STAYING SAFE
WHILE USING A FULL-FACE SNORKEL MASK

We’ve covered in detail all the questions we came across since starting Ninja Shark regarding the safety and other concerns here.

Here is a swift take-off

HUMAN BREATHING PROCESS

When human beings breathe in and out, we inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide.

When we’re exercising, our body needs more oxygen to provide us with energy, and so our breathing increases.

While we breathe faster, we also have more shallow breaths, and this is where CO2 becomes an issue.

There’s more carbon dioxide in our exhalations than there is oxygen in our inhalations. If we’re constantly exhaling in an enclosed space then we won’t be able to exhale deeply enough to push out all the carbon dioxide.

It’s like breathing into a plastic bag – the CO2 will all build up inside the enclosed space until it becomes toxic, fills up the entire space, and we all fall unconscious.

FULL-FACE SNORKEL MASKS AND CO2 BUILD-UP CONCERN

We have taken the human breathing process into account when creating full face snorkel masks. That’s why every mask has a separate chamber for breathing and viewing. The breathing part seals the mouth and nose off from the rest of the mask, forcing carbon dioxide downwards where it can flow out of the sides of the mask.

All our masks have been heavily improved upon to reduce the chance of CO2 build up. We’ve added an additional exhalation channel and improved on our design to even create a separation between the air exhaled from the mouth and from the nose.

Snorkelling, swimming, and any other water activities always come with an element of risk.

Nobody claims that the ocean is safe! It’s always important before heading out into the open water to make sure that you’re familiar with the beach conditions and rips, or go in with a more experienced buddy.

MISUSE OF FULL-FACE SNORKEL MASKS

We hate to tell people what to do, but when it comes to keeping safe and saving a life, we reckon it’s okay to do it. If you’re planning on purchasing a full face snorkel mask, please remember that this isn’t an opportunity for you to run wild in the water.

Sure, snorkelling is made easier, breezier, and freer, but that doesn’t mean you can just let go of all the precautions you’ve been taught all these years. Full face snorkel masks have been designed for a relaxing, smooth, and slow snorkelling experience.

The snorkelling itself was never intended to be a high-intensity sport or activity, it’s a way to peacefully stroll through the ocean and admire its plant and animal life. Snorkelling isn’t going for a run, it’s going for a slow dawdle. For that reason, you should try to always swim slowly and avoid going too fast, which can cause shallow and fast breathing (thereby releasing more carbon dioxide into your mask).

Full face snorkel masks have also been specifically designed for surface swimming. The idea is to stick to the surface of the water and enjoy the views from afar. This is taken into account when designing the full face mask, no manufacturer is out there designing a snorkel mask that goes beyond the surface. Because that’s not what snorkelling is!

STAYING SAFE WHILE USING A FULL-FACE SNORKEL MASK

It’s important to take the following safety measures before heading out to play

PRACTICE putting on and taking off your mask – Sounds boring, but very necessary. You’ll want to make sure you can confidently put on and take off your snorkel mask without an issue before you head out to sea.

There are all kinds of situations out in the open water that’ll have you need to put on and take off your mask quickly, and you wanna make sure you can do that without panic and disruption. Practice until it becomes a smooth, easy transition that’s familiar.

KNOW THE SIGNS OF CO2 BUILD-UP – You should still know the signs of CO2 build up on the off chance that something goes wrong with your mask. Rather than wait until you’re convulsing or in a coma, know the signs early on so you can take off your mask quickly (using the practice you did before!)

Early signs of carbon dioxide poisoning include breathing difficulties, hyperventilating, dizziness, sleepiness, or impaired consciousness. If you do feel any of these symptoms while swimming, stop as soon as you can and take off your snorkel mask to release the CO2.


PRACTICE EQUALISING
– Look, if you really want to go below the surface, it’s a free country. We’ll remind you that full face snorkel masks aren’t built for that purpose and impart you with some tips.

Since there are no nose plugs on a full face mask (unless you’ve purchased our EQUALISER mask), it can often feel like you’ve got suction cups on your face if you try to go too deep underwater.

This is because the pressure is difficult to equalise. Some people find no issue with the weird sensations of a full face snorkel mask, while others get deeply uncomfortable. There are different tips and tactics you can try to equalise with a full face snorkel mask on, but it’s always important to test this out in an easy snorkel spot with lots of supervision before giving it a go in open waters.

GO WITH A MATE – We can’t stress it enough, but snorkelling is a buddy activity. It’s all too easy for things to go wrong, and without someone nearby, you can be difficult to spot and save from the shore. Always take a mate with you, it’s heaps more fun, and you’ve got the added sense of safety from having a companion there.

This will help dissipate any fears, anxieties, worries, or panic while out in the water.

KNOW THE OCEAN CONDITIONS – As fun as it is to snorkel somewhere new and different, always be aware of the conditions and if you don’t have a buddy then make sure you’re in constant view of a lifeguard.

Sometimes there’ll be lots of jagged rocks under the water, there’ll be rips, currents, and other dangers like jellyfish or sharks in the area. Make sure you’ve sussed out your spot before you head for a snorkel.

