Yee hah...
Just got back from the quarry...first open water dive. I'm such a goon. Was fine until the 'tired diver' thingy...I could not get my chest to expand, began to hyperventilate. Didn't feel like I was overexerting myself, but what do I know. No panic--just couldn't get enough air in my lungs, flipped on my back, spat the reg out and waited (a little dizzy, I admit)...when the instructor reached me and loosened my BCD and jacket, I calmed right down and was able to breathe normally again. Completed the rest of the dives no prob. What fun.
Note to self: don't cinch the BCD too tight...and don't zip up the jacket to my neck if it's tight...
BTW: water temp 70, 7 mil farmer brown and 7 mil jacket(I think). Was wearing rental gear that might have been a size too small for me.
Going back tomorrow for the second set of dives...and then I should be certified!
But seriously: I'm not generally given to panic (that I know of), and the instructor says it happened because the suit/BCD was too tight. Was he saying that just to reassure me, or did I do something terribly wrong?
I'd appreciate any input.
Either way, I had a blast (except for the embarrassment), and can't wait to get back in the water in the morning!
Thanks for all you fine folks have done for me already. Lots of great info here.
Just got back from the quarry...first open water dive. I'm such a goon. Was fine until the 'tired diver' thingy...I could not get my chest to expand, began to hyperventilate. Didn't feel like I was overexerting myself, but what do I know. No panic--just couldn't get enough air in my lungs, flipped on my back, spat the reg out and waited (a little dizzy, I admit)...when the instructor reached me and loosened my BCD and jacket, I calmed right down and was able to breathe normally again. Completed the rest of the dives no prob. What fun.
Note to self: don't cinch the BCD too tight...and don't zip up the jacket to my neck if it's tight...
BTW: water temp 70, 7 mil farmer brown and 7 mil jacket(I think). Was wearing rental gear that might have been a size too small for me.
Going back tomorrow for the second set of dives...and then I should be certified!
But seriously: I'm not generally given to panic (that I know of), and the instructor says it happened because the suit/BCD was too tight. Was he saying that just to reassure me, or did I do something terribly wrong?
I'd appreciate any input.
Either way, I had a blast (except for the embarrassment), and can't wait to get back in the water in the morning!
Thanks for all you fine folks have done for me already. Lots of great info here.