The year was 1998. We were at Shaw's Cove in Laguna Beach, California. My buddy and I had about 30 dives under our belt and were excited to get an early morning dive before the work day started. We grabbed tanks, put our gear together, and hit the water as quickly as we could. The faster we got in, the more time we could spend exploring! We entered and went to the rock where most divers descend to start their adventures. We planned to go through the famous cut out at Shaw's Cove. This provides beautiful photos and feels like you are walking through a hallway with 20ft tall walls. It's a definite can't miss opportunity for the advanced divers that frequent Shaw's Cove. 

My buddy meandered ahead of me and got out of sight as we entered the initial chamber. We were comfortably diving together and losing sight of him for a minute didn't bother me. Of course, that was before the air stopped...

I heard a loud wheeze-like sound first and thought something was wrong with my regulator. I took it out for a split second; looked at it, purged it, and threw it back in my mouth. On that subsequent breath, there was nothing. Just an audible click as the regulator had clearly malfunctioned. I looked at the SPG and saw the big fat ZERO. I couldn't go straight up. The ascent would have landed me right on top of wave action and rocks, a place that I didn't need to be. My dive buddy was facing forward and not paying attention. He had no reason to look back yet knowing that I would be there and that we had just entered.  

My face began to turn red as I tried to figure out what to do. These decisions took milliseconds, but they felt like days. I decided that I would need to conduct a Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent (CESA). But, I would have to do it at an angle to get safely clear of the rocks. My airway opened up as I felt for some semblance of oxygen while I started the swim back out of the area. I was frantically kicking and could feel the pain of needing to breath while focusing on the light that was above me. In a matter of seconds, I was breaching the surface and gasping for air. I kept kicking while orally inflating my BCD to get me to float. Luckily, we were in about 10 feet of water when this happened and I only had about 20 feet to reach the surface safely. The episode took every ounce of energy from me as the adrenaline coursed through my body. I lay on the surface looking up at the sky trying to regain my heart rate through breathing. Within just a few seconds, my dive buddy surfaced and made his way to me. 

I explained away the problem. I said something was wrong with my regulator and that I needed to cancel and go back to the beachhead. I was equal parts embarrassed, scared and anxious. We started kicking back to shore and the only thing seared into my brain was the fact that I had put a nearly empty tank on my scuba set up and entered the water. I never checked with my buddy that there was air present via my SPG, I never bothered to conduct the simplest of tests to ensure a safe dive. While in water too deep to stand up in, I rendered my nearly empty tank, completely empty. Embarrassed indeed. 

I was thankful for my training up to that point. I had safely got myself to the surface and was able to effectively conduct a self-rescue to reduce the anxiety and stress. More importantly, I didn't put my buddy into a situation that would require his assistance. I felt like a bonehead. I remember sitting on the tailgate of my truck with my gear laying in front me; the empty tank still attached to the BCD. I could hear my instructor's mantra. It was at that moment that I realized how indelible certain aspects of a diver's toolbox were of utmost importance. In a matter of seconds, my situation had changed and I needed to quickly react to get myself to safety. 

Checklists

This is where a checklist and making safe habits will greatly reduce risk and increase the one thing we love doing as divers, having fun! In 1998, I was more experienced than the average Open Water Diver, but I was not close to the comfort level of a professional or more frequent diver out on the ocean. Had I invested my time and knowledge towards a checklist, I would have never entered the water with a used tank. The risk mitigation would have greatly reduced.  

When pilots prepare for a flight, they carry a tiny book with them known as a flight checklist. These vary from aircraft to aircraft, but the intent is the same. It provides the pilots with a systematic method of ensuring the safety of the airframe and the flight itself. These checklists range from pre-flight, post-flight to emergency procedures. The most amazing thing is that you'll see a pilot with 40 years of flying experience refer to their checklists just like a pilot with a few flights under their belt. This standardization has reduced the risk of the pilot, crew and passengers throughout the years. In many instances, when an emergency arises, you'll hear testimonies discussing the importance of a checklist and how it assisted the pilot with making split second decisions.   

In diving, these checklists can reduce anxiety, risk and provide a safe diving environment; they can range from equipment checks to procedures. If you've ever gone on a trip and gotten there only to find that a critical component of an enjoyable vacation was missing because you left it at home; then you can relate! Having a checklist handy will help with every safe diver. As you do an activity more often, you'll find that complacency has a tendency of creeping into your daily habits. You see the same thing over and over again, you'll find that you may be skipping critical steps that are hidden until they fail. This is why it is important to keep a maintenance schedule of your equipment. Something that can be done with a checklist! For this diver, December is timeframe that all items go into service. Regardless of what item it is in my arsenal of dive gear, I give myself until 31 December to get it serviced. As a dive professional, we tend to dive more than the average diver and our gear spends a lot of time wet. This can pose hidden risks to an active diver through a negligent schedule of service. Therefore, in the name of safety, I stand down my equipment and ensure that everything is in perfect working order to start the New Year! All of those pieces of equipment rest on an Excel document on my computer. This makes me certain that all of my equipment is serviceable at the beginning of every new year. 

Regardless of your activity, it is a great idea to implement some form of a checklist. I know that if I had used a checklist on that day so long ago, I wouldn't have even made it to the point of donning my gear. Because I would have had a checklist that told me to check that SPG and ensure its functionality! I would have noticed that the tank itself may have been used; calling it into question as opposed to making its way back into the ocean! Today, as a much more experienced diver, I utilize checklists that range from setting up my rebreather to preparing for a trip. I can't count the number of times that the checklist has reminded me to do something that was needed. 

Acronyms

An equally effective safe diver habit is the use of acronyms. In the Open Water program for PADI, we find a great one. It's called B.W.R.A.F. This is a simplified method of conducting a pre-dive safety check. Broken down, B.W.R.A.F. stands for BCD, Weights, Releases, Air and Final OK (some say Fins). This is conducted right before entering the water. You face your buddy and then you check for the functionality of your BCD, you make sure you and your buddy know where the weights are located, where the releases are located and that the air is on. The final ok is there to make sure everyone is good with the dive plan. This is a safety procedure that takes seconds. They are also touch points that accomplish numerous tasks in a quick amount of time. Every dive training organization has their version of a pre-dive check. The key commonality is that each of them has touch points that are directly linked to the safety of the diver.

For example, if the BCD isn't functioning, it is an indicator that the diver has their air off or that the the BCD is not properly assembled at the point of the low pressure inflator hose. If the diver doesn't have weights on or if your buddy doesn't know where your weights are located, that can also be identified. Having both divers take a moment to observe the connections of each individual's BCD will reduce anxiety if removal of a BCD is required. Finally, one of the most important is air. This is an opportunity to observe the air in the SPG or computer. It is also a great time for divers to ensure that valves on the cylinders are fully open. Through these five steps, we find that a buddy team can quickly mitigate a series of risks that could pose hazardous when the diver enters the water. 

Rote memorization and practice may turn these acronyms into safe diving habits. They can also be located on a checklist to help train the diver in the safe aspects of our diving environment.

