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Breathing for Scuba Divers: a blog by Steve Lewis

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Breathe in, breathe out, repeat as necessary; and by the way, don’t hold your breath because your lungs will explode and you’ll die!”

Sage advice from the gruff and taciturn ex-military type who was teaching us to dive back at the dawn of time. He was holding up one of those new-fangled, single-hose regulators as he spoke, explaining to a roomful of bright-eyed wanna-be divers the precise workings of scuba gear, and our role in making it deliver air at depth.

Any questions?” He asked, looking around the room, shaking the regulator like a ferret with a rat, perhaps to show his attitude towards dissension or curiosity. The audience was quiet. “Good,” he said. “Let’s move on…

So that was it. One of the first lessons on how to dive.

Trouble is, as far as teaching a critical skill — breathing underwater — it went no further than a fairy can throw a garden tractor. Memorable, yes. Informative, not so good; garden tractor in exactly the same spot as before.

Now fast forward a few years and let’s look at a student manual from a major sport-diving agency on the topic.

Breathing underwater is just like breathing on the surface…” Really?!

Anyone who’s used scuba gear underwater will tell you that statement cannot possibly be true. In fact, even if you’ve never used scuba gear, and unless you’re a genetic mouth-breather with a seriously plugged nose, two seconds with a mask on your face and a second stage shoved in your mouth will show just how much of an untruth it is.

Leafing through that manual, and then thumbing through most of the other student manuals and dive books laying around the house, does not turn up much more information… well, it turns up none really. Advice on how to breathe on scuba is conspicuously absent. Odd when one considers that breathing is important, getting it wrong could be fatal (thank you BSAC instructor), and the number of posted questions on scuba forums with breath or breathing in the subject line out numbers those about sharks.

People want to know. Moreover, the people with questions are not all new divers.

A few weeks back a local dive shop hosted a “how-to-breathe-for-scuba-divers” workshop. It attracted a capacity crowd, and more than half that crowd were very experienced divers with technical certs of one sort or another… certainly not beginners.

It introduced to the crowd the concepts of using yoga and Tai-Chi breathing techniques to relax pre-dive. And it suggested using modifications of those techniques during the dive itself. The intended outcome: controlled breathing, relaxed divers, and everything related to those two things.

This approach — the “let’s learn to breathe” approach — brings up a clash of ideals. On one side we have the Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, all things Eastern and Mystical school of thought, and on the other it’s Bob’s bait and tackle shop, no-need for voodoo approach. It’s a sort of charcuterie from the meat department at Harrods vs packaged ham from Tesco Express argument.

I favour the thinly-sliced saucisson myself; and on that note, here are a couple of the techniques brought up and tried at that recent workshop.

The 4-7-8 (or Relaxing Breath) Exercise

As a relaxing exercise 4-7-8 breathing is effective and can be done anywhere. It’s my standard go-to before every dive, and on more complex ones, I use the modified version during the dive.

Place the tip of your tongue in the spot just behind your upper front teeth and keep it there. As you exhale through your mouth around your tongue the air makes a whoosh sound. This is correct.

  • Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four.
  • Hold your breath for a count of seven.
  • Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of eight.
  • This is one breath. Repeat the cycle as many times as you can.

Since holding your breath is NOT an option for scuba divers, the modified “diver’s version” replaces the breath hold with a pause, and of course all breathing is through the mouth.

Another pre-dive trick that is really relaxing is Breath Counting.

The Breath Counting Technique

This one is part of a bog-standard, no-frills, Zen Buddhist introduction to meditative and mindful practice.

You can do it anywhere, driving, walking, but the standard is to sit in a comfortable position with your back straight and head inclined slightly forward. Focus on a spot a couple of metres ahead or close your eyes and take a few deep breaths and try to clear your mind.

  • To begin, breathe slowly and deeply and count “one” to yourself as you release your breath.
  • The next time you exhale, count “two,” and so on up to “five.”
  • Start a new cycle, by counting “one” on the next exhalation.

