Gear Care & Maintenance

Snorkel Bob Brand Products are made durable for active snorkelers and divers. 

It is important to remember these simple instructions about the care and maintenance of your gear. Most replacement parts can be obtained from me, Snorkel Bob. Call us at (808) 737-2421 or email us at snorkelbob@snorkelbob.com

Masks

Storage: Store your mask in a cool, dry place. Don’t crimp the skirt for storage. This could warp the skirt, though our crystal silicone is generally impervious to warpage. Don’t allow neoprene rubber from older dive products to have prolonged contact with crystal silicone. This will stain the silicone. Hanging by the strap, from a hook in a closet works well. Storing in a net gear bag is best for ventillation around the mask, and will discourage mildew. A mask box can help protect a mask for long term storage and prevent damage to the skirt.

Washing: Masks can be rinsed with clear, cool or warm water after use in salt, fresh or chlorine water. A mild soapy solution and thorough rinse is best before long storage. Avoid abrasive cleansers. Be sure to rinse all sand from crevasses in the frame and skirt. NOTE: After purchase of a new mask, use one squidge of toothpaste to gently clean the inside and outside of the mask lens(es). This helps remove manufacturing residue (invisible), which can cause foggage. If foggage persists, repeat cleaning with additional squidge.

Repair: Look at buckles and straps before snorkeling or diving to ascertain good repair.  Click on the Seamo Betta video link which demonstrates how to easily remove and replace the lenses in a Seamo Betta Rx compatible mask. For replacement straps, buckles, pins or other parts call (808) 737-2421 or email me, Snorkel Bob, at snorkelbob@snorkelbob.com If you need a repair, I, Snorkel Bob, am here to serve.

Snorkels

Storage: Snorkels should be stored in a cool, dry place. Make sure your snorkel is dry when you place it in storage. Shake out water from the mouthpiece, tube and upper dry or fresh air sections. This helps prevent mold or mildew growing. Your snorkel may be hung on a hook upside down like an inverted “j” or stowed in a Net Gear Bag.

Washing: Snorkels can be rinsed with clear cool or warm water after use in salt, fresh or chlorine water. A mild, warm or cool soapy solution can be used to periodically wash your gear and especially before long storage periods. If used around sand use extra effort to rinse lower purge valve, mouthpiece, any connecting joints, and cap thoroughly. Sand left in a snorkel can lead to leaking next time you go snorkeling or diving.

Repair: Mouthpieces, silicone purge valves, MoflO2™ aortic valves and other snorkel parts can be obtained from me, Snorkel Bob. Call (808) 737-2421 or email us at snorkelbob@snorkelbob.com If you need a repair that you cannot do, we will be happy to help you get it fixed. If you have a question about how to do a repair or replacement, call or email us.

Fins

Storage: Fins should be stored in a cool dry place. Dry off any water that may be present on the blades or foot pockets. This helps prevent mold or mildew growing. Lay your fins flat on a shelf or in a Net Gear Bag. Prevent blades from being bent excessively. If possible use insert to keep footpocket from collapsing during storage. This will prevent weakness developing along creases or folds.

Washing: Fins can simply be rinsed off with clear cool or warm water after use in salt, fresh or chlorine water. A mild, warm or cool soapy solution can be used to periodically wash your gear and especially before long storage periods. If used around sand make sure to rinse completely. Sand can scratch blade material if rubbed hard, although this does not effect fin performance.

Repair: If a foot pocket rips, there’s not much you can do to fix it but then you can always try duck tape. Same thing for a blade. Call (808) 737-2421 or email us at snorkelbob@snorkelbob.com If you need a repair that you cannot do, we will be happy to help you get it fixed. If you have a question about how to do a repair or replacement, call or email us.

Flotation Vests

Storage: Vests should be stored in a cool dry place. Dry off any water that may be present on the fabric, inflation tube and straps. This helps prevent mold or mildew growing. Bladder can be stowed with our without air in it, although if possible leave about 1/4 inflated.

Washing: Vests can simply be rinsed off with clear cool or warm water after use in salt, fresh or chlorine water. A mild, warm or cool soapy solution can be used to periodically wash your gear and especially before long storage periods. If used around sand make sure to rinse completely and pay special attention to inflation valve. Sand can foul the valve and make it difficult to adjust.

Repair: Bladders can be patched if punctured, as long as you apply the appropriate patch. Use the same patch materials as for nylon raft or inflatable life preserver. I, Snorkel Bob, do not carry those patching materials. Straps can be cut to length if desired, as long as you seal the end of the cut by burning the nylon strap to stop unraveling. Replacement inflation valves can be obtained from me, Snorkel Bob. Call (808) 737-2421 or email us at snorkelbob@snorkelbob.com If you need a repair that you cannot do, we will be happy to help you get it fixed. If you have a question about how to do a repair or replacement, call or email us.