Specific Questions?

[Sue-ba]

There is one topic I wish someone would have addressed before I had to experience it first hand.

When I did my OW cert. it was at a lake. There were no bathrooms around. As a woman this is definitely a problem even though I do not suffer some of the problems with frequency like many women do. I was wearing a 7mm wetsuit and a one-piece swim suit underneath. After diving, nature called. Fortunately, our instructors had put up a little tent shelter for the women for this purpose. Inside, there was just a hole on the ground. I had to take off a wet, wetsuit far enough, and my swim suit also.

It was very stressful to me to be in a tent that felt like it was about to blow over any minute, (which they warned, had happened once or twice,) while I was completely naked from the knees up. I now wear a 2 piece suit when diving with a wet suit. It is just something I feel more comfortable with.

This is something only women have to be concerned with. It would have been nice if someone would have just mentioned it before hand. You know, just a helpful hint.

 

[sealkie]

As a female instructor I get asked all the time if is Ok to dive during your period - someone had the right answer - depends how you feel. I would go a little futher - stress the importance of keeping well hydrated and being careful if they are taking pain killers.

The other question I get asked is does the pressure effect tampons.

And .. I you`d be surprised how many women have never used tampons - you may need to have a female assistant on had that can deal with those question

someone mentioned anti depressents - anyone on medication should have doctors clearence as you know

I always stress why asthma is a contraindiciation because many people lie - kids in particular may be asthmatic.

Stress the cold can be a killer and dives should be called when they start to get cold - skinny guys aswell !

Before you start in water sessions tell them you will be holding onto their BC to steady them - and be careful where you hold onto them.

try and get a female DM to work with you - I always tell my students to go to another male instructor if the feel they do not wish to talk to me

You might want to give out an e-mail address so they can e-mail questions to you which is potentially less embarressing

 

[Hoya97]

I make up a handout outlining menstruation, PMS and the pill. For girls under 18 (still with parents) I place it in an envelope and give it to the parent (some parents are kinda sensitive about these types of issues). For those older than 18, I address it to them and say, "You may open this after class if you want". I have never had a negative reaction to the issue when handled in this manner.

I would not mention panic, stress or any other negative issue.
I stress (in the open classroom) how fortunate the girls are with regards to air consumption. The hidden agenda here is that I'm trying to put the thought in the guys heads that girls make great dive buddies.

I mention different BC styles as part of normal equipment introduction.

Hope this helps and best of luck!