Some examples below: 

B.W.R.A.F. (BCD, Weights, Releases, Air, Final OK) - the pre-dive safety check

S.O.S.T.D. (Signal; Orient; Switch to regulator; Time; Descend) - the five point descent

S.T.A.R.S. (Signal, Time, Airway, Reach, Swim) - the five point ascent

R.B.H.A.B.E.T. (Responsiveness, Buoyancy, Help, Airway, Breathing, Equipment, Transport) - seven steps to an effective rescue

An acronym may seem foreign to someone who does not deal with them regularly. This is why practice with the buddy is important. Over time, the two divers will naturally conduct these acronyms without failure. They will also become part of the normal diving routine and may help keep the diver safe if an emergency arises while in the water. Regardless of your dive training organization, it becomes common sense to implement safe dive training practices. 

Summary 

There are many ways to be a safe diver and each dive team will develop what those practices look like as they mature inside their diving careers. The key to any good dive habit is practice, practice, practice! Whether you are an Open Water Scuba Diver or a Course Director with many years of experience, utilizing checklists and acronyms are a certain way to successfully conduct dives in a safe manner. In 1998, it may have come in handy investing a little more time in a pre-dive safety check or holding a checklist in my hand while getting ready for the dive. Therefore, it's a great idea to start instilling these habits early in your diving career so that one day they will become a normal procedure and guarantee you many years of safe and enjoyable diving throughout the world! 

About the author:

D.J. Mansfield is a PADI Course Director who dives Southern California and has done so for 23 years. He is currently the Director of Operations for Beach Cities Scuba and is a committed ocean steward and trainer for divers all over the world.

Follow him on Instagram @djmansfield7or contact him at dj@beachcitiescuba.com.   

Current situation

According to the California Department of Public Health, the great state of California has experienced 24,424 cases of COVID-19 since I last wrote a blog. Last month, our region was ramping up for the summer and preparing major events that included beach cleanups, fundraisers and the Scuba Show held in Long Beach. All of that has come crashing down on top of our Southern California dive industry. We've experienced cancellations or grand modifications due to the current epidemic commonly referred to as the coronavirus. 

University of Chicago medicine states that the actual name of this virus is SARS-CoV-2 and that it causes a further disease known as COVID-19. We know today that this is a novel virus, meaning that medical professionals have not had to tackle this form of coronavirus in the past. We also know that COVID-19 is a rapidly moving upper respiratory illness. One that pushes individuals onto respirators and increases their bodily need for oxygen due to the reduced capacity of lung function. 

As divers, we understand that respiratory illnesses do not bode well for the underwater adventurer. This fact alone should motivate divers all around the world to take heed in protecting themselves and their families from transmission. 

The last thing a diver needs with regards to COVID-19 is something that can inhibit the ability of the human body to transfer oxygenated blood into the bloodstream and effectively remove carbon dioxide through the body processes. A diver can have their breathing rates affected and possibly end their diving careers if the damage to the lungs becomes too extensive with this virus. 

It is for this reason that Beach Cities Scuba has stopped beach and boat operations. We've reduced our foot traffic in stores and taken the appropriate steps to protect our employees and our customers from this novel virus. At this time, we have limited operations and are focused on fulfilling online orders. We, like many of you, hope this flattens the curve with regards to the virus spreading. This is the reason that we have not thrown caution to the wind with our customers and put them and their families at risk by continuing to operate in groups. At the end of the day, the Southern California diver is our most important asset. They are the individuals that explore our beautiful Pacific coastline and keep us motivated to continue education, equipment and experience benefits for every diver! 

Beach Cities Scuba has not chosen to go quietly into the night. We have worked towards finding solutions with numerous manufacturers that help provide protection to the general population. It is our goal to protect the dive community to the best of our ability. Because your lungs are the most important part of the scuba experience!

We have received shipment of an adapter to help medical professionals today and hope that many of them can implement this to protect their patients and themselves. The face is completely covered and the snorkel mask is converted into a lightweight, light duty gas mask. Yes, we know it looks silly. We know that if you are tall and have to walk through a doorway, you gotta duck. We know that if it's raining outside, you might wanna find another solution for that filter canister. But, it's working. That's the great part. The wearer is completely protected from outside sources, they can't scratch their face (which we know we do subconsciously all the time), the face shield does not fog up; and, most importantly, they are able to protect themselves from the outside environment using an appropriate filter. This modification may lay the groundwork for a future solution to patient rooms that have highly communicable disease transmission. 

Going Forward

Our economy is damaged and many small businesses throughout the Southern California region are shut down; their workers confined to working from home or not working at all. The unemployment continues to rise along with our own individual cabin fevers. This virus is so aggressive that we have all taken drastic measures to protect the population and our own communities to the best of our abilities. Today, every single state in America has declared a state of emergency at the same time. This has not happened in the history of our great nation. To say the least, it is a historic moment in societies around the globe as we battle against COVID-19 together. 

 Alas, this is not end of times. 

The massive efforts of companies around the world has not gone unnoticed. Medical and emergency services personnel are working around the clock while other leaders of the society are working to change 2020 into a stable economy and get us back to a new normal. Our dive community has heroes working in the midst of this pandemic. Though they've had to stop going to the beaches or enjoying the occasional boat to a SoCal dive site; they have turned their attention towards their own communities. Some are supplying food and other necessities to their neighbors. Others are working day and night to find solutions to keep our economy rolling forward. Teachers are adapting their classrooms to continue teaching students in an online environment. More are serving in hotspots of communities to include hospitals and the streets as officers and paramedics. Once again, the American ingenuity and might steps forward as we come together as a nation. 

Upcoming Event Changes

For SoCal divers, our upcoming events have changed. All beach and boat operations are stopped until May 15th at this time.

• April 22nd is Earth Day. This may be a great day for you divers to head out with proper protection and clean up your locale. Even a single trash bag with the kids and a quick clean up of your local area would bode well for the environment. If you have children, this is a great way to get them involved in the community and help the earth at the same time. Mark your calendars for Earth Day! 
• May 6th is Chamber Eve/Day. The absolutely fun time at the Chamber Day and Eve will go remote this year. We are still working on filling our normal tables and raising money for the Chamber as we do every year. We are currently at $6,120 raised and hope to continue to fill seats as we go forward. 
• May 30/31 is the 2020 Scuba Show. This event was canceled unfortunately. It is a fun time where thousands of Southern Californians come together and take advantage of some amazing sales. But, you need not worry. Beach Cities Scuba is planning to offer amazing deals this year in our online environments just for you!! More to come on that! 
• June 6 is the Newport Harbor Underwater Clean Up. Likewise, this event is canceled to help protect divers. But, like Earth Day, we would love to see families out on their beaches cleaning up if they are open by that time. If divers are available, what a great time to get out with a grab bag to pick up trash at your favorite dive site! Though the event is canceled, this is still an amazing time to get out and make a difference on our own environments! 

Don't forget! 

Yes. We are in a unique time with unique changes to our daily lives. Those challenges are not impossible tasks and can easily turn into effective long-term habits for all of us. Who knows, maybe we can reduce the footprint of the common flu as well! 

The virus is very transmissible and is easily spread between us humans. Talking, sneezing, coughing can cause droplets to land on another person. Therefore:

• Let's maintain that good distance between each other and keep each other safe!
• Be careful about putting your hands on surfaces and then touching your face.
• Get into the habit of washing those hands! 
• Always keep your surfaces clean and sanitized! 

Together, we can make a difference! 

