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New Year's Dive Resolution--Save Air

© Linda Gettmann

If you’re one of those divers who wishes you could stay down 5-10-15 minutes longer, these air-saving tips will enable you to do just that.

Are you the first one signaling “thumbs up” when your buddy still has 1,000 psi? Saving air, i.e., efficient breathing under water is a skill you can improve upon with every tank. Start now by correcting potential air wasters.

Inhale—Pause—Exhale

This is a different breathing rhythm than we use topside, so it takes some practice and concentration to make it a habit underwater. Lengthen the pause, relax and see how much air you save on the next dive. We all know we’re not to hold our breath underwater, but a comfortable pause before you start the long, slow exhale will save air and increase your bottom time.

Breathe Deeply & Slowly

Deep breathing allows for a more complete exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide while under increased pressure at depth. The deeper you go, the deeper and slower you should breathe. Remember that from your classes? Dense air through a regulator needs time to enter the lungs and the lungs need time to extract the oxygen. Quick, shallow breaths are inefficient and will waste a tank quickly at any depth.

Relax

If you can get really comfortable in the water and leisurely explore the reef, your tank will last longer. Since water is 800 times more dense than air, swimming through it requires effort and increased air consumption. Slow down and see the small critters, cover less ground and enjoy the dive more. Air consumption will decrease and you can be the last one back on the boat!

Be Neutrally Buoyant

Along with relaxation, being weightless will dramatically affect how fast your air gauge goes down. Use the least amount of weight and don’t keep inflating and deflating your BC. Relax, get neutral, and control your depth with your lung expansion and contraction. Kick slowly to move through the water or drift with the current and enjoy the scenery.

Stay Horizontal—Look Ma, No Hands!

Keep your body in a streamlined, horizontal position as you swim. Swimming head and chest two feet higher than your feet pushes an enormous volume of water. Don’t be accused of “barging through the reef” by pushing a wall of water in front of you. Consciously work on maintaining a straight position and watch experienced dive masters to see how they are positioned. Do not use your hands to swim. Keep arms close to your body, hold your gauges and octopus or fold your arms across your chest. If you’re neutrally buoyant, you can kick slowly, breathe slowly and maintain control over your body position, using less air.