Scuba Diving Tip: Preventing Seasickness With Ginger
If you have trouble with seasicknesses, Ginger is a proven, tried and tested preventative. It has actually been shown to outperform over the counter seasickness tablets!
One of the basic skills you have will to cover when learning to scuba dive is mask removal and replacement. It is an absolutely essential skill to learn, as it will teach you to stay calm and be confident replacing your mask should it come off for any reason.
Steps to remove and replace your mask
1) The firsts time you do this skill, you will likely be kneeling on the bottom - so firstly, expel all of the air in your BCD.
2) Using both hands, carefully pull your mask forward and back off the top of your head.
3) It may sting for a moment, but it is quite possible to keep your eyes open. You should try this as it will allow you to see dangers and recover your scuba mask if it has come off.
4) Relax and breath normally. Your instructor will have your keep your mask off for about a minute. Make sure you don't let go of your mask and for ease, keep it the correct way up.
5) Your instructor will either signal or physically pat you when you are to replace your mask. Use one hand to place the mask and seal it on the front of your face and the other hand to pull the strap over the back of your head.
6) Once the mask is back on, it will be full of water. Use your mask clearing skill you have already learned to purge your mask of water.
Video Demonstration of Mask Removal and Replacement
Having trouble with water going up your nose?
It's not uncommon for new divers to panic when water enters their nose. Here are some times to deal with this:
1) If you're finding that breathing in is causing water to go up your nose, then your breathing in too hard. The secret is really gentle breaths. Most regulators are adjustable and you can set them to be easier to breath - worth asking your instructor.
2) Your instructor should let you hold your nose if you want during the exercise, although I would recommend trying to learn to do it without. Maybe practise holding your nose a few times and then without.
3) Before you take your mask off - take a deep breath and be exhaling through your nose as you take it off. That way no water should get sucked up your nose - same when you put it back on.
4) Confidence is the key - practise lots, after a dozen times it won't bother you having water in your nose.
