Hi - I am going to Thailand in the next couple of days with the hope of snorkelling, and possibly diving down south (Gulf and Andaman side) - would it be possible to get prescription mask from bangkok or elsewhere? and how long would it take? I'm short-sighted (about -4.0) and don't have time to get one in the uk before I go! Also, how easy would it be to rent prescription masks at dive centres? Is it something that dive centres provide?
Thanks for any infor on this!
I would hesitate to say you are Royally buggered - but I've had a prescription mask smashed when I was in Oz & it takes a week because the mask needs to go to a specialist optical factory for the corrective lens to be fused into the mask. It was the biggest pain in the arse - any other kit you can pick up off the shelf but this.
I now take 2 prescription masks with me when I am on a dive trip.
Dive centres don't hire them out - so unless they have one that has been left behind that matches your needs - you are going to have to come up with something
What about taking your old one? Better than nothing.
There are some pre-defined prescription masks, but I think they only go to -2
You need a major dive supplier pronto, & I bet they will tell you it's going to be 5 working days minimum
Just about every equipment company has a prescription mask or two.
I cant believe that a dive shop in the UK or anywhere would not stock at least one mask and a range of prescription lens.
Most can do -5.0 and +3.0 ; Cressi-Sub go even higher/lower, TUSA style masks and theres a bunch of them out there also go higher/lower.
I use an Aquacraft, sold through Trident Diving Equipment (USA) twin lens with aluminium frame with -2.0 lens. Cost me Aus$100.00 and came with a padded mask strap and carry bag.
Good luck.
StevenL,
Do you know of any places around Chalong in Phuket that do this?
Thanks in advance
Penny
Of course you're very welcome to come to Kata, where we can sort things out for you.
In Chalong, nearly every DC will be able to sort out a prescription mask, and there are quite a few of them. The costs may vary a bit, depending on what they have on offer. The Ocean Twin mask and the Seakodive Runner mask will be the cheapest (and good) options that offer prescriptive lenses.