Dizzy after diving?

[yak]

I did a LDS sponsored shore dive this afternoon with a group of 5 others. I felt great, and was very relaxed in the water. The water was calm, with some surge. We didn't get deeper than 15', and the total dive time was about 45 minutes. It was fairly cold for that depth - 48. I was happy when someone hit 1500 psi and the DM turned us around, as my hands and feet were a bit cold. I saw a few big bugs that hid in some very deep holes, and after trying twice for about a minute or so on each, I gave up on them The few that I was able to catch were slightly under.

When I got to shore, I was floundering a bit in the light surf getting my fins off, and when I stood on the sand, I felt like I was still swaying in the surge. When I took my boots off, my heels felt a little numb, which I attributed to the cold water. I felt slightly dizzy for the next hour or so.

I was wondering if it was a seasick-like reaction to the surge, but other than the dizziness I felt fine, ate dinner, had a beer, read the paper. And I've been in worse surge the last 2 days I dove there without any problems.

Has anyone ever experienced this after such a shallow dive? Could the cold temps have anything to do with it?

 

[PK]

You should post this in the "dive Medicine" forum.

 

[yak]

Yea, I know. - it was half dive report, half medical question

 

[Soggy]

yak once bubbled...
Has anyone ever experienced this after such a shallow dive? Could the cold temps have anything to do with it?

Yes, I've experienced this and I believe I can attribute it to a combination of cold and surgey. I did a dive this winter and the water was 34 degrees with a lot of surge. When I got out, I needed to sit down for like 15 minutes because I felt like I was on the verge of puking. Once the nausea passed, I was fine.

What were you wearing for exposure protection?

 

[element]

What kind of suit are you wearing? And is it a little tight? I felt that way once when wearing a tight wet suit.

 

[yak]

I was wearing a 7mm Hyperstretch suit & hood, full-finger gloves (I can't stand mitts), and 7mm Gold core booties. The suit fits like a glove, and can stretch way beyond my current proportions (altough I don't have plans in that direction).

My feet were cold, and I think the boots could be a bit more snug, so I ordered a pair of these last night: http://www.nrscatalog.com/product.asp?pfid=2342

They're a bit pricey but I can also get some use out of them under sandals when fishing and canoeing.

I'll probably check out the LDS for vests.

thanks folks

 

[Soggy]

Hyperstretch wetsuits are known for not being particularly warm....was it a one-piece? You might consider purchasing a 5-7mm core warmer. That really helped me when I was diving wet in a one piece 7mm Bare suit. It provided an extra layer underneath that protected me from the inevitable flush of water from the zippers.

Try wearing a pair of wool socks under the booties...that helped me immensely.

 

[yak]

Yes it's a one-piece. I knew the Hyperstretch weren't the warmest, but they're really comfortable.

The problem I have now is that I want a medium vest but the medium hoods are too restrictive. I want to stay with Hyperstrech for comfort, but don't want a loose-fitting vest.

The other idea I had was the Goldcore frot-sipping vest with no hood, but I don't know how well that would work.

 

[mer]

Instead of adding a hooded vest, just get a core warmer (looks like a wife beater attached to shorts).

I have a 5/7 hyperstretch one piece, and I put the core warmer over the full suit. I got the 5mm regular neoprene core warmer, although they make them in different thickness and in the hyperstretch material as well. I use a "normal" hood underneath... with both the suit and the core warmer clamped down on top of it I think it is as non-flushing as a hooded vest.

If I'm still cold I put a 1 or 2mm polypro shirt underneath the full suit (basically multi-taking my ski underwear).

Hope this helps.

 

[gmbaker]

ogh yea, a neoprene wife beater. What next, Soggy in a speedo?

mer once bubbled...
...(looks like a wife beater attached to shorts).