References

1. https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/ncov2019.aspx

2. https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/prevention-and-screening-articles/wuhan-coronavirus

About the author:

D.J. Mansfield is a PADI Course Director who dives Southern California and has done so for 23 years. He is currently the Director of Operations for Beach Cities Scuba and is a committed ocean steward and trainer for divers all over the world.

Follow him on Instagram @djmansfield7or contact him at dj@beachcitiescuba.com.   

Last year, my household came to the realization that there was a massive wasting of a plastic product in our home. Every morning, I would sit on the couch and enjoy thirty minutes of reading. I would have a favorite mug full of fresh coffee from my Keurig. One morning, while perusing Amazon, I noticed there was an offer for a reusable k-cup. The wife and I realized that each of us used one k-cup every morning. Let's say we enjoyed 300 cups of coffee that year. It didn't seem like much, but to admit we threw away 600 little plastic cups the previous year became a bit eye-opening. Remember that the guy drinking the coffee has served on the board and participated in numerous coastal clean-up efforts over the last 18 years. It was a moment of discovery and, more importantly, a realization that change needed to occur. Today, we have successfully reduced this form of plastic usage as best as we can, but we also know that the rest of the world (including us) is not acutely aware of their production of trash.  

According to the World Bank, the United States is the highest producer of waste products. Individual Americans are expected to produce upwards of 913 kg of solid waste per person by the year 2050. For the imperial system lovers, that's 2,013 lbs of solid waste per person, per year. If you weigh 200lbs, you can expect to waste 10 times your own body weight every year. That's a staggering realization considering most of us expect to live a number of years on this beautiful earth. 

In Orange County, many humans will put their trash into a proper receptacle and it will magically disappear from their home enroute to lands unknown and unseen. Trash services continue to maintain low cost options for recycling and waste in an effort to keep our collective trash moving towards a proper disposal system. Though we tossed it in the trash, other humans are frantically working in dangerous conditions to combat the effects that we humans are creating as a society.

A close second to the human nightmare of solid waste disposal is the act of littering. Local, State and Federal governments have used fining and punishment as methods to attempt to change the behaviors of humans over the years. These changes have produced a desired effect, but it has not fully eliminated the issue. Today, volunteers find themselves armed with collection bags and holding events in order to help clean up their waterways, road systems and local areas.  

The problem is very real and, in some cases, very apparent. No matter where you go these days, it is hard to not find a piece of human-created trash in that region. Whether it blows with the winds from a receptacle or deposited by a careless passerby, this issue simply continues to grow. How do we even begin to tackle the problem? How do we create a world where we reduce our impact and become more aware of what we are doing on a daily basis? 

Education

We humans are a smart bunch. With evolutionary advantages like deductive reasoning, problem solving and technological advantages like mass media; we can quickly educate each other on the impact of certain behaviors. In the 1800's, the Civil War was ravaged by the Typhoid fever. More soldiers every day were experiencing symptoms that would take them from the combat lines on both sides. A man named William Budd discovered that the cause was lice moving from one person to the next, spreading the disease amongst the troops. Through some behavioral changes, Civil War soldiers were increasing their survivability by simply implementing small changes to their daily routines. As of this writing, a global epidemic is occurring known as COVID-19 (Coronavirus). We are quickly minimizing group gatherings, international travel and (though fear abounds) we, as a people, are trying to control the virus spread at a rate that takes a few days to educate almost the entire advanced world. Imagine if William Budd had Twitter!

Today, we look at these Typhoid fever epidemics as ancient diseases. It is because we are an educated people now. We understand the importance of washing our hands and showering. The same little ideas can be implanted into humans across the world on the dangers of littering and creating large deposits of solid waste.

Educating the public on what happens when a piece of trash enters the sewage systems or when a party leaves all of their materials on the beach to be blown by winds or tides. We can teach others how to be good stewards of our solid wastes. Programs such as Project AWARE's Dive Against Debris are intended to create a small behavior change in a scuba diver. If you see the trash, let's pick it up and report it. Imagine a world of divers doing that every day! We'd have millions of tons of solid waste properly deposited and destroyed. 

On an individual level, we can take stock in what we are wasting with plastic and other solid waste items. We reduce the taxation of time by reducing our impact in the first place. Would you rather take out your trash once a week or every other day? Would you like to see that one ton of waste you are expected to accrue in 2050 go down a few hundred pounds? Maybe you can take reusable bags to events or buy a cup that can be reused for that coffee? It may seem like an impossible task when, in reality, it's a small change that makes a big impact!  

Events

Yes, every single dive and every time you walk outside; you should pick up the trash around you. It's a great little habit to pick up (see what I did there) and it helps our world grandly. If you simply do not have the time to develop this, you can also commit to events; also known as getting involved! In Southern California, we have a few great events dedicated each year to the act of cleaning up. 

In February, divers from all over the Orange County and Southern California region descend upon Avalon Harbor. They spend their morning on a single dive pulling boat debris and other items out of the harbor in order to help improve the amazing water quality of Catalina Island. This event is supported and linked to another great cause in our area known as the Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber. While divers help their environment, their money is then dedicated to the support of this chamber that responds to emergencies for divers in the region. The Avalon Harbor Cleanup just completed its 39th year of existence. Look for a 2021 celebration and amazing time for that event! Follow this link for that event! 

In March, a new event has cropped up from the previous efforts of the Dana Point harbor. Here, divers jump into the harbor and use bags to clean up debris. This event was held for eight years, two times a year by the Dana Wharf organization and is now being administered by a group of veterans looking to continue the tradition and keep the water quality of that harbor at its highest. As more information comes forward for this event, we'll be sure to post it up and get it visible to our diver community! 

On June 6th, 2020, divers will attend the 4th Annual Newport Harbor Underwater Clean Up. This event is absolutely amazing. A great time where a band strikes up and divers hop on electric boats from Duffy to dive into Newport Harbor sites looking for trash. This is another major effort to improve the water quality in the harbors. As we all know, leaching occurs and that can potentially create water quality problems for the harbor as well as the waterways when this contaminated water makes its way to the ocean. If you haven't checked out this great event, you should! Follow this link!

Don't forget about Earth Day and other events that can be put on a calendar and made into a family day. What better way to teach your family about the importance of cleaning up our beaches than to make a day out of it! Even taking a few minutes to walk around and fill one trash bag up on a morning before work would make a difference! The best part is that you don't need a dedicated clean up day to do this. Get your volunteers together and meet up with the intent of getting trash off the ground. Your fellow humans will greatly appreciate it! 

Donation

Imagine a world where we were charged per pound of waste created every month? Similar to an electricity bill, Americans would quickly become attuned to their wasteful 'usage' of throwing out trash. Imagine if you had a bill at the end of the year for the one ton of waste you created! Unfortunately, that simply isn't the world we live in. We must make ourselves aware of the issues and we need to create little habits to help. Today, nonprofit organizations like Project AWARE and 4Ocean are working towards awareness and solutions. As you read this blog, a large boat is foraging the ocean for plastics. Another boat is skimming harbors in and attempt to collect up surface floating trash. These heroic efforts are producing large results and deserve our help. By getting them more materials, more personnel and more resources; our cash donations can make a true difference. If you are a person who is incapable of helping in physical ways due to time or other constraints, but you do have the ability to donate, I would encourage you to do so.

