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Stupid question: (depth) freediving without face gear...

Thread Status: Hello , There was no answer in this thread for more than 60 days.
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ShallowGuy

Well-Known Member
Aug 18, 2012
100
11
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So I saw Alexey Molchanov doing his dives without mask or fluid goggles.

I thought face gear is necessary... why use fluid goggles or mask if you can go without it?

I've got a feeling I'm missing something here....
 
Many top freedivers use no facial equipment to either save air (in the case of a mask), to make the surface protocol easier or to get a better dive response.

It also tempts you less to look around and just relax (eyes shut) if there's nothing to see.

I prefer to see, for safety reasons and to untangle myself should that occur.
 
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Many top freedivers use no facial equipment to either save air (in the case of a mask), to make the surface protocol easier or to get a better dive response.

It also tempts you less to look around and just relax (eyes shut) if there's nothing to see.

I prefer to see, for safety reasons and to untangle myself should that occur.

Thanks.

So basically you have to have your eyes closed all the time?
 
Even with a mask or fluid goggles, I think the majority of divers close their eyes for the majority of their free fall.

It helps shut down the brain. Less stimulus (visual) = better relaxation.

I have a customized micromask for depth... But many people use a standard Sphera (if it fits their face) and these are good for triple-digit depths.

Andrea dove to -140m with a standard micromask.
 
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Right. I understand this bit.

But would it be safe to dive without mask or goggles with eyes opened? Or is there a possibility of injury?
 
Injury isn't really a concern.

Your eyes will sting a bit until you're accustomed to it.

I still prefer to see.
 
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I dive with a naked face. It feels good, somehow natural. To see, you just open your eyes squinting, and you can easily see what you need to see, bottom plate, tag, etc.

I started out with a mask, but i had such a hard time finding the proper technique for alternating EQ and armstrokes in CNF.

Without a mask, all I need is a good noseclip, which i will remove during the last 10 m off ascent, thus being ready to perform my surface protocol after my recovery breaths.

Less gear, less hassle :)
 
I'm with Tue. I dropped the mask and suddenly had a much more relaxed dive. I feel more in tune with the water and it feels as if the MDR sets in earlier and stronger.
 
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No facial equipment isn't really an option in Canada. :D

A mask is almost a necessity for all but shallow dives and then... It'd have to be mid-summer. :D
 
We do the occasional 8 degree centigrade dives here in Denmark, too. I concur, bare-faced isn't an option. My forehead hurts like a bitch on the descent.....

For the hands-free option there's a new product out there; Umberto Pelizzari designed a noseclip to wear with a mask. It has small springs, which will allow you to EQ the mask by blowing extra hard.
 
I don't think that the salt in the water is the main problem, doctors use saline solution to wash the eye during eye surgeries. you can get used to this depending on where you dive it is more important how clean the water is or temperature, as has been mentioned by some people that dive in very cold water (went for a swim in 8˚C lake once, not looking to do it again any time soon, i went a very dark purple).

I might have imagined it but don't they use medical grade saline solution to fill fluid goggles? bottled or tap water have to much bacteria and crap in?

The blurry vision thing that has been mentioned is an issue for general diving, i remember seeing a documentary with Tanya Streeter (haven’t been able to find it since: does anyone know it?) where a river tribe have adapted to be able to see effectively under water for hunting without goggles: it had something to do with the pupil dilating and the focal length of the eye adjusting very soon after entering the water, to correct for parallax error in the denser medium. This may be a specific adaptation that is unique to the local population or only be achievable if you start diving as a child.

personally i struggle to not snort water in through my nose if i don't have a mask or clip on. so i usually use a mask, i guess it comes down to comfort, techniques and personal preference in the end.
 
As Rune Hallum said: if you're in a 80m dive, and you worry about getting salt in your eyes, you should probably pick another sport.......;)
 
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