Cornwall 2010

[sj257]

On the assumption that equallising is holding your nose and trying to blow through your ears, then I'm trying, but couldn't seem to equalise last night at all, despite several attempts. It was a big tide last night so don't normally have as much scope to go that deep.

I always appreciate the heads up and notes of caution. On the lead front I'm still very positively boyant on the bottom and big clumps of string weed were easilly torn trying to stay down. I'd estimate that I need a further 3-4kg to be neautral at 5m. I'll probably add 2 and see if that's enough for me. I'm quite keen to maintain that 100% surfacing record, and would want to remain positively boyant even at my deepest dives. For now I think I've found the limit of my ears for a bit, so will be trying to gently push my breath hold to stay under a little bit longer.

sj

 

[devondave]

Equalizing-
Equalize on the surface, before the duck-dive.
Execute duck-dive, tuck chin into chest and equalize frequently on the way down and as Scott says, on the bottom.

The chin thing helps to free-up the eustachian tubes, if you crane your neck to see where the bottom is you can constrict the tubes, making equalizing harder.
The disadvantage is you might pile-drive yourself into the seabed when not looking.

Loads of info' in the freediving section but those few tips have served me well for both scuba and spearfishing.
I'm also very ,very lucky to have big tubes (Eustachian) and have never had a single problem equalizing, colds excepted.

Dave.

 

[Jonny250]

On the assumption that equallising is holding your nose and trying to blow through your ears, then I'm trying, but couldn't seem to equalise last night at all, despite several attempts. It was a big tide last night so don't normally have as much scope to go that deep.

I always appreciate the heads up and notes of caution. On the lead front I'm still very positively boyant on the bottom and big clumps of string weed were easilly torn trying to stay down. I'd estimate that I need a further 3-4kg to be neautral at 5m. I'll probably add 2 and see if that's enough for me. I'm quite keen to maintain that 100% surfacing record, and would want to remain positively boyant even at my deepest dives. For now I think I've found the limit of my ears for a bit, so will be trying to gently push my breath hold to stay under a little bit longer.

sj

I dont usually post on this sort of subject as theres so many more experienced and knowledgeable people on here, but..
sj, with respect, your 'last post' is quite worrying. for your sake, get some 'live' advice; you should be equalising before getting pain in your ears and should stop if you cant sort it (maybe you do). also, not sure you fully understand your buoyancy issues, based on what you are saying. lastly, gently pushing breathold to stay under.. sounds like an accident waiting to happen.
as tribs suggested, do one of the aida (or similar) courses, as you will learn loads and gain some valuable experience too. otherwise, is there someone on here who can do some dives with you?
just my 2p offered with respect to you.

 

[sj257]

I dont usually post on this sort of subject as theres so many more experienced and knowledgeable people on here, but..
sj, with respect, your 'last post' is quite worrying. for your sake, get some 'live' advice; you should be equalising before getting pain in your ears and should stop if you cant sort it (maybe you do). also, not sure you fully understand your buoyancy issues, based on what you are saying. lastly, gently pushing breathold to stay under.. sounds like an accident waiting to happen.
as tribs suggested, do one of the aida (or similar) courses, as you will learn loads and gain some valuable experience too. otherwise, is there someone on here who can do some dives with you?
just my 2p offered with respect to you.

2p always greatly appreciated.

On weight issue. I've just bought a Cressi Technica (I think that's the model) 5mm, so I think 5mm longjohn and 5mm jacket. The weight on my belt felt right with my old 6,5,3mm surf suit, still positive boyancy (would float to surface if i did nothing) when at my lower dives (say 6m) but not too much of a struggle to stay down with a grip on some weed say. With my new suit on I feel way more boyant. That is exactly what I would expect given that there is a greater volume of neoprean in the new suit, and thus the need to top up the weight belt to get back to where I was. Slight positive boyancy. I feel confident that I understand what I'm doing but may have explained it poorly. So I've waffled on here to check. Would rather look a fool and ask again than get it all wrong.

