C Chris
Contributor
Dear trucker girl -
Diving without a snorkle will not cause you loss of status or result in imminent doom. However, what does concern me are some safety issues brought about by the excessive stress resulting from the underlying anxiety over possibly losing your DD status. Even though your fears are unfounded, this excessive stress could manifest itself in significantly higher than normal gas utilization rates (which would destroy your dive plan) and/or loss of the ability to concentrate (snorkosis). Might I suggest that, should this happen again, you consider using the DDSnP (Dork Diver Snorkle Patch). It is placed on the left side of the mask skirt where you can easily reach up and touch it for "reassurance" during the dive. It also notifies others that you consider the snorkle an invaluable piece of equipment and would be wearing one except for some unseen circumstance, thus avoiding being misjudged as an NDD. (They also come in various colors to match your actual snorkle). NOTE: For cold water dives where gloves are required, you can "lose touch" with your patch. This is remedied by placing a small pebble under the patch prior to application. - Good luck, and good diving - Chris
Diving without a snorkle will not cause you loss of status or result in imminent doom. However, what does concern me are some safety issues brought about by the excessive stress resulting from the underlying anxiety over possibly losing your DD status. Even though your fears are unfounded, this excessive stress could manifest itself in significantly higher than normal gas utilization rates (which would destroy your dive plan) and/or loss of the ability to concentrate (snorkosis). Might I suggest that, should this happen again, you consider using the DDSnP (Dork Diver Snorkle Patch). It is placed on the left side of the mask skirt where you can easily reach up and touch it for "reassurance" during the dive. It also notifies others that you consider the snorkle an invaluable piece of equipment and would be wearing one except for some unseen circumstance, thus avoiding being misjudged as an NDD. (They also come in various colors to match your actual snorkle). NOTE: For cold water dives where gloves are required, you can "lose touch" with your patch. This is remedied by placing a small pebble under the patch prior to application. - Good luck, and good diving - Chris