Foggy Mask Troubles - Sorted!
Whether you have just bought a new spearfishing mask or are having a bad day with your old mask, fog is enough to make any spearfisher want to (a) abuse the dive shop that sold them the “dodgy” mask or (b) sit out on what could have been a fantastic day in the water. Adreno is here to help with a few tips on keeping your new or old mask fog free so that you can get the most out of your spearfishing trips.
Spearfishing masks are generally made with silicon skirts which can change colour and lose flexibility over time from exposure to the elements. To stop this process from beginning while the mask is still on display in a shop, manufacturers coat the mask in a protective lubricant. This lubricant is usually the culprit behind fog in new masks and you will need to get it off before using your mask.
First of all, you should wash the mask in warm soapy water. Following this, gently rub a thin coat of non-gel tooth paste (preferably not mint flavoured as this can sting your eyes!) on the lens and leave it for several minutes. Rinse the toothpaste off and repeat the process a few times.
It's also important on the day of diving to clean the inside of the lens before entering the water. Many spearos hack up a nice big golly, spit it into their mask and rub it around before putting their mask on and getting down to business. However many would now disagree with this cheap and classy method as human saliva contains over 500 types of bacteria!!! Over time masks that are spat in tend to grow a black mould around the lens. For this reason, Adreno would suggest purchasing a non-expensive defogger like our Sea Gold Mask Defog which is on sale now for $7.95.
Finally an obvious one that is sometimes forgotten, remember to refrain from breathing out through your nose when you put your mask on as this can cause it to fog up too.
Following the steps outlined above and purchasing this inexpensive little bottle of Sea Gold will not only save you from the frustration of a foggy mask, but also from feeling like you’re wearing a mould-growing science experiment!
