New to the Sport

[Whopperhead]

Goggles and fogging up - I had someone tell me to use toothpaste. Does this work and how do I apply it- is there an alternative?

----Scott

 

[bglaeser]

Toothpaste and old toothbrush to clean the inside of your mask (especially when new or not used for a while)

Sea Drops anti-fog and lens cleaner to keep the fog off the inside of your mask (from a dive shop.... about 5 or 6 bucks.)

~Brian

 

[Pinggene]

Also, if water is going to be cold, have a container of warm water to swish around in your mask after a big loogie...works every time.

PS, I just went ice fishing on Lake Winnebago (3 blocks from house), could see about 12' with the camera...very clear. However, accoring to the regs, Winnebago county is closed for spearfishing from 3/16 - 4/1...should stay clear till then.

Gene

 

[Whopperhead]

When putting on your wetsuits- is there something special you put on your suit so it slides on better? Soap? Oil? Water? or nothing. I'm Getting my new Elios suit this week in the mail and it's going to be custom fit- so, I guessing that "custom" means "Really tight". Just curious if there were any tricks, tips or what not that you all might know. Thanks again

----------Scott

 

[Pinggene]

Use a mixture of hair conditioner & water. Put in about 5% - 10% hair conditioner. Most use a spray bottle. Be very generous with it. Look on the Elios site, they have directions as to how to put on.

I tip the bottoms upside down, spray in leg (6 - 8 sprays) & rub each leg back & forth between my hands to work in. Turn pants inside out down to crotch & spray in legs again & around the inside out area...get the buns & upper thighs good.

Be certain all toe nails & finger nails are well trimmed. Grip only with "meat" of fingers/hands.

Point toes & slip into each leg. If it doesn't go all the way on the first push, grab leg around the ancle & pull the suit up your leg...do this with each leg & up the thigh...Pull pants/long johns all the way up.

The top is a little more tricky. Lube up the arms starting by spraying in by the wrist holes & working it in the same as you did with the legs. Turn hole thing inside out down to the arm pits and head hole. Spray the whole thing well...especially around the arm pits. From here, some do different things. The elios site says to put in head first, but I could never make that work...easiest for me was to put both arms in, then head (head is hardest part...at least for me). Once head & arms are in, simply pull the rest down around you. You will also want to blow air into the wrist cuff and adjust your arms to fit correctly.

That should be about it. Take your time & be carefull with overstretching & those nasty finger/toe nails.

Gene

PS, look at Elios site for getting things off.

 

[Whopperhead]

Courses- Seeing how I've invested alot of money into this new hobby of mine- I'm interested in taking a class or course on freediving. Do any of you know of classes in Wisconsin? or should I look at courses offered in other states like Florida? I figure a Class/Course would answer alot of questions and help me be a better freediver. Or do you suggest just keep going to as many outings as I can and get as much dive time in as I can? I've notice you all are having a more advance course this summer- I know I'm no where near ready for that. Thank you for your time!

------Scott

 

[Pinggene]

Scott,

For starters, just come to as many events as you can, read on this site, & dive, dive, dive...

I am a beginner too! I learn something every time I go. Jon is a wealth of info...I try to pick his brain when ever I am with him.

I believe the course he (Jon) is trying to line up is for next Summer.

Gene

 

[Whopperhead]

Just thinking ahead- What thickness boots/socks do you all wear when the water gets real cold? it seems that I can only find 3mm socks- otherwise 5mm or thicker are "BOOTS" with a hard bottom and I don't think I'll get those into my fins. If you do know of a place/site I can get thicker socks - please let me know- I just like to be prepared, I plan on diving pretty much all year- if I can.

Thanks,


-----------Scott

 

[land shark]

Omer Pro Freediving Bootie Fin Socks $34.99 -$36.99: Spearfishing Gear

had real good luck with these folks!

good luck

 

[Whopperhead]

Another COLD WATER question- do you all do anything about exposed skin around your mouth and cheeks? Or just take it.

------Scott

 

[ocstripebass]

I surf cold water. Sometimes down in the 32. Face being exposed in those temperatures can make you pass out, dizziness, or throw up. Humans sure aren't meant for cold water. Anyway, to answer your questions use Vasoline on your face.

 

[deep thinker]

Vasoline does help yes, but I beg to differ on the statement that humans arent meant for cold water, for example theres a brit living in CT who does ice swimming and such to raise funds for the world wild life organisation.
Here are some scary links... Digital Journal - Cape Town adventurer plans North Pole swim Lewis Pugh - Motivational Speaker, Endurance Swimmer
Aparently he can raise his body core temp before attempting such a swim

 

[land shark]

you all do anything about exposed skin around your mouth and cheeks? Or just take it.

yea I quit and go get warm

 

[Jon]

Do a search on here for "Henderson Ice Caps". They are the real deal and I have used them for freediving, and scuba diving, for over 20 years.

Jon