Ever wonder why?

**Scuba Mama** · 02-07-2007, 07:04 PM

This is a new forum. I have learned many tips and tricks over the years that have served me well. I look forward to learning the tips or what has worked you. I have been questioned many times while teaching scuba diving, "but why do you do it that way". This is a great place to answer many why questions about diving and to learn helpful tips. For example, how to clear a mask of water, why you secure your dive watch, why would you wear gloves through a thermal cline. Yes, some of the tips will come from the school of hard knocks in the hopes your not a student of those classes. Look forward to seeing the things you have learned in your scuba experience.

Scuba "Yoda" Mama

**glynneco** · 02-07-2007, 08:00 PM

See, the force is strong in this one!

**MgicTwnger** · 02-07-2007, 08:12 PM

Allright, I'll get the ball rolling. Here's some tips:

Try to hang out and dive with people that have more experience and knowledge than you do.

Don't be afraid to ask questions.

When you see equipment, configurations, or techniques that you are not familiar with, find out how and why.

Do-it-yourself is cool. You'll never make a reg, but you can sure make a spring strap.

**dalehall** · 02-08-2007, 12:40 AM

This isn't some great hidden secret, but it sure helped me out. I purchased a 7mm suit for cooler water diving. The first time in with it, my legs would not stay down. I wasted half of my first dive that day trying to keep my legs from pulling me upward. After awhile, I figured there was air trapped in the legs or they were too fitting to allow water in. I stood in the shallows and pulled the suit open at the top and got water down into the legs. After that, I was fine. The next trip I made, I was afraid the same thing was going to happen. So, I wore my suit legs over the top of my boots, instead of in them like I normally do. As soon as I entered the water, I felt the water coming in and I never had another problem with floaty legs.

**Scuba Mama** · 02-08-2007, 03:26 PM

I have fun with this tip. For the ones in my class who ask why don't I tuck the wetsuit in my boots. I have them tuck, climb in the pool, flood the suit and climb out. I don't have to explain anymore.

My first instructor was kind enough to point this tip out to me but it only took 4 lessons for me to figure out he knew what he was talking about not that I am stubborn.

**glynneco** · 02-08-2007, 08:30 PM

When I don my wet suit I take the cord attached to the rear zipper and lay it over my shoulder so it hangs to the front. When I pull on my BC it holds the zipper up thus eliminating downward zipper creep and a much higher and unwanted cold water exchange.

diverdowndh · 03-20-2007, 04:05 PM

How about this little one? Carry some Swimmer's Ear drops in your stuff on the boat. If you put a drop in each ear right as you get back on the boat you can actually hear the other excited stories of "did you see that ????" but also keep you from getting an ear infection.
I just got back from Belize and there was a couple that just certified and the woman had been walking around for 2 days with an ear that would not clear out of seawater. I hopped on my bike, went to my hotel and got a little bottle and let her clear her ears. She was so relieved she wanted to buy me dinner!
I know, a very simple thing but obviously something that could be passed on.

steve634 · 03-20-2007, 07:03 PM

Can someone help me out with cramps i get cramps a lot in my legs and feet while diving cant figure out why

**dalehall** · 03-20-2007, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve634

Can someone help me out with cramps i get cramps a lot in my legs and feet while diving cant figure out why

I had the same problem when I first started diving.. I started doing two things: Exercises that worked my legs (especially my calves)..Like, standing up, weight on my shoulders and lifting my body up with my feet. Kind of like going on your tip toes (but not so far) with extra weight on you. Squats help the legs all over. Also, eating bananas. Potassium from them helps keep cramps away. I haven't had a cramp since I stared doing these...

**Scuba Mama** · 03-20-2007, 08:56 PM

Make sure your fins are not on to tight. I use a hard soled boot for diving, keeps my feet from cramping. The hard sole comes in both low cut and high cut style. I will say the low cut are much harder to find. The type of fin you have may also be the problem, I like the Volo from Mares to avoid leg cramps. If you have problems with bananas try a sports drink it will cover all the basics for you.