One of the most common beginner scuba diving mistakes is tightening the dive mask strap too much. Many new divers believe that a tighter mask will stop leaks and keep water out. In reality, the opposite is often true.
At our dive center in Tulamben, we regularly see beginner divers overtightening their masks because they are uncomfortable with the idea of water entering the mask during a dive. This is completely normal, especially for new divers. However, tightening the mask excessively usually creates more problems instead of solving them.
A properly fitting scuba mask should create a natural seal against your face with only light strap pressure. The strap’s main purpose is simply to keep the mask in place, not to force the mask tightly against your skin.
If a mask only works when it is extremely tight, the mask is probably not the correct fit for your face shape.
One easy way to test a scuba mask fit is to place the mask gently against your face without using the strap and inhale slightly through your nose. If the mask stays in place for a moment without leaking air, the seal is usually good.
When divers overtighten a mask, the silicone skirt can deform and create small gaps around the edges. Ironically, this can actually cause more leaking.
An overly tight mask can also create uncomfortable pressure on the face, leave deep red marks around the eyes, and sometimes even cause headaches after the dive.
In more severe cases, excessive mask pressure can contribute to mask squeeze. This happens when pressure differences are not equalized properly during descent and the mask presses tightly against the face. Although usually minor, it can cause discomfort and visible marks around the eyes.
Many beginner divers do not realize that an overly tight mask can also make clearing water from the mask more difficult.
To clear a scuba mask underwater, divers exhale gently through the nose while slightly lifting the bottom part of the mask skirt. If the mask is pressed extremely tightly against the face, you often need to blow much harder to push the water out effectively.
This can create unnecessary stress for beginner divers who are already practicing an unfamiliar skill underwater.
Watch our instagram post about it!
One of the best ways to reduce anxiety about mask leaks is proper scuba training.
During a PADI Open Water Diver course, students learn how to breathe comfortably underwater even with water inside the mask. Pool training exercises such as partial mask clearing and full mask removal help divers become more relaxed and confident underwater.
Once divers realize that a small amount of water inside the mask is not an emergency, they usually stop overtightening the strap.
This often becomes a turning point where diving suddenly feels much easier and more comfortable.
A comfortable scuba mask is not only about preventing leaks, but also about overall comfort during the dive. Tight mask straps can create unnecessary pressure on the back of the head, pull hair, and make the entire diving experience less enjoyable.
To improve comfort for our guests, all of our rental masks at Bali Dive Resort and Spa use soft neoprene mask strap covers. These help reduce pressure and make the mask feel much more comfortable during longer dives.
As part of our sustainability efforts, these neoprene covers are handmade from our old recycled wetsuits, giving used diving equipment a second life instead of creating unnecessary waste.
A correctly fitting scuba mask should feel comfortable and secure without excessive pressure. The strap should be tight enough to prevent the mask from slipping off, but not so tight that it presses heavily into the face.
Many divers also mistakenly blame facial hair, hoods, or small details for leaks. While these can occasionally affect certain mask models, the biggest factor is usually simply finding the right mask fit and avoiding overtightening.
A high-quality mask that fits your face properly will normally seal very well with surprisingly little strap tension.
If your scuba mask is leaking, tightening it more is usually not the solution.
A comfortable, properly fitting mask combined with good training and relaxed breathing techniques will almost always create a better diving experience than an overly tight mask strap.
For beginner divers especially, learning basic mask skills in a calm environment can make a huge difference in underwater comfort and confidence.
At Bali Dive Resort and Spa in Tulamben, our instructors focus heavily on helping new divers feel relaxed and comfortable underwater from the very beginning. Whether you are joining us for scuba diving in Tulamben or completing one of our PADI courses in Bali, small adjustments like proper mask fit can often completely change a diver’s experience underwater.
Ready to improve your underwater comfort and confidence? Whether you are learning basic mask skills for the first time or continuing your diving education, our experienced team at Bali Dive Resort and Spa in Tulamben is here to help.
Join us for fun diving or one of our PADI courses in Bali and experience relaxed, comfortable scuba diving with professional guidance and small dive groups.
Tomorrow, 17th June 2026, Bali celebrates Galungan and Kuningan, one of the island's most important religious festivals. Ten days later, the celebrations conclude with Kuningan. Galungan marks the victory of good over evil and is a special time when Balinese ...
