Knowing when you're comfortable diving

[Dot Wethington]

:bfish: I had just taken a refresher course and I was really nervous about going on first open water dive since 1978. I had a groovy looking dive mask strap and felt queezy and actually hurled in the boat loo, a big no-no-- ( hey I didn't want to chum for the dive group), anyways, I let out the air to go down to 70 feet and guess what? the strap is loose due to my stupidity of putting it on. Well I was so stressed from puking, and spazzing and you know what? even though I couldn't see a damn thing-- my mask was 3/4 filled with water yet, I didn't panic. I had my eyes open the whole dive-- unable to clear my constantly flooding mask, and I refused to abort, and with everyone looking at me like --Gee-- she must be really comfortable, and enjoying the dive, no one in the group seemed concerned. Hey I paid good money, and I found that yes-- I can dive with a mask full of water in ease.

My eyes were burning when we ended the dive, and I still had 800 psi left. I tell you that "diving reflex" is a great thing. I got a lecture on not to puke in the boat toilet again. Hey, I flushed!!! and I am no projectilist. I was proud of myself on that refresher dive and I proceeded to change my mask strap back to boring clear rubber. I have since gone to Advanced and Nitrox, but I know if my mask gets ripped off, I can still enjoy the dive. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

 

[Uncle Pug]

Good story Dot and welcome to Scuba Board.

I don't know if it is a sign of comfort but I had such an urge to yawn during today's dive as it was just snoozie. Never could get the yawn accomplished though... every time I took the reg out and openned my mouth to yawn is just wouldn't work.

Oh well.

About the mask flood with the strap loose: maybe you need a better fitting mask. My mask doesn't flood even if the strap is floating over my head.

 

[glbirch]

Good story Dot and welcome to Scuba Board.

I don't know if it is a sign of comfort but I had such an urge to yawn during today's dive as it was just snoozie. Never could get the yawn accomplished though... every time I took the reg out and openned my mouth to yawn is just wouldn't work.

Oh well.

About the mask flood with the strap loose: maybe you need a better fitting mask. My mask doesn't flood even if the strap is floating over my head.

For me when I'm diving, I find the best cure when I find myself fighting the urge to yawn is to just take a five or ten minute catnap. Perks me right up, especially when it's one of those interminable pool sessions.

 

[sea nmf]

I agree about the mask fit. I practiced this while snorkeling the other day. I removed my mask and then put it back without the strap. It stayed on until I took it off (by breathing out through my nose).

But, good job staying with it. Now you know something you didn't know before; you can dive without a mask if you have to.

 

[MikeFerrara]

You need a mask to see, not to dive.

 

[Tao of the Dive]

If you practise at it, you can do a closed mouth yawn.

 

[annie]

I do it at work all the time :11:

If you practise at it, you can do a closed mouth yawn.

 

[The Chairman]

Hey UP...

just bring one of yer posts with you under water to read... you'll be yawning right quick!

Good work Dot! But I do agree with the pugster... a properly fit mask takes almost no pressure to keep on. Most people let the sales person cram the mask to their face and tell you to "inhale". A better method is to simply look up and lay the mask gently on your face. A slight inhale should seal it nicely.