All About Masks, Snorkels and Fins
Looking for the right mask or the perfect pair of fins? A proper fit, comfort and quality are key when choosing your dive gear. Here’s a quick guide to help you make the right choice.
Dive Masks
A good mask fits your face well, feels comfortable and doesn’t leak. There are various types:
Framed or frameless masks
Single lens or dual lens
Full face masks
Pay attention to the skirt (the soft sealing edge): high-quality masks have soft silicone skirts for a good seal. Transparent skirts let in more light, but may reflect internal light from dive torches. That’s why many technical divers prefer black skirts.
New mask? Treat the inside of the glass with a bit of white toothpaste before the first dive to remove the factory coating and reduce fogging. Rinse thoroughly!
Fins
The right fins give you control and efficiency underwater. There are three main categories:
Recreational fins – Lightweight and flexible, perfect for holiday diving or warm water.
Technical fins – Shorter and heavier, designed for precise fin techniques like frog kick. Great for wreck or cave diving.
Pool fins – Compact and lightweight, ideal for training or snorkeling.
Tip: Open heel fins require proper dive boots for a comfortable and secure fit.
Full face masks
Pay attention to the skirt (the soft edge): silicone seals better. Clear skirts let in more light, but may reflect torch light. That’s why technical divers often choose a black skirt.
Tip: Rub a bit of white toothpaste on the inside of the glass before your first dive to reduce fogging. Rinse well!
Fins
Fins give you power and control underwater. There are three main types:
Recreational fins – Light and flexible, great for holidays.
Technical fins – Shorter and heavier, perfect for wreck or cave diving.
Pool fins – Light and compact, ideal for training or snorkeling.
Note: Open heel fins must be used with dive boots.