DON’T PUSH YOURSELF – We all do it. You’re out there having a great time, start to experience some discomfort, but convince yourself it’s no big deal so that you can keep playing in the water. It’s extremely important when snorkelling not to push yourself. The last thing you want is to hold out and hold out on a bit of pain, then allow it to go too far while you’re out in the middle of the ocean.

Stop as soon as you feel the onset of discomfort, pain, or tiredness, and you can always jump back in the water later. If you’re too scared of disappointing your snorkel buddy by cutting the trip short, don’t worry about it. Your safety is more important, and we’re sure they’d rather be out of the water a little early than stuck having to try to save your life out at sea. Buy them a beer on land and you’ll be right.

KNOW HOW TO DO STUFF – Don’t just grab your fancy new snorkel and run out to sea in a fit of excitement! Before you head out snorkelling, make sure you know how to defog your mask, purge your snorkel, take your fins on and off in the water, and do all the necessary things. Don’t do anything for the first time while out in the middle of the sea.

 

Stay amazing,

Stay safe!

Based on 1514 reviews
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Prescription Lens for full face snorkel

Recently we went on a cruise to the South Pacific with lots of opportunities to snorkel. I was asked so many times "are they prescription lenses in there" & "where did you get them from".

The lenses were awesome, I was able to see and enjoy the snorkelling. Others tried mine and were amazed how good they were. As they were suctioned to the mask it made sure the mask was in the correct position on you face (not too high/low). Initially my lenses were a little tight to put together but they went in alright in the end :)

It was easy to find out what level (prescription/strength) was needed, I just went to my optometrist with the options and they told me which ones I needed.

D
Lifetime Warranty
Diane K. (Melbourne, AU)
The Ninja Shark Snorkel mask is awesome!

We bought these snorkel masks as we were going on a tropical holiday which included snorkelling tours and we both hated breathing through traditional plastic snorkels shoved in our mouths. My partner in particular did not want to snorkel because of this. These snorkel masks are FANTASTIC and were GAME CHANGERS. We did several lots of snorkelling on our holiday and every time, we were able to lie in the water, breathe normally and focus on looking underwater without worrying about breathing. Even if you dive underwater with these masks, the valve blocks water from coming into your snorkel mask. I bought the premium Equaliser Pro with the ability to pinch your nose if diving and my partner bought the basic model. Both are fantastic products - comfortable, easy to wear and highly recommended. You need to fit it tightly but it's really comfortable in the water and doesn't leak. Even when you come up you don't need to take it off, just keep breathing normally. I loved snorkelling with this product and even my anti-snorkelling partner really enjoyed it and felt this mask was a game changer.

T
Lifetime Warranty
Tom P. (Melbourne, AU)
Recommended

Great product and even better customer service

J
Package : Air Adults (Mask + Fins + Bag)
JEANNIE O. (Piara Waters, AU)
Bloody love this!

Never snorkelled in my life. Petrified of putting my head under water. But now my neck is bad - if I don't alter the way I swim - then no more swimming for me. This has opened 'a whole new world' - (haha -that songs stuck in your head now) - to me. I'm just using my ninja gear in my gym outdoor pool atm. My legs are getting so strong - and my lungs too - as I'm doing some great breathing. I have huge surgery coming up soon - and i believe this is allowing me to get to a great level of fitness - in preparation. Honestly - i can't go on enough about this product enough. My friend bought a cheaper version. She's given it away already... say no more 🤿🤿🤿

B
Electra - Full Face Snorkel Mask
Bolang C. (Perth, AU)
Great design

This is the best snorkel mask I’ve ever had. Very comfortable on face, easy to breathe. I am not a good swimmer, it makes me feel safe and enjoy snorkelling without distraction. Thank you ninjiashark.

Best snorkel ever!!

Got one of these for me and my 7 year old daughter for Xmas. We’ve used them twice already and love them!! So much easier to breathe, can see so much and just makes the whole snorkelling experience better! Would highly recommend!

Clear as day

Clear to see and easy to breathe,
Whole family loves the NinjaShark Snorkel mask.

R
Lifetime Warranty
Robyn H. (Adelaide, AU)
Amazing

The best snorkel and mask combination. No going back now! I could snorkel for over an hour easily. So glad I made this purchase

M
(DRAFT) Package: Dry Snorkel (Set + Fins + Bag)
Maureen R. (Townsville, AU)
Mermaid

While travelling in Timor leste l met a fellow snorkeller. We snorkelled for 10 days together the food was shit but the water was stunning. The friend was using Ninja Shark fins and mask mine were steaming up, letting in water and heavy. On arriving back in Australia l ordered straight away.
I was a little bit anxious on receiving my order as the mask was quite different to my old one and the fins were short and adjustable ( l wanted them to be my size ! ) well to my luck the weather was beautiful ( yes mid winter in Mackay ) and perfect for boating so off we scooted to Cockermouth ( don't laugh it's a real place ) jumping in and WOW I'm now a mermaid 🧜‍♀️ the mask and fins felt like part of me. I actually cried as not only was the equipment allowing me to explore as l wanted but the reef was STUNNING. So lm indepted to Ninja Shark for making me the mermaid l always aspired to be 🧜‍♀️

Took it to Tahiti

I wasn’t quite sure about getting a full face mask but bought mine (Electra package) before a trip to Tahiti which we got home from yesterday - absolutely LOVED it!!! I’ll be getting one for my wife before our next trip to a similar destination. BTW I make LOTS of crazy videos with lots of toys.

