Had a current rip my mask off near Port Townsend last week

Was doing a hull inspection on a 40-ft trawler near the Port Townsend ferry dock when a tidal shift came through faster than I expected. The current yanked me sideways and tore my full face mask right off, had to surface blind and feeling around. Now I always double check the local tide tables before I even suit up, and I'm thinking about getting a mask strap with a secondary lock. Anyone else ever lose gear to a sudden current shift?

2 comments

2 Comments

abby_kim5511d ago

Whoa, that sounds absolutely terrifying. I lost a fin to a rip once, but losing a mask mid-dive is a whole other level of scary. I've heard of those mask straps with a secondary lock, but I bet a simple croakie or a snug strap keeper could do the trick too, especially if you're worried about a full secondary setup getting snagged. Did you check if there was an underwater current warning that day, or was it just one of those random tidal shifts that catches everyone off guard?

baker.simon11d ago

Not currents, just a dumb mistake. @abby_kim55 I tugged on the strap to tighten it and snapped the buckle clean off, so it floated right up while I was reaching for my dive light. Now I tuck the loose end of the strap under the neoprene hood before I jump in.