Dive Log ideas needed.

[jimqpublic]

I'm planning to start keeping a dive log so that my dive memories don't just turn into a blur. Also so I can reflect on performance changes over time. I now have a Suunto D3 and link cable so I plan to download my dive profile from each day of diving too.

I want to make a paper form that I can fill out when traveling. I would type it into the computer and maybe consider a link with the Suunto Dive Manager software.

If anyone out there has a log format- either electronic or paper- please give me some ideas.

Thanks,

Jim

So far I've considered the following fields:

Date: 2006.06.31
Location: Cortez Banks kayak dive
Weather: 75F calm
Sea: 16' SW swell
Visibility: 150'

Sea Temp: 61F surface, 58F @20m
Equipment:
Wetsuit:
Weight:
Notes:

Companions: None
Summary from D3:
Dives: 30
Deepest: 99M
Longest: 9:12

General Feel: Easy relaxed dives.

Detail notes/description: Great diving but the 100 mile kayak paddle was tiring.

[efattah]

I would add comments such as:
- What you ate, and when
- How your body temperature progressed, how hot were you to start, how quickly you got cold, did you shiver, could you resist
- Hydration level -- how much you drank, how many times (if any) you pee'd in your suit
- How your lungs felt -- any signs of squeeze? How did the burn or contractions feel? Good or bad?
- What breathe-up did you do most of the time?
- What was your average surface interval between dives?

[jimqpublic]

Good ideas (as always) Eric. I like the idea of the log almost being a questionnaire. Otherwise I'm likely to forget to write things down.

Also a pre-trip dive plan seems a good idea. That way expectations can be compared with the final outcome.

Jim