CESA practice

[haumana ronin]

Question for new divers with, say... less than 30 dives:

How many of you have practiced a CESA after that one time in OW? From how deep? And to how shallow? Some folks on this board say they have done it from 100+ to the surface. How did you get over that fear of exploding lungs and getting bent? I think i could do it cold from 50 or so feet with full lungs based on the tips in this board, my own breathing rate, and a giant WAG but I really have no idea. I want to practice it since it seems to be a good skill to have.

Yeah, I know, shouldn't need it: air management and buddy skills and pony bottles and the like, but still...

 

[DevonDiver]

The actual physical components of a CESA are identical to a normal ascent in every aspect except that instead of breathing normally, you exhale continuously.

Work to perfect your normal ascents; with correct positioning, dumping air at an effective rate to preserve neutral buoyancy and the correct ascent speed (instinctively, rather than computer controlled). Getting this right will have the biggest benefit should you ever need to CESA for real.

Add to this, the ability to instinctively oral inflate when you reach the surface. You can practice this at the end of any dive.

If you want to improve the duration and control of a continual exhale (the aspect not covered in a normal ascent), then just do this horizontally in a swimming pool.

I also get some practice in when breath-hold diving. If I can get down to 60ft and back on a single breath, I am confident of a CESA. I always blow bubbles on the ascent, so it becomes instinctive.

IMHO, the key thing isn't the lack of air... it's the instinct to oral inflate at the surface. Far too many divers overlook that critical aspect. It is why the fatality statistics show a distinct trend towards divers reaching the surface but then sinking back down and drowning...

 

[Gombessa]

Like Devon suggests above, I've only practiced it horizontally underwater. It's not exactly the same because you don't have expanding gas in your lungs/suit/BC to deal with, but you can definitely see how long of a sustained kick you're capable of. A real CESA isn't something I personally find worth practicing.

 

[Dirty-Dog]

I practice a CESA regularly, in the pool. Start at the deep end and you even get a little expansion as you go. Not as much as an OW CESA, certainly, but some.
I don't think it's something I'm likely to practice outside of the pool though. But if you want to, go for it. You've still got your reg and can go back to a normal ascent at any time.

 

[ajduplessis]

CESA is a controlled ascend and should not be practiced at depth (60ft +) until the diver is absolutely comfortable and experienced enough. Not every will agree with me but that's life. Start of in shallow water and very slowly progress. It is important to understand how your body reacts to “exercises” like these. It is a very good skill to have and execute successful. I would highly recommend making sure you have a good mentor to help and make sure you have access of emergency equipment.