The question remains, can we truly make a change? Is it possible for you to take stock in your daily life and see where you can reduce and reuse? Can you possibly reduce your own solid waste to make an impact? They are questions you must ask yourself and see where you can create the most meaningful impact on the future of the planet. It is literally up to you. 

The world's oceans must remain healthy. They are the source of sustaining life on the planet and they are a large food resource for many humans throughout the world. By spurning ourselves to action through education, dedicated events and donations, our generation will start turning the tide against trash. 

References

https://www.latimes.com/world/global-development/la-fg-global-trash-20160422-20160421-snap-htmlstory.html

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2019-07-11/how-the-world-can-solve-its-2-billion-ton-trash-problem

https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-problems-solutions-littering.php

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1279260/\

About the author:

D.J. Mansfield is a PADI Course Director who dives Southern California and has done so for 23 years. He is currently the Director of Operations for Beach Cities Scuba and is a committed ocean steward and trainer for divers all over the world.

Follow him on Instagram @djmansfield7or contact him at dj@beachcitiescuba.com.   

Sam looked out over the shoreline assessing the wave sets as they came in one after the other on Memorial Day. There were no stairs or parking meters like you see today. Sam had climbed down a "cliff" to arrive at this beachhead. The visibility was about 10 miles across the ocean. Catalina island was barely visible in the distance as he looked over Diver's Cove. The heat was climbing towards 75°F by mid-day, but Sam was weathering the low 60's at this moment. He knew the water would be chilly, so he donned a government issue sweater he nabbed from a surplus store to use as thermal protection. Up to this point, Sam was an avid goggler for almost 7 years. The water was his sanctuary, the exploration; his passion. Strapping on a mask and fins (WWII surplus items), he saddled his borrowed "lung" and prepared to dive this super popular site in Laguna Beach, California. It was 1951. It was also Sam's first dive.  

Rapidly following, EDCO would produce its first wetsuit in 1953 and business owners like the legendary Ron Merker would take to the scuba scene in Orange County with an unparalleled passion for the sport. One of Ron's stores, the Aquatic Center still stands and is operating in Newport Beach under the ownership of Beach Cities Scuba. 

Pioneers and legends of the Southern California dive scene spans among explorers, boat captains, business owners, photographers, writers, actors/actresses and founders of some of the largest scuba training organizations of today. Dottie Frazier, Roger Hess, Sam Miller (and son), Ralph Erickson and John Cronin are just a smattering of names who explored Laguna Beach and the surrounding areas of Southern California. More importantly, they contributed to the sport and subsequent growth of the scuba industry.

The entire sport that you see today was born right here. Many of today's dive sites are named by these individuals and found on websites or the famous Franko's map of Orange County. Young, enthusiastic divers these days are able to enjoy the sport thanks to pioneers who dived these same waters and developed the tools, training and safety procedures of yesterday.  

For those in the know; Southern California was, and still is, one of the greatest areas in the world for scuba diving adventures. Travelers often marvel at the amazing sunsets along the 900 mile stretch of the Pacific coastline. For Laguna Beach divers, their beaches face generally south allowing for beautiful sunrises and sunsets all along the shoreline. The real beauty resides under the lapping water. Home to some of the most prolific kelp forests, Laguna Beach provides a amazing backdrop for capturing photos and videos of this underwater forest. 

These waters are a part of the California current traveling from British Columbia down to Baja California before turning back towards Australia. These waters are cool to the human skin and require something more comfortable than a GI-issued sweater for most explorers. Today, divers will sport a 7mm dive suit or a drysuit for comfortable dives as they watch some of the most beautiful ocean life pass before their now manufactured and tempered glass lens. With these opposing currents and changes to tide and weather, it isn't rare to have a wandering visitor from warmer waters arrive. Turtles, whales (passing from Baja to Alaska - like a fairweather traveler), dolphins, porpoises, rays and much more are among the passerby.

In 2010, the third phase of the Marine Life Protection Act Initiative joined the Laguna Beach State Marine Reserve (SMR) and Laguna Beach State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA) to protect approximately 9.7 square miles of oceanfront property. This action created a no-take zone for the entire coastline of Laguna Beach. With no one allowed to fish or take items out of the ocean, the ecosystem of Laguna Beach experienced a major comeback and drastically changed to what we see today as divers. In addition to the kelp forests, we have massive populations of fish, crustaceans and pelagic families coming through all year around. 

In just a few years, Laguna Beach and the surrounding coastlines began to look as they did for Sam on that Memorial Day in 1951. A coastline full of marine life is why a visit to Laguna Beach for any diver, snorkeler or water enthusiast is a must. With specialized equipment and developed safety procedures from the dive legends before us, scuba divers from all over the world can take a dip into our cool, beautiful waters to enjoy a dive or many!  

About the contributors:

Samuel Miller III  was a major contributor to the article through emails and phone conversations and told many amazing stories about the early days of diving in Southern California. He has been an avid scuba enthusiast of over 70 years. He began as a goggler when he was just a teenager and never stopped looking below the waves. Sam is one of the pioneers of scuba diving in Orange County and received the California SCUBA Service award in 2013. Today, he lives the happy life in Pismo Beach and after traveling the world over during 70 years of diving, he told me that he still dreams about diving in Southern California, where it all began! 

D.J. Mansfield is a PADI Course Director who dives Southern California and has done so for 23 years. He is currently the Director of Operations for Beach Cities Scuba and is a committed ocean steward and trainer for divers all over the world.

Follow him on Instagram @djmansfield7or contact him at dj@beachcitiescuba.com.   

When it comes to diving, there are a lot of choices available to help combat the cooler temperatures. In the first part of this two-part series, we discussed wetsuits and the benefits of owning a good quality suit; today, we'll talk about the moment one may need a little more protection because of the environment. In order to ensure the comfort level of the diver is maximized, some may choose to purchase a semi-drysuit or drysuit. As with wetsuits, there are many styles to choose from along with features and benefits to enhance the diving experience. 

A major difference between a wetsuit and a drysuit is the fact that one allows the water to enter close to the body (providing warmth through body heat) while the latter is designed to keep water away from the skin altogether. Through the creation of an air layer between environment and flesh, a drysuit allows the diver to provide further layers that will aid in keeping them toasty warm while executing their dive plans. The semi-drysuit is made of comparable materials, but it is not designed to keep water completely away from the diver's body. 

As we know today, the core of our body releases a massive amount of energy compared to our appendages; by keeping this core warm, we'll experience a safe dive that doesn't include shivering as part of the task list! 

Drysuits vary in the actual manufacturing process along with many accessories to add for the diver's comfort and needs. Here are some general aspects of drysuits and how to select a proper one. 

A favorite style of drysuit diving is ice diving, where one can wear their mask on top of the head!!

Materials

Drysuits can be created through multiple methods. Generally speaking, they are lumped into two categories; neoprene and membrane. 

Neoprene is a form of synthetic rubber that is utilized in wetsuits. Neoprene can be manipulated during the manufacturing process to create multiple forms of drysuit material that help keep the cool water off the body. 

Foamed neoprene (also known as foam neoprene) is a process that creates a high amount of gas bubbles in the manufacturing process. The resulting material creates a buoyant suit with thermal insulation that keeps the water from entering the material. One of the advantages of this type of suit is that if it does flood, the diver will still get quite a bit of thermal insulation as the suit will still have some of the characteristics we see in wetsuits.  

