Do you Drink and Dive?

[Solitude Diver]

FYI, dehydration is nothing to be taken lightly. Like many other posters here, I too am inclined to drink the night before diving, and even after. However, early December I spent a day in the chamber, even after doing everything else right (dive profile was downloaded and reviewed by hyperbaric techs). My profile was well within limits including about 5 minutes at end of dive at less than 15-20 ft depth.

I took a hit in the knee and it was determined that the likely cause was dehydration. (Didn’t have to use “facilities” from 7 am until 6 pm on day of the dive, and didn’t drink much water the day before or the day of the dive.)

This is just a reminder not to get too complacent regarding DCS risks. Will I still drink before and after? Maybe. (OK…very likely). But, I will definitely watch my hydration levels from now on.

 

[nyprrthd]

If you're going to drink, you need to find a designated diver! Just make sure he has a camera, so you can see what you missed.

I'm still new at this, but I don't intend to do any drinking before diving. One or two with dinner, accompanied by water, water, water. Especially if I'm going to dive again the next day.

 

[RadRob]

Another question is what about diving with a hang-over? I had a buddy that did that once. When we were doing a shore dive and he saw the seaweed swaying back and forth, he blew chunks. He was dehydrated, causing cramps. The entire dive with him was a drag because of all the nonsense we had to go through. All for a fun night out the first day on the island. Save it for the last day when the diving is over.

 

[Knobby]

I cant recall having had a drink before a dive ... that would be flirting with danger .... however ...
I was diving with my brother on Puerto Galera in the Phililipines a few years ago. On Christmas Day we took a fold out table, a flower in a vase, a pack of plastic cards, a banana and a stubby of beer ... and enjoyed our Christmas lunch 10 metres below with a few piscean friends ...

 

[Bratface]

Never,never never have I had a drink before diving. That's just crazy.

Knobby, that sounds like a very cool Christmas day lunch.

 

[NadMat]

I believe in not diving while drunk. And will usually avoid any drinking until after diving. Also try to always stay hydrated. But I have had a beer on a long (couple to three hours) SI, and usually have a few beers after I am done diving. Also, I have drank a beer underwater once, just to say I did, and to get a pic of it. Actually, it was half a beer as I split it with buddy so we could get a pic. Figured if the merpeople at aquarena springs could do it, so could we, and I would do it one better better by having a beer instead of a coke. But that was the finish to the dive and the beginning of further beer and some eats to finish our diving day. It was also at 25' in a safe and familiar diving enviroment. I haven't gone the full lunch like knobby, but that also sounds like a wonderful photo op.

But beer and other 'fun' substances are for after dive relaxing rather than than pre dive imbibing. Feel the same way about impaired judgement with all my adventure sports, it is just better to avoid the combination. 100' underwater or up a cliff is not a good idea to be short of mental clarity.

 

[Skinsfan1311]

Nope. I'll have a few after the dive...and drink very little the night before...

 

[dandrian]

Nope, never drink before a dive, never drink after a dive........

 

[MoonWrasse]

I'm curious to know how many people have ALWAYS dove 100% sober......

Can a beer kill you?

Let's get it started......I'm excited to read this one.

For the record, I have NEVER drank and dove.....but, I'm wondering if this is normal!!!!

Get the stories going~

Big Hugs~

Alix

Always. Other than the dangers associated with booze and diving, it could void your dive insurance in case of an accident.

Also note that boozing immediately after diving is listed as a DCS contributor.

 

[Cacia]

Okay, since everyone is pretty opposed......Lets say you are in Mexico, and go to a very nice resort for a loooong leisurely lunch and you have one beer. After how long would you be fine with getting in for a 40-50 ft dive? One beer folks with your fish tacos....

just curious...