Don’t count higher than “five,” and count only when you exhale.

No need to modify it much for diving (keep your eyes open though), and I find it interesting to time my fin kicks — the thrusting action of my frog kick — with each exhalation.

The result of both of these will be better gas consumption, no CO2 build up, and a better dive experience.

And yet, in the final blow, one might ask: “Why bother?” The Tesco Express crowd are quite correct saying that there’s no secret to breathing… From their prospective, a slice of ham slapped inside a dinner roll is as satisfying as Pane Laterza stuffed with prosciutto crudo and cheese; a lot less bother to make too.

So, maybe the difference is all style and no substance; my viewpoint is admittedly too biased to be objective on that score. But a physiologist — a specialist in diving medicine as it happened — explained once: “You know, panic is virtually impossible if you can control your breathing… deep and slow. Control your breathing and the Flight-Flight-Freeze reaction is replaced by a kind of WTF! Let’s get this sorted, NOW! attitude; an attitude with a much better potential outcome.” She and I were talking about the best response to something hitting the fan while scuba diving.

I have always remembered that conversation. It made sense then and does now.

What do you think?


Steve Lewis’s new book, Death in Number Two Shaft: the underwater exploration of Newfoundland’s Bell Island Mine, is available now on Steve’s website or from Amazon UK

Find out more about Steve at www.techdivertraining.org.

Steve Lewis is an author, adventure travel writer, and generalist, who dislikes dive gear but who loves to dive. A specific interest is cave diving, which he regards as "the most creative way to learn mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation.” He lives in a converted schoolhouse in Ontario’s cottage country with coyotes, white pines, and the Great Lakes as neighbours.

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NovoScuba’s Game-Changing Approach for Dive Store Owners: WE PAY YOU!

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novoscuba

novoscubaThe diving world thrives on passion and adventure, but for many dive store owners, the financial and operational challenges can be as deep as the ocean.

NovoScuba, an emerging force in the diving world, is on a mission to transform this landscape for the better. With a revolutionary approach to dive store and training agency partnerships, NovoScuba is setting new standards for how dive stores can thrive while keeping their focus on delivering exceptional diving experiences.

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A New Paradigm: NovoScuba’s Bold Mission

NovoScuba’s mission is straightforward yet profound: to disrupt the traditional dynamics between dive store owners and training agencies. Traditionally, dive stores have been subjected to substantial fees charged by training agencies, for membership, materials and certifications. These costs have often placed a heavy financial burden on store owners, cutting into their profits and limiting their ability to offer competitive prices to customers.

NovoScuba flips the script by offering a model where dive stores earn money, instead of paying high fees. Dive stores receive commissions for every student they register, and their certification costs are covered. This new model not only boosts profitability but also ensures clients get top-quality training at unbeatable prices.

Financial Upsides: Earn From Student Registration

NovoScuba’s approach is simple yet revolutionary. Dive stores partnering with NovoScuba can earn commissions for every student they enroll.

Here’s how it works: For every student enrolled through NovoScuba, dive stores receive a commission. Each student enrolled will receive their e-learning materials and certification credit included in their subscription. This arrangement is a significant departure from the traditional model, where dive stores often struggle to manage high overhead costs related to training fees and certification expenses.

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NovoScuba’s approach ensures that dive stores can focus on what they do best—providing top-notch diving experiences—without being bogged down by excessive financial burdens, and the need to carry large stocks of materials.

Quality Training at a Great Price

NovoScuba stands out by offering high-quality, ISO certified, training that doesn’t break the bank, in fact our students will pay less than with most competing agencies. Clients benefit from top-notch education and safety standards at competitive prices. Dive store owners can confidently promote NovoScuba’s programs, knowing they’re offering fantastic training at affordable rates. This balance of quality and affordability helps dive stores build a strong reputation and attract more customers.