The neoprene line of drysuits are generally heavier than most and they also get skinnier with depth as the air bubbles shrink with the surrounding pressure. This would normally result in loss of heat, but it is mitigated with proper undergarments designed to retain heat close to the body. 

We will also find semi-drysuits in this category. The material is not completely sealed, but it does trap a great deal of water seepage and creates a layer of water that is much warmer than the wetsuit. These suits can be a little cheaper, not include certain features, but be a good choice to keeping warm in a cool environment. A good example of a semi-drysuit is the Hollis Neotek, where gussets and sealed stitching restrict the flow of water on the skin and provide a layer of warmth through the processed foam neoprene. 

Another form of the neoprene drysuit is the crushed neoprene suit. This is a suit that is hydrostatically compressed during the manufacturing process and almost completely eliminates the gas bubbles. This does not retain as much insulation, but it does result in a tough material that withstands changes to pressure and provides the diver with a suit that is sure to last for many, many years.

Not everyone enjoys the weight of these type of drysuits and will seek out other types to accompany them on their dive excursions. The membrane line of suits are made of much thinner material and provide little insulation like their cousins. They are commonly referred to as Trilaminate or Cordura. Manufacturers find new and improved ways to create these suits using laminated materials like nylon, butyl and vulcanized rubber (hence the Trilaminate name). A fabric aficionado will call this stockinette fabric. A majority of these fabrics are not flexible, so manufacturers will oversize them a little bit to provide some range of movement for the diver. For the diver, it makes these types of suits very easy to put on as they are similar to a baggy pair of jeans. A good example of this type of suit is the Fourth Element Argonaut 2.0. The materials are tough, reinforced with kneepads and other accessories to make a proper fitting suit for the diver. 

With these type of suits, a diver will need to wear an undersuit. If they go with just a pair of shorts and tshirt, it won't take long for them to feel the effects of the environment and begin to shake from the cold. Making undergarments an essential component to drysuit diving in cool waters.

These suits are capable of being punctured or torn, so it is important that whatever material a diver picks should be cared for as with any other investment made with this sport. An underwater flood can affect buoyancy control, so it is important for a diver to visually inspect their drysuit materials and ensure nothing is leaking prior to the dive. Through proper cleaning and inspection, a drysuit will last a drysuit diver for many years. 

Neck and wrist seals

A critical component of a drysuit is the quality of the neck and wrist seals. These items are made of neoprene or latex and rest against the skin of the diver. Excessive hair, tendons that stick out along the seal (like the transverse carpal ligament) or other obstructions can affect the proper seal on the suit and provide for a leak. In some models, these items are sewn directly to the suit and are given the utmost care by the diver as a torn seal could mean the cancellation of a dive. These seals are prone to tears from fingernails, improper donning/doffing and coming into contact with the environment (i.e. hitting the reef). There are two types of seals on the market.

Latex seals are thin. They are a delicate version, but they do provide the most effective seal as they 'stick' quite well to bare skin. These provide a blockage of water entering the suit and help the undergarments and the suit perform as designed.

Neoprene seals are thick. They are a little bit tougher, but are still capable of tearing. The thickness of the material does provide an effective seal and even a bit of warmth to the contact area against the skin. If the diver is rough on things or cannot get a great seal with latex, they might want to try the neoprene option. 

A newer technology is the user-replaceable models of seals. These are plastic or delrin designed attachment points on the suit itself that provide interlocking pieces. Having these items in the user-replaceable category means that a diver can carry back-ups in the event they tear a seal prior to the dive. It also means that the suit will not need to be sent to the manufacturer for replacement; a process that can take up to 4-6 weeks. Many divers find themselves selecting this upgrade to ensure their diving days are not interrupted by a torn seal! 

Another great technology is dry gloves. These gloves further resist water entering the hands of the diver and they also allow the diver to place a warming layer to ensure their hands do not get cold on a dive. Though a little bit of dexterity is lost, they do provide a great deal of warmth and the ability to self don.  

These seals are also trim capable. Meaning that one can properly fit them to the neck and wrists. They should be snug to the skin, but not so snug that it cuts off circulation to the head or hands. Utilizing a surgeon's care with a razor blade and a plastic bottle can provide the background for cutting these seals properly. A suggestion would be to trim one line at a time when trimming these for the first time. Divers will not want to over-cut these items as they will have to replace them if a mistake is made. If one has shaky hands or are in a hurry, it's also a good idea to seek out the help of a professional who cuts these seals on a regular basis. An uneven or erratic cut could create a future weak point on the seal itself. 

Which type would be better? That's really up to the diver. As with any investment, the diver must look towards what type of seals they would want to add to the suit in order to ensure a long and comfortable life diving in their specific environment. A diver should also consider the change in material if they have a latex allergy, they may find the neoprene seals more advantageous.  

Inflation/Deflation systems

Due to the fact that a drysuit has an air pocket created from the layer between the environment and the flesh, divers find themselves needing the ability to add or vent air for given situations. As we know from our Open Water dive courses, air expands and contracts when we are going up or down respectively. This effect means that the suit will contract to the body or possibly get too much air inside of it and affect our buoyancy control. Alas, there's a solution! 

Every drysuit has an inflation and deflation capability built into the suit through valves that are designed to work with the scuba kit and the diver. The inflator valve on a suit is typically found in the center of the chest. This is brought into operation through the use of a low pressure inflator hose similar to the one found on a BCD. A diver who experiences a squeeze or needs to control their descent can add a little air to the suit in order to exercise some buoyancy control. Having this extra air layer will require the diver to add a little weight compared to a wetsuit diver. Which is why it is imperative that the diver does a buoyancy check if they are in a new environment. 

Since we have the ability to add air to the suit, the diver will need the ability to dump air as well. This is done through an exhaust valve. Most models will put the exhaust valve on the left shoulder of the suit. When the valve is in the open position (this is a righty-tighty, lefty-loosey situation) it will let air out anytime the air reaches the shoulder of the suit. When it is it closed, the diver has control over the venting of the exhaust valve. In some training circles, the instructor will advise the diver to close this during descent so they can comfortably get buoyancy control as they descend. Prior to the ascent, the diver can open the valve to safely release air and prevent an uncontrolled ascension. 

These valves can be moved on custom suits and they do make models with extra exhaust valves for the diver. For example, a diver may choose to put exhaust valves on the ankles to prevent the air going into the feet and causing an unintentional inverted ascent. 

Whatever choice is made, it is important to freshwater wash these valves after every dive to keep them from freezing open. Having this occur could cause a leak in the suit or an uncontrolled buoyancy situation. 

Undergarments

The absolute best part of a drysuit is the ability to add warming layers to the skin! Keeping the core toasty warm allows divers to push well into waters that they would not have survived in with just a wetsuit. Hypothermia is a real concern when we are in the water and being able to invest in some nice undergarments will help us enjoy diving to the fullest! 

There are all kinds of types of undergarments out there. When selecting a proper undergarment, it is a good idea to investigate the type of material. Most drysuit divers will enjoy a material that provides a great deal of warmth without too much bulk. Another great feature is the ability to wick; if one is sweating or if water does get into the suit, it is nice if the undergarment can continue to keep warmth by getting that water away from the diver's skin. 

