba 2]

Now that I have a beard I seem to have less leakage issues than before I grew my man mane. In my experience "lip stubble" causes leakage more than a full grown 'stache. I dive both half mask and FFM....no worries whatsoever.