Specific Questions?

[Amphibious]

I'm a dive instructor who will be teaching a large group of Highschool age students this summer. I was a divemaster with the same operation for the last few years, so I'm fammiliar with the Attitudes and Actions that go with the age group.

My Question is, as female divers, what are some Specific questions you would like to have answered if you were to take your Basic Certs again? I want to prepare a handout for the Female students with Q&A on some topics that they might be too embaressed to discuss in class/with me. I'm a Guy and only 22, and I'm told it might be a little intimidating for them to ask some one so close in age. (and for some things I really wouldn't have an answer)

So, I'm looking for Everything a Girl Diver should know, but is afraid to ask...

Thanks in Advance,

Willer

 

[jbd]

that there will be questions about periods and sharks. That is a topic that has come up in this section on 3 or 4 occasions.

Also there will likely be some concerns about diving and PMS as well.

Another common thread here is what is the best BC for women in regards to smushing the boobs.

 

[JessicaDodge]

Absolutly address menstration. Also, even though they are in HS diving on birth control may be an issue also. I know I wondered about it when I first started.

Jessica

 

[gaustad]

As a beginner I have always liked hearing about the advantages of being a woman in a particular sport. I'm very new to diving so I can't list many of the pros, but rate of air consumption comes to mind. In many of the other things I do I have found physical weakness is actually a benefit in that I can't learn a move unless I do everything just "right" therefore once I finally nail it my technique is often cleaner and more efficient than the guys (of course this means it takes alot longer and much more practice to achieve whatever it is I am trying to do). But so far I haven't found anything in diving that requires that sort of blending of strength and technique. Except for hauling my butt from the car to the beach, diving seems to be more mental than other sports in which I have participated. Maybe some of the experienced female divers can come up with examples of typical female characteristics that are inherently conducive to diving.

 

[ScubaBaby]

but I think its still a valid point.

When I was learning I started when I was 15. The first thing I noticed was the significant difference in number between women and men in the diving industry.

If I'm honest - it didn't put me off that much but I did find it very intimidating. It might be worth showing the increase in the number of women who have joined the diving community - this should help show them that although its still male dominated - women are soon to take over!!!

And also point out that you don't have to be macho and strong for diving. I was terrified as I don't have much upper body strength and also suffer from back problems - I do struggle with 12l tanks but as soon as I'm in the water I'm fine. But pointing out that you don't have to be superwomen would be a huge comfort - well it would have been for me!

 

[annie]

I would be been incredibly embarrassed if my instructor had mentioned menstruation. I wouldn't mention it.

 

[chickdiver]

Hi Amphib. As a fellow instructor AND as a female diver- I think you should definitely cover the following areas: menstruation (including the "shark question"), PMS, pregnancy, birth control pills, differences in physiology- and their plusses/ minuses. It can be a little embarrasing, especially when dealing with younger ladies, but if you approach the subject in a matter of fact, professional manner, you will put both yourself and your students at ease. Additionally, brook no snickering and jokes from the male members of the class, as this will be detrimental to the whole expereince. Good luck, and let us know how it goes.

 

[annie]

Sorry, I've read the post again and he's going to prepare a handout. Much better than some sort of class discussion!
I would suggest that you include some options if they have further questions you haven't covered, like a web address for instance.

 

[Louie]

Having worked with students in the past, I know how women (and men) can behave very differently when in mixed and single-sex settings.

I would go with all the very good suggestions from previous contributors, especially menstruation matters (shark attraction, PMT, is a tampon a plug?). Also, in suggesting that women are at no inherent disadvantage in diving.

AND for both male and female students, perhaps a great emphasis on the dangers of excessive alcohol use when diving. This may sound a bit preachy but I have had dreadful experiences with young people let loose in a recreational setting.

 

[Amphibious]

Thanks, and Keep'um coming!

A lot of good points.

Louie: I hear you on the Alcohol point - this being Saudi Arabia, we will be diving on days where the temp is in the High 40's and a few times last year, 50+ with High humidex. I stress the dehydration point with all of my students, and the first day I have the little chat with them that if they're hung over they don't dive. they all get a 2L bottle of water to consume prior to each dive. they hate having to drink all that water, but in the history of the club there has never been a case of DCS.

Scubababy: I'm a stickler for Physical fitness with my students, they don't have to have an athletes body, but they need to be in shape enough to handle the sport. that being said this club dives AL63 and AL80 cylinders, and there are no dockside pushups in full kit like in my BSAC course when I was a 14yr old butterball As for you handling a 12L , from your picts it looks like you're in pretty good shape, maybe just a question of balence?

Chickdiver: I booted a kid from my classroom last year for laughing about certain subjects that one of my females students was curious about. he came back a little humbled. I don't tolerate stuff like that. I like humor, but not when it gets in the way of learning.

All the rest of you - great idea, and many thainks - I have to run back to class so no more time to write. Anyone know some good sites for getting info? other then Dan?

Willer