A good tip for selecting an undergarment is to look at the manufacturer's recommendation on temperatures. Some will actually offer a base layer along with another layer that one could use in cooler waters. For example, during the summer, a base layer may be just fine to wear while diving; then in winter, we add another layer to keep toasty warm on those cooler dives. 

Yes, someone could grab a pair of jogging pants and a sweater out of the closet to provide warmth, but keep in mind that these materials are not made to withstand compression. The hydrogen bonds within these materials will break down and not provide the type of warmth compared to a drysuit undergarment designed for this purpose. 

Training

The drysuit is pretty easy to master, but it is equally important that the diver receive some sort of training on the suit before taking it on dives. A quality instructor will teach the drysuit diver how to deal with emergency procedures and help master the buoyancy characteristics of the suit. One will find that through proper training, a diver will be able to comfortably enjoy drysuit dives for many years to come! Most training organizations will conduct an academic session with and then head to confined water to master some skills one will utilize on two dives in the ocean. Just like any new piece of equipment, do not be deterred by not mastering buoyancy on the first couple of drysuit dives. As with any other dive in the ocean, the diver be able to don and doff quickly as well as be a master at buoyancy control while they dive more often! 

The diver above is sporting dry gloves and a hood to accompany the cooler waters of Washington State! 

Summary

Diving in our local Southern California area may require some sort of drysuit training and use for winter divers. A drysuit will most certainly keep the diver warm in cooler waters and will provide years of use when a diver decides to invest in one. A lot of divers will be a little shocked at the higher investment point of a drysuit, but it should be done with the understanding that the individual will own a drysuit far longer than a wetsuit. The suit will also have a much longer warranty period when it comes to manufacturer help on repairs. Hopefully, as the reader moves into the market of a drysuit, you'll enjoy one for years and be able to reach new dive sites that were formally limited to you because of a wetsuit! 

Did you know Beach Cities Scuba is a 100% AWARE partner? We are committed to supporting our ocean partners and creating a protected environment for sea life that includes responsible fishing practices and minimal human interaction. See how you can get involved today!

One of the most important aspects of being a good diver is selecting the proper exposure protection. The more comfortable a diver, the more control over unneeded stress from the environment and the potential for hypothermia or heat exhaustion. When a diver first starts scuba diving, they find themselves bombarded with hundreds of products and styles. Additionally, the diver is influenced by their instructor, dive buddies and even the professional staff of the dive store. Choices become hard as divers find themselves making a decision on a wetsuit or drysuit that they have never worn in the water! 

In the first part of this two-part series, we'll talk about some of the features and benefits of the current wetsuits on the market. 

A wetsuit is designed to allow water close to your body. Your body is constantly producing heat. A proper fitting wetsuit will 'trap' that water and allow your body to heat it up, thus giving you protection from the elements in terms of warmth. Obviously, exposure protection is a two-part theory in itself. Exposed skin is susceptible to advanced cooling because water wicks body heat away up to 25 times faster than air and anything exposed could come into contact with an ocean organism that stings or creates some sort of skin irritation known as contact dermatitis. 

The game for a wetsuit manufacturer is to figure out ways to control that water movement in your suit and create a higher degree of warmth. This will add to the overall quality of the wetsuit and allow a manufacturer to have better technological advances than a competitor. Here are some general ideas when selecting a wetsuit.

Thickness

You'll need to ask yourself three questions.

1. What's the water temperature where I dive and is there a thermocline?

This is one of the most important questions. If the average temperature of the dive site is 82° degrees F, you may not need a 7mm wetsuit to stay comfortable and you could experience overheating while diving. For those divers that dive in areas with a thermocline, they will be interested in knowing the bottom temperature because it wouldn't make sense to have a 3mm wetsuit that does little for you when the temperature at 60ft goes below 60° degrees F! 

2. What are other divers wearing?

A very hard habit for most of us is being observant. If you are in the tropics, you may find yourself looking a little silly while you put your drysuit on with Artic undergarments. Prior to your trip, you can get on social media or call a local dive shop to ask them what they wear at the dive site. This will give you a good idea on what you will need to dive. 

3. How much cold or warmth can I personally take?

You may go to a dive site and see a person with a shorty wetsuit next to a person with a 5mm full suit. This is because each of us have a differing tolerance level to cold and heat. Just because everyone else is doing something, doesn't always mean that you need to do it as well (you're welcome, Love Mom). If you have what I affectionately call Bio-Prene (commonly known as fat), you might actually be comfortable in a less thick wetsuit or find yourself not requiring hood and gloves because your body is utilizing and retaining heat differently than a person with little to no body fat. 

Typically, wetsuits range from .5mm (known as a skin) up to 8mm in the current industry standards. Generally speaking, greater than 75° can be .5mm - 4mm of protection, 65° - 75° would call for a 5mm or thicker while below 65° would call for a 7mm or greater. Anything colder and you'll be looking for a drysuit (don't worry, this is in Part 2!) to suit your needs. 

Select a high quality wetsuit when you are looking, you will own it for years!

Stitching

A majority of wetsuits are pieces of cut neoprene. These pieces are glued together and then intricately stitched. This brings the material together in a fashion that allows for the minimum amount of water moving through the suit. For the user, the suit should allow water to seep in through the neoprene material and not through the stitching. This will create water movement that will accelerate the cooling of the body. One unique method of the stitching process is thermal sealing. This is when the pieces are glued, stitched and then laced with a thermal piece. It provides the strongest bond between the wetsuit pieces and also greatly minimizes water movement through the stitching design.

The key when you are looking for a wetsuit is to look at the quality of the stitching, the grade of the material (you can do this through touch) and also any warranties behind the suit. Companies will stand by the quality of their material and stitching when you purchase. 

An example of thermal sealing on a wetsuit.

Gaskets

Gaskets are an additive piece of material on a wetsuit. They are also designed to minimize water movement through the suit. These are typically found on the wrist and ankle entry points of a suit. They assist with the prevention of channeling or inadvertent flooding of the suit. If water is able to move into the suit freely, it will get up against your skin and give you a nice chill. Gaskets are there to help reduce that effort. Wetsuits like the Bare Evoke/Reactive and most semi-dry wetsuits will have this feature to reduce water intake.   

An example of a gasket on a wetsuit. 

Internal materials

On most wetsuits, what you see on the outside is also what you see on the inside. As technology and knowledge improves, we're finding that the inner core of a wetsuit can also be manipulated to help increase warmth. The most advanced version of this knowledge is known as Celliant Infrared.  This takes your body heat and turns it into thermal energy that 'reflects' back to the body. This allows the diver to experience a greater amount of warmth while in the water. You'll also find manufacturers utilizing a material fleck (like titanium fleck) that provides this same kind of reflection on the trapped water in the suit. These technologies are there to keep you warm while you are in the water, but they also increase the price of your wetsuit. Though many of us should look at a suit as an investment as you will utilize it for years on some pretty cool dives ahead. Therefore, choosing this technology may put a minor strain on your pocketbook, but it will definitely make a great investment if you have a suit with superior materials for the next five to ten years. 

Celliant Infrared Technology in a wetsuit.

