How to Clear Your Scuba Mask – Tips for Beginners
Struggling to clear your scuba mask?
You’re not alone. This is one of the most common challenges for new divers. At Oyster Diving, we work with hundreds of students every year, and mask clearing is often the skill that takes a bit of practice – but the good news is: you can master it!
Whether you’re preparing for your PADI Open Water Diver course or brushing up on your skills, this guide will walk you through how to clear your scuba mask, why it’s important, and give you easy ways to practice at home.
Why Do I Need to Clear My Mask?
Masks can fog up, get knocked off slightly, or fill with water if your seal breaks – and that’s totally normal underwater. Mask clearing is a basic yet essential scuba skill to make sure you can stay calm, safe, and focused while diving.
A good fitting and comfortable mask will make mask clearing required less frequently.
✅ Key takeaway: It’s not about avoiding water in your mask; it’s about being confident when it happens.
You’re Not the Only One Who Finds It Tricky If the idea of letting water into your mask makes you nervous, trust us – you’re in good company. Many new divers feel the same way. But with some simple techniques and repetition, it becomes second nature. Even seasoned divers had to start somewhere!
How to Clear Your Mask Underwater (Step-by-Step)
- Stay calm – Take a deep breath through your regulator.
- Look up slightly – Tilt your head back just a little.
- Press the top of your mask – Use your fingertips to create a gap at the bottom.
- Exhale through your nose – A gentle, steady breath will push the water out.
- Repeat if needed – It’s okay to do it twice or more until fully clear.
💡 Pro tip: Don’t exhale too hard. A slow and controlled breath works best.
Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
❌ Holding your breath – Remember, always breathe normally through your regulator.
❌ Looking down – This keeps water trapped inside. Look slightly upward instead.
❌ Panicking – Easier said than done, but staying relaxed is key. Take a moment before trying again.
How to Practice Mask Clearing at Home
Yes, you can practice this in your bath or shower! The more familiar you are with the feeling of water in your mask, the less intimidating it will be underwater.
At-home mask clearing drills:
🛁 In the bath or shower:
- Put on your mask and let a little water in.
- Practice gently exhaling through your nose to clear it.
- Try with eyes open and closed to simulate real diving conditions.
🏖️ At the pool (if available):
- Bring your snorkel and mask.
- Practice breathing calmly while clearing your mask in shallow water.
🎯 Bonus exercise:
Practice breath control: inhale slowly through your mouth, exhale gently through your nose. This helps develop the muscle memory you’ll use for clearing.
Stay Patient and Keep Practising
Learning to clear your mask might feel uncomfortable at first, but it gets easier every time you try. Your Oyster Diving instructors are here to support you, answer your questions, and give extra help during your confined water sessions if needed.
✅ By the time you complete your Open Water course, this will be just another skill you’ve mastered!
Book Your PADI Course with Oyster Diving
Ready to take the plunge? Whether you’re just starting out or want a refresher, we offer PADI scuba diving courses across the UK, including London, Brighton, Surrey, and Oxford.
Final Thoughts
Mask clearing isn’t about perfection – it’s about progress. Every diver has had that moment of water sneaking in their mask. The key is to stay calm, breathe, and remember your training.
Let us help you feel confident and capable every step of the way.