Weight, depth, and pressure

[AB Diver]

I am having a similar problem to a post a few days ago. I get really creeped out by the lack of lung volume when I get to 40 ft. The feeling scares me back to the surface. I have no problem getting to 40 but after that it feels like I am much lower on oxygen than I really am. Plus contractions are much worse on a low volume lung than a full one. Is there any training that I can do to get more use to the feeling? Like maybe a few dry, empty lung statics as a warm up before a dive?

I am also weighted to be negatively bouyant at 30ft and keep kicking until I stop. Is that using extra oxygen? I know a lot of people free fall after 30 and I was wondering how you hold your breath long enough to drop to deeper depths. I only have about a 15 second bottom time and when I free fall it seems to use up the bottom time while I drop? I am sure it's just mental.

Thanks for any tips, I am really trying to get confident to 90 before my spearfishing trip to mexico this june. I want to shoot a big grouper and need to hunt them at 60-70 and I am afraid that I won't be able to do it. I got my PB of 63 yesterday and had a 15 second bottom time, but a personal best and being reliable is two different things. . .

Thanks, Kelpy

 

[kelp princess]

we call that the "lying bastard" - he's telling you you have to go up (pressure on the chest) and you really don't. as long as you aren't having sinus/ear/clearing issues, you can prolly fix it by slowing down and really relaxing.

as with everything you want to be safe first, and make sure and have a buddy to dive with.

i find that my "lying bastard" kicks in when i don't breathe-up enuff on the surface. try doing some full facial immersions ( no mask - just snorkel) for 5 mins before your regular breathe up.

and try kicking stronger but not frenetically - maybe more constant, long kicks.

be patient and good luck.

kp

 

[Erik]

Do a couple of empty lung pull downs on a line/anchor to start your diving, or just a gentle kick to 10' or so to the bottom. Stay for 10 seconds and come up. Do some pack breaths afterwards if you know how. If not, just make sure you fill your lungs up and bear down a bit at the surface, once you're relaxed.
Don't get too deep on these as you will squeeze, but gentle progresson will be fine.
I usually do 1 or 2 at the beginning of any session.
This feeling will dissipate quickly with practice; one day it will just be gone- your next barrier might be around 70-90' but it will be equalising, not lung compression.
Cheers,
Erik

 

[AB Diver]

Thanks. That is sort of what I figured. I can pack plenty into my lungs to clear and still have lots of air left its just the feeling that gets me. I noticed that once I quick kicking and start to free fall it gets easier. Maybe it's because the pressure changes slower and my mind has time to convince itself that I'm not really gonna die. :martial

Thanks, Kelpy

 

[Erik]

You can even do them in a shallow pool, if you reverse pack! But again be careful and go down slowly.
Have a great trip.

 

[waxlips]

reverse pack on land to get used to the empty lung feeling if that's what you mean by lung volume.