Your Brand is Your Business: NovoScuba’s Commitment to Showcasing Your Identity

At NovoScuba, we understand that your brand is your most valuable asset, and we’re committed to putting it front and centre. Unlike agencies that charge high fees to promote their own brand, we believe in investing in yours. With NovoScuba, you won’t be paying to advertise someone else’s logo alone, — our focus is on showcasing your unique identity. Certifications prominently feature your brand, as well as the training agency, reinforcing your store’s image and brand every step of the way. We’re here to support and elevate your brand, ensuring that your investment directly benefits your business.

Affordable Membership: An Investment in Your Success

NovoScuba’s membership model is designed with dive store owners in mind. Membership fees are kept low and include annual Pro member fees for your team. Payment can be made monthly or annually in your local currency, avoiding the hassle of exchange rate fluctuations. NovoScuba promises no exchange rate changes without a six-month notice, ensuring financial stability and simplifying budgeting. With a membership lasting 12 months from date of joining, you’ll enjoy a full year of NovoScuba’s benefits and support.

Streamlined Operations: Simplifying Your Workload

Handling administrative tasks can be a challenge, but NovoScuba makes it easier. We’ve streamlined certification procedures and reduced paperwork to help dive stores operate more efficiently. Certification processing is quick and straightforward, allowing more focus on teaching and customer service. Our system minimises bureaucracy by storing necessary forms in student profiles, reducing paperwork and administrative delays.

Crossover Made Easy

For dive stores looking to transition to NovoScuba’s model, the crossover process is designed to be smooth and hassle-free. NovoScuba provides support to ensure that the transition is as seamless as possible, helping dive store owners integrate into the new system with minimal disruption. Experienced dive Pros don’t need to undergo extensive retraining. Our crossover is designed to familiarise Pros with NovoScuba’s user-friendly platform, standards and course structures, and not to waste time and expense re-training in water.

With just a few simple steps, you’ll be ready to offer top-notch training through NovoScuba.

Comprehensive Business Support and Training Included in Your Membership

NovoScuba goes beyond financial benefits by offering experienced support and training. This value added service includes:

  • Business Training: Optimise your operations with guidance on marketing, customer service, and best practices.
  • Marketing and Promotion: Access resources to attract new customers and boost your store’s visibility. Enjoy cross promotions with NovoScuba to gain increased exposure.
  • Ongoing Support: NovoScuba’s commitment to its partners extends beyond initial training and setup. The company offers ongoing support to address any issues or questions that arise. This continuous support ensures that dive store owners have a reliable resource to turn to whenever they need assistance.

novoscuba

Embracing Digital Natives: Instant Evolution and Continuous Improvement

NovoScuba’s digital-native approach is a game-changer. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, we ensure our services evolve and improve swiftly. Dive stores benefit from instant updates, the latest features, enhancements, and effective solutions, keeping them ahead of the curve. This continuous improvement helps dive stores stay competitive and deliver exceptional services. Whether it’s a new course update, additional marketing resources, or improved e-learning functions, NovoScuba’s digital infrastructure ensures that dive stores are always equipped with the most current and effective solutions. This continuous evolution not only helps dive stores stay ahead in a competitive market but also ensures they consistently provide top-quality services to their clients.

Why Is NovoScuba Doing This? – Fair Profit Sharing for Greater Access and Growth

At NovoScuba, we’ve taken a bold step by paying commissions to stores rather than following the traditional model of training agencies charging high fees. Our mission is to make diving accessible to everyone and to foster a growing community of new divers and continued education. By redistributing profits more equitably between stores and training agencies, we aim to create a more supportive and collaborative environment within the industry. We believe this approach not only helps individual stores thrive but also stimulates overall growth and innovation in diving. Our commitment to fair profit sharing reflects our dedication to the long-term health and expansion of the diving community.

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Everyone is getting a piece of the pie.

Getting Started: Join the NovoScuba Revolution

Ready to revolutionise your dive store experience? NovoScuba is here to support your journey toward reduced costs, increased profitability, and enhanced operational efficiency. Get in touch with our team to learn how NovoScuba can transform your business.

