Snorkles & Beards

[King Mackerel]

Hi all,

First time poster, getting ready for 2nd visit to Elbow Cay, yeah!

Last time there in 2000 was fantastic, and we got hooked on snorkling. Thing was, I didn't have a beard then. Seems this hirsute covering helps keep the sun off some of my old skin<G>

So does anybody have any tips? I've heard about silicone grease, but I'm thinking that might make the Kaliks taste funny, even if they did go down easier.

What about masks with purge valves, do they work?

Thanks for any help, I'd really rather not go with the Amish look. I want to see the fish, not scare them :-)

[steamboat]

If the beard is short, then the wax/grease/jelly stuff sold in dive shops will probably work. For a long beard, not sure that there is anything to keep the water out of the mask. One alternative is to use a swimmers nose clip and swimmers goggles instead of a mask that covers the nose and eyes (just a thought).

[Scott Burchard]

I've been scuba diving & snorkeling for years - and never without my mustache & beard. Purchase a mask with a good fit. The minor leakage is perfectly manageable - and nothing else should be necessary...
Just my .02

[Henz]

This site never ceases to amaze me regarding the wide variety of topics posted! Great Entertainment for sure!

[Marty]

For snorkeling, make the mask fit snug, not tight, snug. A little vaseline can help with the seal, but it shouldn't be necessary. I leave my mask a little loose for diving and it tightens up at depth. For snorkeling, make it snug. Any reputable dive shop should be able to help with a good fit. There are many masks out there, definitely shop around for the best fit. It will save you a lot of frustration in the water.

[King Mackerel]

Thanks all,

My beard isn't long, but I've got a heck of a honker<G>

Any particular brands of masks recommended? Piedmont area of NC is a little short on dive shops...Dick's is about as good as it gets. I'll see if they have a big test tank...LOL

And, I've got to tell you all, this board made our first trip to Elbow Cay one of the best vacations we've ever had. That was our 25th anniversary.

When it came time for our 30th, there was no contest...now we've just got to find out who Vernon's marrying that weekend and sort of "drop" in.

Thanks again,

Holly Eshelman

[Abaco Skippy]

...with a beard??? Now that IS interesting!;) This Board will keep you on your toes!

[King Mackerel]

You are so lucky I can't figure out how to my picture next to my name<G>

[mermaid rocks]

Hi-There used to be a couple of serious dive shops in Greensboro NC on High Point Rd.

[justsue294]

king, go back to the last of the posts and look for posts by Mont. He'll tell you

[King Mackerel]

Thanks mermaid, I'm headed that way for MerleFest tomorrow. If this rain keeps up, I'll be able to test masks while attempting to clog!

[King Mackerel]

Thanks Sue, but I'm optionally gifted on this machine<G>

[Don]

Hello King, I have been snorkling wearing a handlebar moustache for more than 25 years. 1) Vasaline or silicone jelly will definitely help, and, as long as you don't slop too
much on, it will not ruin your Kalik taste, 2) No matter what, you will get a certain amount of water in the mask, 3) Yes, a good purging mask will sure help. Hope you have a great trip and good diving. Don

[mermaid rocks]

If it works out, please post a pic of the clogging/dive mask performance at Merle Fest. When are you coming to Abaco?

[51cards]

Snorkles & Beards. As Dave Barry might say...What a great name for a rock band!

[Marty]

I almost spit my coffee out through my nose on this one!!



Snorkles & Beards. As Dave Barry might say...What a great name for a rock band!

[King Mackerel]

It didn't rain at MerleFest this year, so I've only got a pic of above water cloggers...but, I did order a mask with a purge valve from a place called Harry's.

We'll be on Elbow Cay June 10-17th, so if you see someone trying to peddle a song titled "Shave Me, I'm Drowning" to one of the wedding bands playing at the Abaco Inn, Kaliks on me<G>

[KIJB]

I be getting hitched at HTHL by Vernon his self on the 14th I am sure there will be some kind of clogging going on but I am sure it won't be pretty. I assume you like King Mackerel fishing it is my favorite, live baiting that is. We have sixty guest coming in so beware, all great people with drinking problems. Just thought I would give fare warning

[King Mackerel]

Where will you be tying the knot? We'll probably be a the the Abaco Inn on the 12th...we'll try to remember to leave a couple pairs of clogging shoes for you,or at the least, we can buy you a couple of Kaliks<G>

And, yes I do love King fishing...well... ok, any fishing ;-)

[Swoopy]

Maybe this is just me, but I like a mask with that has the clear silicone all over (not just the viewing screen). I feel less claustrophobic with light coming in from the peripheries. Also, probably not a problem for a man, but I had to search long for a snorkel with a small-enough mouth piece--made a great difference in comfort when you are snorkeling for any length of time. Note that if you get a purge you want to be careful not to get sand in it. Just have to watch where you set it down. And remember to blow out before taking a breath so you don't breathe in the water that may have splashed into the top of the snorkel. That's all I know.

Swoopy