On the breath hold, looks like I need to be a bit more careful how I put things so as not ot alarm. I am way cautious on my approach, particularly as I dive alone. I tend to dive down and come up after a very short time. Last night on a few occasions I realised that when I popped back to the surface like a cork, I still felt comfortable with holding my breath. So rather than breathing imediately I stayed on the surface holding my breath for a few extra seconds to gain confidence and comfort with marginally longer breath holds. I felt this to be a relatively (for a dangerous sport) safe approach. But again would rather look like a fool here and get some better advice than continue with bad practice. As mentioned there is a lot of wisdom to be found here.

I do appreciate the concern, time and effort to put me straight if I'm going wrong. I guess I'm also starting to get to the point where I'm feeling more confident in my safety (as in not be a risk to someone else) and would be happier about going out for a dive with someone else now if anyone here dives around mid Cornwall area.

Cheers.

sj

 

[sj257]

Equalizing-
Equalize on the surface, before the duck-dive.
Execute duck-dive, tuck chin into chest and equalize frequently on the way down and as Scott says, on the bottom.

The chin thing helps to free-up the eustachian tubes, if you crane your neck to see where the bottom is you can constrict the tubes, making equalizing harder.
The disadvantage is you might pile-drive yourself into the seabed when not looking.

Loads of info' in the freediving section but those few tips have served me well for both scuba and spearfishing.
I'm also very ,very lucky to have big tubes (Eustachian) and have never had a single problem equalizing, colds excepted.

Dave.

Another pearl of wisdom from you Dave. Thanks.

I think the head position might well be where I'm going wrong. I've done a few scuba shore dives and had no problem equalising, but would have been flatter to the surface and as such had my chin more tucked in. Sounds like a top tip, I'll give it a go. With my more boyant approach I doubt I'll need to worry about pile driving into the bottom.

Thanks.

sj

 

[foxfish]

Dont forget that db has some of the worlds best free divers, most of who are only to willing to help with any questions you might have!
Freediving Training & Techniques

 

[speardog]

off to Portland in the morning out on dads boat,bit of diving bit of fishing for a few days hopfully vis will be good i'll post when i'm back

 

[spearflap]

good luck mate

 

[sj257]

Enjoy the far off lands (and seas).

sj

 

[Pav]

LOST GEAR PORTHCURNO

Helped out a local guy with a weight belt to get started. Unfortunately conditions caught him out and he lost his gun / mask / weightbelt / fins and ripped his wetsuit to shreds.

The guy has got all the passion to be a great spearo, and this is obviously a major loss of gear.

If any locals recover any of the gear would appreciate a pm. I understand its "booty" and doesn't need to be returned but any gear found would be a bonus. I can describe the gear.

It could have happened to any of us in our first days of spearing! Sometimes our enthusiasm gets the better of us.

Cheers! Pav.

 

[devondave]

Hey Pav.
Sounds horrendous, was the guy OK?

Dave.

 

[Padaxes]

I assume he got caught in the tidal rush around the point before the Minack?

Still cant see how he lost ALL his gear! What on earth happened!?

 

[sj257]

Hope he's ok.

Quite surprised to hear of a session going so wrong.

Any lessons we can all learn from that? Or was it more (understandable) over eagerness to get in the water?

sj

 

[tribs]

My right ear is the same during summer Tribs. I equalize slowly, the left ear goes a lot quicker than the right. The doctor checked my ears about 2 months ago and says they fine, he did say that hayfever plays a big part in Ear discomfort.

Have you thought about using docs proplugs? ( vented). Doc's Proplugs: The Doctor's Choice for Ear Protection

Hi Mate,

Yeah, got those already, Crazywind and BudleighSpearo particularly put me onto them and they do make a difference (not sure how exactly).

Read a great article on line but maybe someone could explain how to tag a http address onto a post?

Tribs

out

 

[Pav]

Yes, he is fine. I loaned the guy some weights and a belt to get started as from conversation I knew he was an experienced waterman (albiet new to spearfishing) before I loaned him the gear and made him aware of the hazards.

He had a good 2 days and had taken his first fish, and was really keen when I spoke to him, and so enthusiastic that it reminded me of my first days when I started. Obviously mis-judged the conditions but I don't know the details.

I understand he got caught against the rocks (I was surfing on the south coast the same day so know there was a decent swell) and as a result lost gear and dumped the belt. I don't blame him and am pleased he took the choice to ditch gear.

This is a very friendly forum and not judgemental so he may well post himself. I know I have had similar situations when surfing and have found myself in serious situations despite years of expereince and local knowledge. Shit happens!

