SparticleBrane
Contributor
60ft--just don't read that anymore, it's a bunch of garbage IMHO. "...allows for maximum gas transfer." Why would holding your breath allow for maximum gas transfer? All it's doing is BUILDING UP CO2 and in the end it will make you want to breathe MORE. We don't hold our breath on land to "allow for maximum gas transfer" do we? We especially don't need to do that on scuba...
The best way to breathe on scuba is no different than how you breathe on land. Why would you change how you breathe? Most people take these HUGE breaths of air on scuba, let out a little, breathe in again, let out a little (especially when stressed). Do that right now. After a few breaths you'll feel like crap. Why would you want to do that? Just breathe normally. Like in my sig line--slow and relaxed with good technique.
To the poster speaking of putting your head in the water and breathing off your reg with no mask--you are quite correct. That's actually something you should do before every dive, ESPECIALLY the cold ones. It's called "cold water treatment" or "exhalation drills" depending on who you ask.
It helps your body slow down metabolism and prepare for the cooler temperatures. It also helps you to relax and get used to breathing underwater with the feeling of water around your face and eyes. This is a great tool for learning how to do almost everything else on scuba. It could also be a lifesaver--if you can't do that I can almost guarantee that if your mask came off at 90ft you'd have some serious issues.
As to the OP's question--lowing SAC rate can come from a variety of sources. Being in better aerobic shape, being more comfortable underwater, being more relaxed, less drag, frog kicking instead of flutter kicking...lots of things play into air consumption.
The best way to breathe on scuba is no different than how you breathe on land. Why would you change how you breathe? Most people take these HUGE breaths of air on scuba, let out a little, breathe in again, let out a little (especially when stressed). Do that right now. After a few breaths you'll feel like crap. Why would you want to do that? Just breathe normally. Like in my sig line--slow and relaxed with good technique.
To the poster speaking of putting your head in the water and breathing off your reg with no mask--you are quite correct. That's actually something you should do before every dive, ESPECIALLY the cold ones. It's called "cold water treatment" or "exhalation drills" depending on who you ask.
It helps your body slow down metabolism and prepare for the cooler temperatures. It also helps you to relax and get used to breathing underwater with the feeling of water around your face and eyes. This is a great tool for learning how to do almost everything else on scuba. It could also be a lifesaver--if you can't do that I can almost guarantee that if your mask came off at 90ft you'd have some serious issues.
As to the OP's question--lowing SAC rate can come from a variety of sources. Being in better aerobic shape, being more comfortable underwater, being more relaxed, less drag, frog kicking instead of flutter kicking...lots of things play into air consumption.
