[Cougra]

Sorry I can't recommend any mask to you as each mask is different and made to fit different shaped faces. The best thing you can do is go into a dive shop and try on different masks. Don't worry about name brands, you need to find a mask that fits your face or else you'll have problems with it leaking all the time. If you get the proper mask you don't need one that's self purging or has any other fancy gadgets built into them.

The only other thing I would recommend that you look for is a mask with the largest viewing area possible. If you can afford a mask that has side viewing panels as well as the front lens you should get that one. If you wear glasses then ask about masks that can have prescription lens put in or consider using contacts(talk to your optomitrist about this one). Remember water naturally amplifies things so if you have a light perscription then you may not need use contacts or corrective lens.

To tell if the mask is the proper size and shape for you:
1. Place the mask over your eyes without using the strap. (make sure you don't have any hair under the seal)
2. Inhale gentally and hold your breath.
The mask should stay in place without you having to hold it in any other way. If it falls off then try a new mask as that one isn't right for you. Make sure you get one with a clear seal as the silicone wont degrade as quickly (especially in warm sunny conditions).

Ask the people at the dive shop about the best way to clean the mask both after purchase and after each use.

About giving your mask to your GF, it may not be the best idea, especially if it doesn't fit her properly. She may want to consider getting her own mask so she wont get fustrated with having the one shes wearing leaking all the time and end up not enjoying the snorkling experience.

Fins, well I hate to break it to you but there is a big difference between fins. If you plan on diving in the future you may want to invest in a good set of fins that have an adjustable back strap so they give a better fit and are more versitile. With this type of fins you'll need dive boots as well. This is a good idea all around as the dive boots will also protect your feet when you are going in and coming out of the water. YOu wont have to worry about stepping on an urchin or shape rock/glass that you could serriously cut yourself on.

The snorkling fins are preformed for your feet to fit in them. If you do go this route, make sure that you try them on and that they dont slip off very easily. The last thing you want to do is loose a fin and have to try to dive down to retrieve it, especially since water depth can be very decieving.

As for the snorkle, I personally wouldn't waste my money on a dry one. Most of them come with a small purge at the bottom that'll drain most of the water out when you surface and a quick exhaul when you come up before taking a new breath will be more then enough to clear it. However that's up to you.

Again I would invest in a good mask for yourself first and then a good set of fins. These two peices of equipment are more important IMO. (especially for diving later on)