How To Snorkel With A Mustache? by: Galen & Nicole
Good Question. Here is what we suggest in the equipment section of our eBook snorkeling guides.
Well, the traditional advice has been to apply Vaseline, silicone grease, or a wax like chap-stick to help create a waterproof seal. And this is known to work OK, but will tend to leak. Just make sure and don?t use any petroleum based products because they will ruin your silicone mask skirt.
Another method is to shave about 1/8" away from the nose, and get a good fitting mask that is snug to your nose. But if you like your mustache, you are probably are not going to like shaving a bit of it off.
Well, here is my suggestion. Don't use a face mask at all if you want to keep your mustache. Instead use a pair of high quality swimming goggles and a swimmers nose clip (like the examples pictured). This removes all the problems with getting a mask to seal over your lip.
Keep in mind though that you cannot use this method if you are a diver or a freediver. When you freedive beyond about 10 feet you need to exhale a little into your mask to equalize the pressure, or you will start to feel the mask squeeze onto your face. You could come up with two black eyes.
If you try this, get good quality swim goggles with the best strap you can. Remember the strap needs to support the snorkel tube. I would recommend goggles that are really more like a mask, without the nose cover, but still having
a good skirt.
Any other suggestions?
Apr 18, 2011 Rating
mustache/beard by: Susan
My husband has a beard and he does exactly what Galen suggested. He has good goggles and a nose clip or holds his nose with his snorkel. He's not a diver. In the past he got so frustrated with getting a seal on the mask that I don't really think he cared if he snorkeled or not. However, since he started using the goggles, it's made a lot of difference. Good luck.
