Haven't practiced my controlled emergency swimming ascent this year. Decided to do it differently and share my observations. Interested in hearing from others who still practice for it as well.
Began with a medium exhale, buoyancy set a couple lbs negative (3 hard fin strokes to start the ascent), swam up at ~45fpm from ~226ft to ~90 ft. Kept my airway open but didn't vent much for the first ~100ft as my lungs weren't full to begin with. Reg in for comfort.
The slow ascent rate over ~3 minutes was tedious especially when subconsciously the surface still looked far away. I'd practically prefer faster deep and slow for the shallow portion of the ascent.
Noticed the exhaled (nose and mouth) air began to "taste" funny towards the end, suspecting co2 buildup.
At 90ft I finished the exercise with two "big" breaths and resumed my normal pattern comfortably to continue my dive. No post freedive recovery breathing routine was needed.
Compared to breath hold diving the same distance it was mentally more comfortable and physically not as demanding. Suspect this is because with breathold diving I'm starting with much less air in my lungs initially and I need to switch directions at the "bottom" where I'm most significantly negative with compressed lungs.
In the past I've practiced the "blow and go" right to the surface from the deepest I intended to dive. I'm wanting the competency of a fair chance to return to the surface if necessary without gear as safely as possible.
This partial ascent answers this desire, but with my increased respect for DCS risks I'm glad I'm not heading directly to the surface.
With 5 air sources along with me on the ascent I mused just how badly my day would need to be to ever use a CESA from those depths. I still value the mental tranquility it gives me though.
This reads more like a dive report than my original intent, discussion welcome.
Not suggesting anyone needs do this.
Cameron
Began with a medium exhale, buoyancy set a couple lbs negative (3 hard fin strokes to start the ascent), swam up at ~45fpm from ~226ft to ~90 ft. Kept my airway open but didn't vent much for the first ~100ft as my lungs weren't full to begin with. Reg in for comfort.
The slow ascent rate over ~3 minutes was tedious especially when subconsciously the surface still looked far away. I'd practically prefer faster deep and slow for the shallow portion of the ascent.
Noticed the exhaled (nose and mouth) air began to "taste" funny towards the end, suspecting co2 buildup.
At 90ft I finished the exercise with two "big" breaths and resumed my normal pattern comfortably to continue my dive. No post freedive recovery breathing routine was needed.
Compared to breath hold diving the same distance it was mentally more comfortable and physically not as demanding. Suspect this is because with breathold diving I'm starting with much less air in my lungs initially and I need to switch directions at the "bottom" where I'm most significantly negative with compressed lungs.
In the past I've practiced the "blow and go" right to the surface from the deepest I intended to dive. I'm wanting the competency of a fair chance to return to the surface if necessary without gear as safely as possible.
This partial ascent answers this desire, but with my increased respect for DCS risks I'm glad I'm not heading directly to the surface.
With 5 air sources along with me on the ascent I mused just how badly my day would need to be to ever use a CESA from those depths. I still value the mental tranquility it gives me though.
This reads more like a dive report than my original intent, discussion welcome.
Not suggesting anyone needs do this.
Cameron
Last edited:
