so tired the day after

[Genesis]

My usual diving is in the 100-120' range around here while spearfishing. By definition this can be strenuous, as most fish object to being speared

My typical ascent profile looks something like this:

1. From bottom at 110' or so, ascend to 55' at 20-30 fpm. Elapsed ascent time is about 2 minutes.

2. Hold 55' for 1 minute, look at any fishies that are hanging around me (there frequently are some at this depth.)

3. Ascend VERY slowly (usually at a rate of about 15 fpm or so) to just under 20' and hold for 3-5 minutes. I tend to stop at the lower limit of 10-20' (18-19' or so), as it both keeps me away from the people danging at 15' and is a slightly higher pressure (less dramatic change.)

4. Make my final ascent very slowly from 20'; typically this takes me at least two minutes, and sometimes three or more, to reach the surface. My goal is to see the depth display tick off a foot no more often than once every five seconds. This barely even counts as an "ascent" on my computer's ascent meter.

I've found that this works well for me.

 

[Soggy]

annie once bubbled...
The plastic buckle opened and the whole thing nearly came off as I was trying to adjust this one massive weight that was pulling me to one side. I'm going to get one of those other belts that distribute weight evenly. Once I get my own tank and weights, I have everything

How much weight are you using with your drysuit? What type of BC and tank are you using? You may be keeping too much air in the suit.

 

[MikeJacobs]

Great thread... found it by searching for fatigue and glad I didn't just post a new thread.

My experience is quite a bit different - we dive in SE Florida and for a month have done at least 5 shore dives a week to no more than 25' (mostly 17' or shallower). I'm not in bad shape for a 44 year old, and can kick out faster than most half my age without breathing hard.

I dive in skins and usually nitrox. Our stay is typically anywhere from 1:45 to over 2 hours on a standard tank.

My buddies and I all experience fatigue - not as bad as described above but I can take a 2 hour nap afterward. We hydrate, and I've even taken to bringing two little water bottles I've learned to drink underwater.

I don't remember feeling fatigue diving in my 20s, but do recall a little in my 30s. The 40s are much "worse" although I love the deep REM naps!

Deeper dives - 60 to 90 feet in my case - don't seem to result in very much more fatigue than shallow dives.

I'm thinking that its a combination of resperatory dehydration, Florida sun and mild exercise, BUT would love to know if there is a definitive answer... anybody able to help?