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Humongous thanks to the most tolerant and supportive instructor I could ever have wished for! Today's dive in the Lake was awesome and I loved every minute! Next dive - Hikkaduwa in Sri Lanka in 3 weeks!!!
Underwater Adventures have blessed me with a whole new world. Please ensure you contact them for all your scuba inquiries! Stephen is an exceptional instructor and the otherdivemasters involved really have been outstanding throughout my 6 months of training and preparation... it has been a long road but I am over the moon. I am now a PADI open water scuba diver and immensely proud of myself!
If you’re a passionate scuba diver or just getting started, you know that every piece of gear shapes your underwater experience. This week, let’s dive into one piece of kit that might just revolutionize the way you breathe, see, and feel beneath the waves: the Ocean Reef full face mask (FFM). It’s not just a mask; it’s a small game-changer, and I’m here to share why it’s worth considering for your next adventure.
Think about those moments when your jaw starts to ache from clenching a regulator mouthpiece, or when your mask fogs up right at the worst time, obscuring a school of fish or a coral striation you’ve been dying to inspect. Or how about that dry mouth you’re stuck with after minutes of mouth breathing underwater? The Ocean Reef full face mask offers compelling solutions to these very common annoyances—and more. So let’s unpack this neat bit of diving innovation and see what makes it truly stand out.
First off, the design: the Ocean Reef full face mask gives you a panoramic field of vision that’s noticeably wider than traditional masks. Ever felt like you’re peeking through a peephole? This mask feels more like opening a window. While exploring vibrant reefs or shipwrecks, not missing out on any of the stunning underwater theater matters. The broad view helps you stay aware of your surroundings, which is not just cool but safer too.
Then there is the freedom of breathing naturally through your nose and mouth. This is huge. Most dive masks force you to breathe solely through a mouthpiece, which can dry your mouth out and even spook your breathing rhythm. With the full face mask, you breathe comfortably as if you were on land. No more battling dry, cracked lips underwater or awkwardly trying to lick them to restore moisture. For longer dives, this comfort upgrade is a game-changer.
Fogging is every diver’s nightmare. Scrubbing the inside of your mask, trying to clear it mid-dive, or even semi-flooding your mask to get rid of the mist can be distracting and annoying. The integrated air circulation system in these full face masks keeps fog at bay without you lifting a finger, which means uninterrupted views of the deep blue. It’s as if the mask breathes with you, keeping your line of sight crystal clear.
And let’s talk about jaw fatigue—a less glamorous but very real pain in the hobby. Holding a regulator in your mouth for long periods can give you cramps or soreness that lasts even after you surface. The Ocean Reef FFM eliminates the need for a mouthpiece altogether. Your jaw gets a well-deserved break, which lets you relax more and, in my humble opinion, enjoy the dive (and your snaps afterwards) a lot more.
If you’ve ever felt the sting of cold water biting into your face on longer or deeper dives, you’ll appreciate that the full face mask fully covers and protects your face from chilly currents. It’s a snug, cozy cocoon that keeps the cold at bay, letting you stay underwater longer and more comfortably, especially when exploring those cooler dive spots.
For the spectacled divers among us, you know how tricky it can be to dive comfortably without lenses. The Ocean Reef design accommodates your regular glasses inside the mask, saving you from injecting extra expenses into prescription inserts. A practical touch that shows someone was really thinking about divers’ needs.
Also worth mentioning is the integration feature for communication units. While many dive to escape chatter, being able to clearly talk with your dive buddy or boat crew when needed adds a security layer and smoothes out coordination. No more guessing or miming underwater—just easy, direct communication.
Nothing’s perfect, of course. Some folks notice a slightly higher air consumption rate at first when switching to a full face mask. But it’s similar to those first nervous open water dives when your consumption was higher simply because you were adjusting to the environment. With practice and familiarity, your breathing will become more efficient, and the rate will settle.
Then there’s the price tag. Investing in an Ocean Reef FFM can feel like a leap, especially when budgets are tight. New masks do tend to be in the hundreds of pounds range, which is understandable given the technology packed inside. But think of it as a long-term investment: this is essentially a mask for life, built to last and enhance your diving experience every time you don it. Plus, second-hand options exist, and some dive operators provide masks for courses, letting you test the waters before committing.
If you value comfort, visibility, and the freedom to breathe naturally underwater, the Ocean Reef full face mask has a lot to offer. It smooths out some of the most frustrating quirks of traditional diving gear and adds layers of safety and communication you didn’t know you needed. Ideal for those venturing into colder or deeper waters, or anyone who spends long periods underwater, it’s a compelling upgrade.
Keep in mind, though, there’s a learning curve—and a price tag that can catch you off guard. But for many divers, the benefits far outweigh these hitches.
Next time you’re gearing up for a dive, maybe give one of these masks a try. Whether you rent, borrow, or buy, it might just change the way you explore the underwater world—and possibly make your dives a whole lot more enjoyable.
Stay curious, stay safe, and happy diving! And be sure to check back next week when we dive into essential skills for underwater navigation—because great gear deserves great technique.
If you are still not sure, why not come along to one of our Bedford pool session in early May and try one out to see if you like it. We have Try full face mask try dive sessions on the 3rd and 10th of May at the bedford girls school swimming pool from 3:30 pm, these last 30 minutes and cost £20 but are free for Underwater Adventures Dive Club Members. Get in contact with us if you are interested.
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