I am happy that his only concern was his loss of the loaned kit and that he had to replace his lost gear. If any of it does show up it would be a bonus. I imagine it will not be in deep water as it would have been ditched during his exit around lowtide?, but I dont yet know the details.

 

[tonyeynon]

Had a lovely dive near the lizard yesterday. The sea was a bit choppy but the viz opened up greatly round some sheltered areas to around 7/8m

Managed two 2 pound bass as well which were the first of my holiday and the first of the season for me so well chuffed! Going out for a BBQ later so I’ll be taking them along! Missed to other opportunities for various frustrating reasons and also missed out on a 3/4 pound Pollock grrr I love Pollock too! Lol

Had the fright of my life as well when I was about 7 meters down. A nearby tanker decided to sound his horn and it scared the living daylight out me! I swear I could actually feel the vibrations as if it was right next to me – I can up like blooming bullet!

 

[sj257]

Yes, he is fine. I loaned the guy some weights and a belt to get started as from conversation I knew he was an experienced waterman (albiet new to spearfishing) before I loaned him the gear and made him aware of the hazards.

He had a good 2 days and had taken his first fish, and was really keen when I spoke to him, and so enthusiastic that it reminded me of my first days when I started. Obviously mis-judged the conditions but I don't know the details.

I understand he got caught against the rocks (I was surfing on the south coast the same day so know there was a decent swell) and as a result lost gear and dumped the belt. I don't blame him and am pleased he took the choice to ditch gear.

This is a very friendly forum and not judgemental so he may well post himself. I know I have had similar situations when surfing and have found myself in serious situations despite years of expereince and local knowledge. Shit happens!

I am happy that his only concern was his loss of the loaned kit and that he had to replace his lost gear. If any of it does show up it would be a bonus. I imagine it will not be in deep water as it would have been ditched during his exit around lowtide?, but I dont yet know the details.

I for one wouldn't judge, would rather learn.

I guess you hit the nail on the head there. No matter how experienced you think you are the sea can still catch you out. I've been in the water doing one sport or another for as long as I can remember (which is a long time) but know the sea will still throw up the odd unexpected challenge from time to time.

Glad to hear the guy is ok. Sounds like he took the right action dumping gear that can be replaced, and hopefully found.

sj

 

[tonyeynon]

I for one wouldn't judge, would rather learn.

I guess you hit the nail on the head there. No matter how experienced you think you are the sea can still catch you out. I've been in the water doing one sport or another for as long as I can remember (which is a long time) but know the sea will still throw up the odd unexpected challenge from time to time.

Glad to hear the guy is ok. Sounds like he took the right action dumping gear that can be replaced, and hopefully found.

sj

I think he defo did the right thing. When it comes to safty if there's any doubt there is no doubt! He's a smart chap in my book, It couldn't have been easy decision especially with borrowed gear.
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[Gaz D]

LOST GEAR PORTHCURNO

Helped out a local guy with a weight belt to get started. Unfortunately conditions caught him out and he lost his gun / mask / weightbelt / fins and ripped his wetsuit to shreds.

The guy has got all the passion to be a great spearo, and this is obviously a major loss of gear.

If any locals recover any of the gear would appreciate a pm. I understand its "booty" and doesn't need to be returned but any gear found would be a bonus. I can describe the gear.

It could have happened to any of us in our first days of spearing! Sometimes our enthusiasm gets the better of us.

Cheers! Pav.

Doesn't sound like a good day out.

Is the gun loaded? Anyone approaching it might need to know that.


I've got in off the rocks before, only to have the swell pick up after a few hours in the water - nightmare when it came time to exit again. I ended up swimming over a mile to the nearest beach. Other times I've took the rock option and got away with it, but there is definitely plenty of potential for serious injury. You've got to keep one eye on what the swell is doing.

.

.

 

[Spaniard]

I completely sympathise with that guy as I managed a similar feat at a BSA competition a number of years ago. I was so caught up in getting into the water quickly that I dropped my fins, which had my mask and snorkel stretched over them, into the surf and in my haste to recover them dropped my gun too! I felt a right berk as I trudged back to the car park in my wetsuit and not much else!! Amazingly my gun was retrieved by another competitor but I still managed to pick up an award at that years dinner dance for being a complete tool! rofl