For more information, email info@novoscuba.com or visit www.novoscuba.academy.

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Are you ready to become a Cave Diver?

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cave diving

By Marissa Eckert

What are the requirements to start cave diving?  What do I need to do to be prepared for cave training?  These are all questions I get asked by so many potential students.  There are many options when coming up with an answer.  The first option, and the easiest, would be to go the training agency website and look up the requirements to take the class.  However, this leaves a lot open for interpretation and doesnt mean you will necessarily be ready.  Like anything, there always needs to be minimum requirements.  But is that enough?  Maybe for some people it is, but for most people its not.

So, what are the requirements?

TDI breaks cave training down into three different levels.  Those levels are cavern, intro to cave, and full cave.  To start cavern the requirements state that you must be 18 years old or 15 years old with parental consent, have an Open Water Certification, and a minimum of 25 logged dives.  This doesnt sound like much.  So, what do I tell my students when they ask me?  First, I find out if they are only interested in cavern or if they are interested in potentially progressing into cave diving. If they are interested in progressing into cave diving, I always strongly suggest they get comfortable with a dual configuration first.  This configuration can be side mount, back-mounted doubles, or even a rebreather.   The main things I tell everyone they need to have down are buoyancy, good trim position, the ability to hover in place motionless without moving their hands or feet, and good overall awareness.  This means awareness of oneself and what your body and equipment are doing, but also total awareness of what is going on around you.

cave diving

So, what does all this mean?

Many times Ive had students show up thinking they had all these things mastered only to quickly realize they have a long way to go.  Which by the way, is okay! After all, we all start somewhere and progress at different paces.  The most important thing is to be open to feedback.  But there are also ways to prepare yourself better.  First and foremost, when starting down this route it is critical to find a good instructor.  Take time to look up instructors, ask questions, interview them, look at their past students, look at what type of diving they are doing, and most importantly ask questions!  Find out what techniques they use during class.

I have found that video recording students when they are struggling with something gives them a great perspective to see what they are doing wrong and helps them visualize and correct it.  Does the instructor look good as a diver?  Whether you like social media or not, the internet can be a great place for research. When looking at a diver they should look in trim, almost like they are laying flat on a table.  In videos are they finning with their hands?  Are their feet constantly moving?  Are there things dangling below their body?  All equipment and hoses should be extremely clean and contoured to the body.

The most important question to always ask during training is WHY? There should always be a why behind everything we do.  And it should never just be because I said so.  Make sure the instructor knows why they are telling you to do something a particular way.  Everyone can always learn new ways of doing things, instructors included.

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How can you truly prepare yourself?

A good idea is to record video of yourself or have a friend record you while diving.  Send it to your instructor ahead of time, so they can give you feedback and let you know if there are things you need to work on.  There is no certain number of years to be diving, or a certain number of dives to have, that says yes you will be ready.  Every individual learns at a different pace.  If a class is only offered in a minimum number of days with a maximum number of students allowed, be aware that this means less time practicing each skill.  For this reason, you might be better suited doing one-on-one training or having a regular buddy take the class with you.  This ensures you are comfortable with each other and familiar with each others habits in and out of the water, and that you get along!

cave diving

The most important thing of all is to come to class with an open mind, a readiness to learn, and no concern with whether you will receive a card, but with a concern that you will learn to be a better, safer, more competent diver.  I always tell my students safety is the number one most important thing in cave diving, but fun is a close second!  Sometimes, it may not feel fun. Stop and ask yourself does this instructor have your best interests at heart?  I know I certainly do.  I want to go to sleep each night knowing that I gave my students as much knowledge as possible to make them safe and thoughtful cave divers.

With proper training, proper equipment, proper experience, and a proper attitude I think cave diving can be done very safely.  I often joke that the most dangerous thing about cave diving is driving to the dive site!

To find out more about International Training, visit www.tdisdi.com.

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