Proper Fit

We could talk for the next twenty years on the amazing technologies that come in a wetsuit, but none of these things will work properly if you do not have a proper fitting wetsuit. When you wear the wetsuit, it should fit you snugly. It should not be so tight that you have trouble breathing and it should not be loose at any point on your body. If the wetsuit is too snug, you'll experience an increased effect of this when you enter the water. If it's too loose, you will get rivers of chilly water flowing through your suit at unexpected times. This will eat away at your warmth index while you are in the water. 

In addition to the just perfect feeling of the suit, your wetsuit should stop at the wrist bone on the arms and right above the ankle on your legs. Since we are all built differently, you'll need to make a choice if it is too long or too short. You can get a custom fitting wetsuit or have a tailor that specializes in wetsuits make a minor adjustment for you on your investment. The key is that you are fitted properly and that you retain all of your flexibility inside the suit. Remember, the key is having a suit that keeps you warm; therefore, shop around and try multiple suits on before you purchase. You should never just hold a suit up to your body and think it will fit you perfectly. If you are making the investment, make sure you put it on and ensure it is properly fitting! 

Wetsuits are cut in an attempt to fit a majority of people in the world. For males, they range from Small to 5X-Large and for ladies they range from size 2 up to size 28 for most manufacturers. When you walk into the custom areas of a wetsuit, the sky is usually the limit. You'll be measured by the professional staff of the dive shop just like you would for a dress or suit from a seamstress. Those measurements would be remitted to the manufacturer to begin the building of your custom suit. 

Summary

Remember that a wetsuit is built to keep you warm in the environment you plan to dive. Selecting the right fitting suit with the features and benefits that fit your budget will create an opportunity for you to comfortably dive for years to come. Should you ever have questions, it doesn't hurt to seek out the advice of advanced divers or professionals that regularly dive. Just remember that the investment you make will be with you for a few years down the road. Ensure you research the product and utilize the key points of this article when you select your future wetsuit. 

For those of you interested in the benefits and features of a drysuit, we'll discuss those next month in Part two of Exposure Protection! 

Did you know Beach Cities Scuba is a 100% AWARE partner? We are committed to supporting our ocean partners and creating a protected environment for sea life that includes responsible fishing practices and minimal human interaction. See how you can get involved today!

This month marks year 22 of my scuba adventures. To toot my own horn for a second; I have accomplished 3,731 actual open water dives as of Saturday  morning (yes, I have a dive log). Additionally, I touched the bottom of a Catalina dive site at 302 feet with the proper equipment and traveled to 28 different countries to experience their waters over these years. Whether it was a cave system in the middle of Missouri or the isolated islands of Micronesia, there's been a commonality on every single dive: I can become a better diver. 

You might think to yourself 'That is impossible! This guy has way too many dives! There is no way he is not just amazing.' - do not worry, in my own mind, I think I'm pretty awesome. But, I would be remiss if I did not accept the fact I have made errors during those thousands of dives. On logbook entry 25, I decided to go on a dive to celebrate my achievement with one of my good friends. As we chatted, I grabbed the new cylinder from my vehicle and set everything up. We got to the water and began our dive. At about 25 feet and 5 minutes, the regulator stopped working completely after a distinct wheezing sound came from my tank. I grabbed my octopus and experienced the same issue. There was no air! In a split second, the realization the cylinder I had put in the vehicle was already used! With my remaining breath and a reddening face, I bolted to the surface and (frantically) orally inflated my BCD. My buddy ascended to address the issue and I began to blame everything but the real problem; I made a serious mistake. I did not adhere to one of the most important principles of scuba diving; the pre-dive safety check. If I would have simply taken the time to run through an inherently safe method of ensuring everything is in good working order, I would have saved myself embarrassment and a possible real issue that could have gone much worse. All these years later, one statement sits firmly in the back of my head: I can become a better diver. 

The word "training" is synonymous with improvement. One does not have to subject themselves to actual emergencies to gain experience where education from more experienced trainers can help. You'll find the real key to becoming good at anything is through consistent and constant practice. The author Malcolm Gladwell deduces a person isn't born with natural gifts. Instead, they are gifted through dedication to hours of honing their craft. Whether it is strumming a guitar or replacing a glass window, the user finds themselves better at that 'gift' through dedication to the craft. If you do play an instrument, you can remember when you first started playing people would walk past you with their hands over their ears and a sympathetic smile. The off-key twangs and erratic bursts of sound were like nails across a chalkboard. With more hours of work, you may now manipulate a musical instrument in such a way people demand to hear you play when you are around. It may come as naturally as breathing to you. The same principles can be applied to your scuba diving. 

Having good buoyancy control, breathing techniques and working towards safer scuba diving are worthy goals for a new diver. The divers in the above photo are actually working on hovering, a common goal for all of us when scuba diving. It is easy to look at them and critique the million things wrong in this scenario; but, they are trying to learn how to be a better diver. The truth is they could have honed these skills in a confined water environment and successfully executed them perfectly (and off the poor reef) had the instructor invested in their training and education. That is what those hours in the pool and in safe, sandy environments in the ocean are designed to accomplish. 

As you gain experience in the water, it is also a great idea to seek out further education through a training program. If you want to be better at something, why not practice it in multiple environments that will only make you better at scuba diving! The folks in the picture could be working on base level performance requirements; but, they will become better at buoyancy control if they take the time to do further techniques in a continuing education class or by dedicating their time to performing the skill better. As we all know, practice is an extremely important facet of making ourselves masters at anything. This is where a training program will assist.

When I took the Advanced Open Water Course, I was extremely excited at the experience of night diving. At the time, all Advanced divers were required to conduct Navigation, Deep and Night as three of the five elective dives. These dives were the first dive of the actual specialty course. If you accomplished five of those dives, you'd be certified as an Advanced Open Water Diver. As we descended at Wood's Cove that night, I was super excited. My light illuminated creatures I had yet to see during the day. Lobsters, octopus and rays were flitting about the underwater realm in search of food while the normal day animals were tucking in for their naps. I found the exploration of the reef at night was something I was not fully comfortable with doing. My instructor encouraged me to sign up for the Night Diver specialty. On consecutive nights, we explored other coves and did skills to enhance our comfort level while being in a nighttime environment. This experience motivated me to comfortably dive at night and, at the time, I worked a night job. From that point on, I would spend Saturday and Sunday mornings from 3am to 4am exploring the reef system at Moss Point and more! But, what did I learn? I learned how to become better and much more comfortable operating at nighttime while wearing scuba equipment. Turning the lights off, navigating to and from a point underwater, and much more, taught me how to safely operate in a nighttime environment. Today, we night dive every other Sunday night with the dive club to keep our night diving skills in tip-top shape! 

Seeking out education did not make me a master of the night environment, but it did establish a foundation of principles I could then carry into hundreds of night dives across the world. It made me a better diver. As with all things, I could give you fifteen bullet points on how to become a master. But, my challenge to you is to become better through dedication to the sport of scuba diving. As you get better in the skills you learned in the Open Water Diver program, seek out experience through other courses and conduct dives with more experienced divers. Take the time to read about the latest technologies and techniques. If you can stay dedicated to the craft, you'll find yourself waking up with thousands of dives under your belt, a better education and the ability to teach others the importance of getting better at scuba diving! 

Did you know Beach Cities Scuba is a 100% AWARE partner? We are committed to supporting our ocean partners and creating a protected environment for sea life that includes responsible fishing practices and minimal human interaction. See how you can get involved today!

