First wreck, first nitrox

[on_two_wheels]

Learned a few things this week. A couple members from this site joined me on the Lois Ann. It was my first time diving a wreck (yukon & Ruby E). It was also my first time in several months. I impressed myself at how comfy I was getting back in after that long stretch away. So, here's a few things I learned:

1) Prep makes a LOT of difference. I attribute my comfort level after a long lay off to that prep. I went through all my gear the day before. I replaced ALL batteries (they've sat for months) in computer/transmitter and both lights. I hooked everything up to one of my tanks that I never use and took several breaths while monitoring the computer to see it read. I also verified it's reading by checking tank pressure with the gauge after. All this simply renewed confidence in my gear.

2) Three degrees makes a HUGE difference!! My buddy noted it was only 3 degrees warmer at the safety stop than it was around the yukon. I noted it was simply MUCH warmer!!

3) I seriously need to get a drysuit! I had to turn earlier than anyone else because my 7mm suit and 3mm vest wasn't enough to keep me down any longer.

4) The alleged post-dive benefits of nitrox were non-existent for me. I was just as tired as I usually am diving air. Now, it might just be me but I didn't seem to get the dry mouth I do from regular air. Is this normal or was I just lucky?

5) A 120cf steel tank is in fact a TANK when exiting the water. Ugh!! Still, it was nice to have plenty of air for the deeper dives.

My thanks to Brian (cppike79) and Rudy (serediver) for a great day of diving.

 

[cppike79]

Matt,

Good diving with you again.

Hey its looking like Sunday morning for the scuba show, but I'll let you know for sure.

Brian

 

[Teamcasa]

3) I seriously need to get a drysuit! I had to turn earlier than anyone else because my 7mm suit and 3mm vest wasn't enough to keep me down any longer.

4) The alleged post-dive benefits of nitrox were non-existent for me. I was just as tired as I usually am diving air. Now, it might just be me but I didn't seem to get the dry mouth I do from regular air. Is this normal or was I just lucky?

A drysuit sure makes the difference for me. When we dived wreck alley earlier this month, I was the only one that did not need to call the dive short for being too cold.

As for the Nitrox, I don't get dry mouth when diving it either, maybe we are both just lucky. I do however, feel better after diving Nitrox vs air. Whether it is fact or fiction, I don't care, I just feel better.

Hey its looking like Sunday morning for the scuba show, but I'll let you know for sure.

Stop by the ScubaBoard booth, I'll be there Sunday morning and would like to meet you guys!

 

[on_two_wheels]

Ya know, after some consideration I think being as cold as I was may have over-ridden the benefits of nitrox. We'll see next time. ;-)

 

[jridg]

Ya know, after some consideration I think being as cold as I was may have over-ridden the benefits of nitrox. We'll see next time. ;-)

My thoughts exactly!

I agree with you 110% on the drysuit - I never dive wet in SoCal if I can help it.

Great job on the prep - make it a habit and not only will you ensure your gear is up to speed, you won't forget anything (hopefully )

 

[fnfalman]

I don't do a lot of Nitrox dives, but I don't remember the drymouth or lack thereof issue in comparison to regular air. I do notice that I get the drymouth syndrome when I use the Aqualung Titan LX instead of my fancy Atomic B2.

And yes, a few degrees do make a massive difference.

 

[orangelion03]

Glad you had a good dive!

Prep is extremely important to get the most out of your dives AND improve your safety margins. Prep for your next dive should start the moment you get home from your last one (ok, maybe the next day). I like to clean and inspect my gear after the dive day, then put everything away ready to go for the next trip out. Then the day before going out, I take inventory and double check everything again.

Going dry was the best thing I did for my diving! With careful shopping, you can find some good deals out there. Just do your research and find what type works for you, then make sure the fit is correct.

Cheers!

 

[on_two_wheels]

I've pretty much decided on a Whites Fusion. I got a pretty good deal. I never thought about prep starting with cleaning after a dive but I guess it does, really. Great point.