Mask Clearing - AGAIN

[wvrotorhead]

Hey guys, Like many of you, I had my first pool dive last night and had difficulty clearing my mask. However, my problem differs from others I have read about on the board. I can't force myself to exhale through my nose while it is conact with water. The first few bubbles cause a reflex action which immediately "SHUTS OFF" the flow of bubbles and seemingly re-routes the flow to my stomach if I attempt to keep blowing.

I know this is pretty darn weird, but I need help. I have a less-than-understanding instructor who seems more interested in making me feel like a moron than in getting to the root of the problem. If anyone has experienced and or overcame this problem I would appreciate your advice.

Billy

 

[VTWarrenG]

wvrotorhead,

I expect that your tongue is your worst enemy.

When people attempt to exhale through their nose underwater, many tend to clench their jaws and push the back of their tongue up to the soft palate, thus preventing any air from exiting the nose. This is probably the "reflex."

Jump in a [shallow] pool, or even a bathtub, and practice calmly and gently blowing bubbles out of your nose. Relax, and concentrate on keeping your tongue out of the way. Try to avoid blowing hard, because that usually is what causes people to tense up and start fighting their own tongues.

- Warren

 

[Uncle Pug]

Originally posted by wvrotorhead
Hey guys,

Hey Billy,
Fill the sink with warm water and stick your face in it....
Practice trying to blow bubbles with your nose....
Right there in the privacy of your own home....
Be sure to rinse the sink out afterwards....
Real good....

 

[wvrotorhead]

Thanks Warren, I'll try that as soon as I get home from work.

This board was a great find.

 

[NINman]

I am not an expert so the following answer is just one way I have learned on clearing a mask. Before I get into that there is one thing that you need to do. You need to sit down with the instructer and tell Him/her how you feel. Let him/her know that you are the one bringing the busniess to him/her and that they should treat you with respect and also it is his/her job to help you over come any problems you might run into while in the class.

Here is a little exercise that might help though. When you fill your mask, make sure you have a snorkel or reg in your mouth as you are going to need to breath, just close your eyes and take a few breaths from the snorkel or regulator. Then just as though you were going to let out a nice long sigh, breath out your nose while holding the top of the mask and tilting your help SLIGHTLY back. If you have a purge valve tiping your head is not needed. If you need to stop blowing out your nose do so and take another breath or two before clearing out the rest of the water. I feel it is all about releaxing. Take your time and don't let the instructer rush you. Her/she should have DM's or assistants to help with the class that way he/she can work 1-on-1 with you.

Hope I helped

 

[wvrotorhead]

Thanks Brad, you helped very much. I think you are right about talking to this guy. I actually tried that last nigth but as I was becoming slightly ticked, I decided it was best to wait a while. Thanks for the tip and technique too. I will be trying several this evening.


Billy

 

[wvrotorhead]

Thanks Uncle Pug, I'll do that tonight too. heheheh, yeah, with the winter I've had, I'll need to do a lot of snot rinsing when I get done.

 

[SaltyWhale]

Hi wvrotorhead...

I am not too sure of what the problem is but if you are feeling a little tensed during your training........try remain as relaxed as possible and think of the every step you are doing and about to do. It could be very much due to psychology.

At most times, an instructor tries to rush the students which makes them very nervous and stressed out. If this is your case, tell the instructor to ease it. They are supposed to have patience.

Hope this advice helps. Cheers...!

 

[wvrotorhead]

Hey all, Thanks for all the great advice. I have taken all the advice I have received from you fine folks and spent about 2 hours in the tub over the last couple of days. Although my wife is becoming quite suspicious of all the time I am spending locked in the bathroom, and even more suspicious of the strange sounds coming from within, I can report some success in "making bubbles underwater".
I have found that I DO clench my teeth, I DON'T relax when my nose is submerged and I have something seriously odd and as yet undefined going on in the back of my throat LOL. All these things I have found can be overcome by concentration.
After much effort and a whole bunch of the aforementioned strange sounds, I am now able to blow through my nose at a depth of about eyeball level. HEY don't laugh, that's not bad for a guy who as of two days ago couldn't make a single bubble underwater LOL.
I plan to take salty's advice as well, and next class ask my instructor to chill out a tad and remind him that this is supposed to be fun for us depth-challenged landlubbers.
As a 38 year old professional, I refuse to pay this guy to treat myself and the other students like a kindergarten class. Heck, worse come to worse, I find a new instructor who hasn't forgotten the fine skill of smiling. Which was the whole point in this class to begin with.
Thanks again guys and wish me luck - I hope to hit the pool tomorrow and try to blow bubbles inside a flooded mask.

Billy

 

[ebbtide]

just my 2 cents but try with a snorkel in the tub or sink like uncle was saying at least there you wont feal bad if someone walks in on ya not like in the pool !