It was 1997, the waters off southern Japan were a frigid 52 degrees Fahrenheit; my face hit the cold water and I immediately started the rapid depletion of the precious air in my scuba cylinder. Everyone else was calm and relaxed underwater. I would signal, after 20 minutes, that I was down to 700 psi on my submersible pressure gauge and my dive buddy would look at me bewildered. He showed me his SPG and it still had 2000 psi comfortably sitting in his tank. We slowly ascended to our safety stop and when we got to the surface, the chiding began. "Dude, you are an air hog. Why did you suck down so much air on your dive?!?!?" 

At first, I was embarrassed. How was I the only one in the whole group that couldn't stay down long enough to truly enjoy the dive? What was I doing that they weren't doing? As a competitive individual, I became obsessed with how to properly breath underwater and be the guy that held up my SPG with 2000 psi in it when someone signaled me they were low on air! But, that road included a lot of poor techniques that were risky to my safety and didn't allow me to 'win' the air consumption wars. At first, I would attempt to skip breath on dives. This method would mean breathing in and then basically holding it until the moment I absolutely needed to breath. I then tried other tactics like orally inflating my BCD and strictly using my snorkel on the surface. All these attempts ended with nice headaches and barely an achievable goal when it came to true control of air consumption. 

With each dive, I became better. I honed in on skills and worked hard towards relaxation techniques. Instead of muscling my way through dives and swimming like Dory in Finding Nemo, I found ways to minimize my movement and finally take that 'Air Hog' shirt off my back! Here's some methods to achieving breath control greatness. 

Setting expectations

The first thing is setting realistic goals for yourself when it comes to air consumption. If you are large person, you are naturally predisposed to consuming more air. That doesn't mean you will always perform terribly in the water; it's just science. The oxygen you take in is set to feed your organs, tissues, bones and much more. If there's more product there to serve, you'll require more oxygen than a smaller person would require. If you couple this with experience, you'll find that you can become rather efficient at air consumption and also employ some techniques with your buddies to ensure you enjoy the dive just as much as they do. But, you need not worry, 'bio-prene' is a huge advantage in Southern California waters. You might be an air hog, but you will be a toasty warm air hog compared to your barely able to float friend! 

Master breathing

Your body requires oxygen to sustain life. But, lack of oxygen isn't what gives you the urge to breath. It's the build up of carbon dioxide that forces your diaphragm to react. This overwhelming urge to expel carbon dioxide drives your breathing patterns. Which is why skip breathing is not recommended for scuba divers. With the continuous build up of carbon dioxide, a diver might find themselves feeling the need to cycle air at a higher rate. By doing this, we provide further stress to the body and increase the working load while we dive. Therefore, we lose the fight in air consumption by incorrectly breathing in the first place. 

If we remember from our beginning courses, the number one rule in scuba diving is to never, ever hold your breath. By producing full breathing techniques, we actually manage the carbon dioxide build up in our bodies and reduce that urge to breath. Eventually, the action will become autonomous and very similar to the breathing patterns you hold on the surface. Like right now, you are not thinking about breathing in the least bit. Your body is handling the action for you. When we are underwater though, we find ourselves in an environment where it is not natural to breath and the average diver will increase their breaths per minute because of this. A simple action like breathing and exhaling in a controlled, fluid manner will assist in reducing your effort to breathe underwater.

This is something you can practice on the surface as well. Through breathing exercises, you might find yourself able to better control your breathing while diving! 

Master buoyancy

I've written about mastering buoyancy in scuba diving before. It is a very important aspect of scuba diving and a major contributor to air consumption. If a diver feels like they are constantly in a free fall from improper position of weights or incorrect calculations of air to the BCD, they will find themselves swimming with their hands. This creates work. Work creates breathing. Eventually, a person can tire out from this constant effort and find their air consumed at one of the highest rates. 

Practicing good buoyancy techniques range from correctly finding your position in the water column to correct weighing. All of these techniques will create a relaxed diver in the water. When you couple these with proper breathing, you'll find a diver who is properly consuming their air underwater. When we reduce the use of the BCD as our buoyancy control and increase our capabilities using that internal buoyancy device called your lungs, you will also reduce your mechanical need for air while underwater. Reducing this reliance on the BCD will also contribute to using the air in your cylinder for what it is intended for on a dive; breathing! 

If you were to take one thing away from anything in this article, it would be the understanding that we scuba dive for fun. The intent is to be relaxed, minorly moving, enjoying our activity to the fullest through our technique. If you can relax, you'll find air consumption is drastically reduced.  

Master finning

An oft overlooked technique is mastering fin control and fin techniques. Typically, there are two types of fin kicks. The scissor kick and the frog kick. A majority of this power is generated from our thighs in both of these kick techniques. With the scissor kick, we find a diver laying flat in the water column with straight, slightly bent knees. This diver is generating power from the hips very similar to a kick from a soccer player. The frog kick technique keeps the legs elevated while generating power from the inner thigh. The key to both of these methods is to move the fins smoothly through the water in order to achieve minimal resistance. When the power of the kick is underway, it will slowly propel us through the water. 

Many divers think they must kick as hard as possible to travel through the water, when the opposite is actually true. As Newton's Third Law states, "for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction." Therefore, we find the blade of a fin pushing against water and creating propulsion for the diver. By slowing down the rate of this action in an environment where the diver is breathing and conducting themselves in a peak performance buoyancy situation, they'll find that they can move much faster by engaging the right technique. Finning is a learned trait and can be accomplished by taking a specialty class or by practicing on a regular basis. 

Additionally, finning is an excellent way to condition the body for scuba diving. Through the correct fin kick, we'll create a more efficient diver that can breath correctly and glide through the water vice fighting it. 

Tank selection

Selecting the correct tank is also imperative for a diver. As previously stated, a larger diver may naturally consume more air. Which means they may just need a larger capacity tank to match the efforts of their buddies underwater. If you are a larger person, you might not want to select an aluminum 63 cubic foot for your diving. This means you'll be shorting the space in your tank for air you breath and shorting the dive even further. Oftentimes, you'll see larger folks with a Steel 100 while their buddies have Aluminum 80's. There's approximately a 21 cubic foot difference between the two tanks and may be the small change that a dive buddy team will find works for those hour long dives in the water. 

Another consideration is the buoyancy characteristics of these tanks. Aluminum tends to lighten up with the reduced psi in the tank while steel has the same buoyancy regardless of its tank pressure. If a diver is attempting to create a perfect buoyancy situation, they may not want to wrestle with their buoyancy at the end of a dive with an emptying aluminum tank. This will create work and walk us right back down the road of consuming that air at a higher rate. 

Whatever the choice of tank, remember that asking a dive professional for help in selection is also important. They can get an idea of your capabilities in the water and determine the right size of tank for you in a given situation. 

Summary

When I was an Open Water Diver in Japan and then Southern California, I found myself often frustrated at having to come up well before the rest of my buddies when we explored our underwater realm. As time has gone on and through honing these techniques, I've become quite the opposite in the water. You can also achieve mastery when it comes to air consumption by working on these techniques both in and out of the water. Take a class to help you master some of these techniques with your local dive shop and, more importantly, get out there and dive! It's the only way you'll become a better scuba diver! 

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