In all of the videos I've seen of INDOC, I haven't seen anybody use goggles. All I've seen is people swimming with either a mask or with nothing at all. So do you use goggles for anything during INDOC? Or should I start training with a mask?

The only reason I ask is because I recently purchased an Aqualung Atlantis II Mask for the mask and snorkel recovery, underwaters, and finning, and something I hadn't noticed before I ordered them is that you can't breathe out of your nose while you're swimming. I've gotten used to the pattern of breathing out of my nose when I'm underwater and breathing in through my mouth. Should I be breathing in and out through my mouth? And should I get rid of training with goggles?

I've noticed that its easier to swim with goggles versus mask. I started training solely with my mask because its harder and that's what we're going to be using at Indoc. Also practice flooding that bad boy and doing various cals on the deck; Flutters, pushups, whatever you can think of. Get used to it being full of water. Yes you should be breathing through your mouth.

You don't want to be a "dirty nasty nose breather"...many people have problems breathing just through their mouths (i.e. not using the nose and isolating it from the oropharynx)...a couple guys in my indoc class had problems so the instructors had them fill a big sink with water and put their heads underwater and breath through a snorkel. That's an easy and safe way to practice if needed.

Thanks guys. So I started to practice breathing out of my mouth and water starts coming in my nose when I wear my goggles.. But I guess it's something that I just need to start working on more. Also, if we're using a mask I won't have to worry about water coming up my nose.

So all of the INDOC videos I could put my hands on (Surviving the Cut, Rescue Warriors, Youtube videos, etc) and I haven't seen one video with them using goggles. Is it safe to say that we don't use goggles?

You will not use goggles. Its either a mask or nothing. Be prepared opening your eyes underwater.. ie.. Mask and snorkel recovery, drown proofing, amongst many other things.

Sorry to hijack this thread, but would it be beneficial to train in goggles, seeing as to how easy it is to get water up your nose while using just goggles?

I purchased a mask a few weeks ago and it has been a pretty dramatic change. The mask changes the way water flows around your face/mouth and forces you to change your breathing up.

It is never too early to practice the "right" way.

No way, I used goggles for a while, and when I started using my atlantis 2 it got way harder to do a lot of things. If you want to experience water going up your nose, do doom ups with nothing on, and fill your mask with water and tilt your head back. Leaves for a good burning time!