Judge.me YouTube video placeholder
Life changing

I do love my full face snorkel.. the freedom of nose breathing under the water.. the meditative and relaxative effect of this snorkeling is unexpected and great. Fits so well.. comfy to wear for long time.. highly recommend

J
(DRAFT) Diving Dry Snorkel Set with GoPro mount
Joanne T. (Brisbane, AU)
Super quality & fit

So happy we got Ninja shark, perfect for Great barrier reef snorkel day.
Flippers, mask, dry wallet, carry bag (good quality bag), anti fog spray, happy days.

Ninja Shark Kids Mask

We recently brought the Ninja Shark Kids 3-11 Mask + Fins + Bag package for our 7 year old who absolutely loves it! Will be buying three more for the rest of the family. 😊

Even better than expected!

I saw the kids full face snorkel masks online, and thought they looked pretty cool. I ordered two for Christmas, for my 3 and 6 year olds. Wow, did they have a great time with them!

I wasn't sure how the 3 year old would go with it, but he was comfortable in it almost immediately, and spent hours swimming around and seeing a whole new world of underwater scenery.

They were easy to fit, zero issues with them staying on. No leaks or fog.

They can't wait to get back to the water!

Highly recommend this product :)

N
Electra - Full Face Snorkel Mask
Nick J. (Brisbane, AU)
mask swimming

The mask did exactly what was stated. I was very happy and will get another mask for my daughter.

R
Electra - Full Face Snorkel Mask
Raffaele S. (Perth, AU)
Great way to swim

I have NEVER been able to snorkel but love swimming. These full face snorkels are an absolute game changer in my life. Now I try to swim around 5 kms a week in the local pool. The Ninja mask makes it easy to do laps. I’ve been using the Ninja Shark for a quite few years and find the new Electra the best full face mask ever. No leaks, no fog and really easy to use and great quality. I’ve noticed my regular chats with other swimmers at the pool have encouraged many of them to purchase one of their own. I’ve given my older models to my grandkids and they love them too.

Fabulous

I got one for the 3 year old and one for the 5 year old, I thought maybe the 3 year old would get the hang of it eventually but they both loved it and mastered it pretty quickly. We’ve only used in the swimming pool, excited to go snorkeling in the ocean soon. Great product.

S
Lifetime Warranty
Sarah B. (Surfers Paradise, AU)
Love it!

Amazing product ! Have the electra package, kids love it. So easy to use. Highly recommend

J
(DRAFT) Diving Dry Snorkel Set with GoPro mount
Jen M. (Brisbane, AU)
Love it

Bought these for myself and my husband after getting the full face masks for the kids, and they were so good we’re getting them for the rest of the extended family for Xmas. The fact u can dive down and not get water down ur snorkel is a brilliant bonus! Makes our family holidays much easier and better without snorkel dramas!

This made our holiday

The product itself was amazing, but the service we received allowed us to get our 2 sets of masks for our cruise. We took them with us and used them multiple times for snorkelling on our cruise to Nouméa and New Caledonia. It was amazing snorkelling and being able to breathe easily, and the fins were the most comfortable I've ever used. I've got size 13 feet, and not only were they completely adjustable, but they were THE most comfortable fins ever invented. A massive shoutout to Colleen Zamora from your support staff who helped me out and made it possible to take our gear on holidays! Thanks Colleen!
The photo is us snorkelling off Amadee Island looking for turtles!

My kids love them

I’ve got three of these masks for my younger kids, however the oldest wants one too as the young ones rave about how good the are.

Summer Family Fun

Our Ninja masks have made snorkelling as a whole family very easy and enjoyable. The kids (and parents) find them super easy to use and have allowed us as a family of five to snorkel for longer than we ever could using traditional snorkel gear. I would highly recommend these masks.

G
Lifetime Warranty
Geri D. (Sydney, AU)
Lifetime warranty

Glad I have but haven’t needed to use .. yet

Great Mask

Love this mask. Kids find it so much easier snorkelling with the Ninja Shark. The snorkel mask is super clear and doesn’t fog up. The adjustable straps are great and easy to loosen and tighten. Very happy that we made the decision to get these for the kids.

A must for snorkelers!

Recently purchased the Equaliser Pro Mask, Finns and bag. 🤿 🐠🐡🐟🦈 Had an amazing time snorkeling off Fitzroy Island, the Pro mask allowed me to explore for over 7 hours. Higly recommend! Planning must next snorkeling trip! 🤿💦🌴☀️