using up air too fast

[mrobinson]

Is this not "Skip Breathing"? :06: I would worry that this practice is potentially dangerous on ascent? Being totally new to diving, (which will in itself cause me to use up a lot of air I am sure... I'll see this summer I guess) I'd like to hear other's opinions on this. Thanks,

No if you're slow and steady with it... more of counter to try to get your breathing rythum under your control..
I had a really cool instructor say when he frist started he was like a gerbil on speed, needing to see the whole ocean in one dive. The slower you go, the more you'll see, the air consumption will follow. Let's go diving!

 

[lamont]

Is this not "Skip Breathing"? :06: I would worry that this practice is potentially dangerous on ascent? Being totally new to diving, (which will in itself cause me to use up a lot of air I am sure... I'll see this summer I guess) I'd like to hear other's opinions on this.

Thanks,

its the opposite of skip breathing (holding air in full lungs), and you don't want to do it while ascending, or with your airway closed. slow exhales have roughly the same effect and are probably safer.

 

[radinator]

Don't close your airway, just breathe slowly.

When I took my OW, my instructor mentioned "exhale more than you inhale". It makes no sense in that you can only exhale what you inhale, but when I thought about it I decided that "exhale longer than you inhale" was a better way of looking at it. I take about a second to breathe in, and about 6-8 seconds to exhale.

Also, as others said, bouyancy buoyancy buoyancy.

Try this experiment. When diving sometime (and with the pre-planning with your buddy) stop all motion. No hand motions, no finning...nothing. Just sit there. Close your eyes if you have to so you aren't subconsciously reacting to your drifting out of position.

If your buoyancy is good, you should not be floating or sinking when you do this.

Many people are overweighted, and only can hold their position in some vertical kick-kick-kick position (even if kicking slowly). Working those muscle motions burns oxygen. Others are underweighted, and are doing the same thing but somewhat upside down.

Also, don't be in a hurry to get anywhere. Take your time. It shouldn't be work. Doubling your speed causes 4 times the resistance (which you are expending energy to overcome).

 

[narcT]

Is this not "Skip Breathing"? :06: I would worry that this practice is potentially dangerous on ascent? Being totally new to diving, (which will in itself cause me to use up a lot of air I am sure... I'll see this summer I guess) I'd like to hear other's opinions on this.

Thanks,

Skip breathing is when you exhale and wait 2 seconds to inhale. Very dangerous, don't do it.

I meant you breath in and hold it IN for 2 seconds before exhaling slowly. Then inhale again right away. Obviously I don't do this when ascending