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Ocean Reef: full face masks are the future, also for recreational divers

Ocean-Reef_IDM

René Huisman, worldwide Training Manager at Ocean Reef, is sure: the IDM masks (Integrated Diving Masks) or full face masks are the future. After all, at all points in our lives we try to make ourselves more comfortable, safer and more enjoyable.

“It's crazy,” René says. “Nowhere have developments stood still, except in diving. Most recreational divers still use a half-mask like the one in Cousteau's time.” There is opposition to the IDM masks by a large proportion of recreational divers, while it is only normal for professional divers to cover the entire face. “The technology is there – use it.”

Comfort and safety

An IDM mask stands for comfort, safety and communication. Yes, it's a different way of diving, René admits. “But think about the benefits!” For example, natural breathing. With a full face mask you breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth – automatically, just like above water. «You breathe from the abdomen and your lung capacity to absorb oxygen is therefore greater. You will breathe more calmly, which means that diving also takes less effort.”

You will not get cold water in your face and equalization is a lot easier with this mask because the pressure in the sinuses is equal to the ambient pressure: “Compare it with flying”. And René continues… the mask does not fog up and it does not fill up, like a 'normal' mask. Your jaw muscles can relax because you don't have to hold the second stage in your mouth. “And so it can't fall out of your mouth either. Even if something happens, you still get air – if this happens with a regular second stage, it will kill you underwater.” 

Voice communication

A very big advantage is the possibility of voice communication – between the divers themselves, but also between the diver and the shore. “Many recreational divers immediately say that the silence under water is so nice,” says René. “But think how much easier and more efficient a dive instructor can work with?” Where a conventional diver with hand, light and line signals, sound and a slate is limited in his communication, an IDM diver using a communication module can indicate in a few words what can be seen, what the problem is or what a problem is. student should do differently. “Certainly during diving training, this form of communication saves precious minutes.” And René adds: “You really don't have to talk throughout the dive!”

René concludes: “The IDM masks also deserve a chance in the recreational sector! Follow a clinic or do a test dive and experience the benefits of the full face masks for yourself.” It's a matter of getting used to…

Ocean Reef is on Duikvaker from January 31 to February 2, 2020.

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Ocean Reef: full face masks are the future, also for recreational divers

October 7, 2019

René Huisman, worldwide Training Manager at Ocean Reef, is sure: the IDM masks (Integrated Diving Masks) or full face masks are the future. After all, at all points in our lives we try to make ourselves more comfortable, safer and more enjoyable. “It's crazy,” René says. “Nowhere have developments stood still, except in diving. Most recreational divers still use…

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