19SEP2004
"…Much patience, much heartbreaking practice is
needed, just as in archery. But once this practice
has led to the goal the last trace of self-regard
vanishes in sheer purposelessness..."
- Eugen Herrigel
We missed Saturday due to a passing hurricane so we had out meeting on Sunday this week, and a very cold time it was. After about an hour and a half in the water it took another hour and a half for me to stop shivering. We didn't try the heavier wetsuit I have because it's just too big and either I must have it modified or get a heavy duty sewing machine and modify it myself. Other than the cold water and shivering everything went very well, and I passed the 4th test and confined water dive.
Controlled descent.
This week, among other things, the book focused on DCS, DCI, oxygen and air problems and snorkeling. No pic's here of the snorkeling but we did it and it wasn't’t too bad. It took more effort to "swim" to the bottom because of not being able to straighten my legs up in the air to push me down under. Still with the gloves on it made it relatively easy. The larger the breath you take too it makes it more difficult to claw your way down. But we made it. We also did the 50' no mask swim today and that went very well. Had some problems getting my mask back on orienting the strap and untangling the snorkel. It does take more time to grope around with the gloves on, good thing my fingertips stick out.
I also got to try a back inflate BC today. It didn't seem too bad but I did feel a little more topsy turvy, not sure why. Perhaps if my weights were closer to the "buckle" area, lowering the center of gravity… One other thing with this type BC, it was more difficult to put on in the water because all the straps and dangling stuff, I wasn't sure where I was sticking my arm through. The jacket type seemed easier to put on while in the water. That could all be accounted for with experience however. I think with either type bc I would still be able to get the job done. Surprisingly I'm not sure that when we were submerged I noticed all that much difference, but on the surface you do do a face plant if you really pump it up. There too, no big deal, just inflate as needed; not "all the way", and if your snorkeling or swimming on the surface, your face is in it anyway.
I used a lot of air this time. Jeff thinks because of the cold water and my reaction to it. I don't disagree as it made everything feel a bit "off" and not as comfortable and I know my breathing was a bit frantic. Still, we did what we had to do, and yes, it does build character.
Guess you noticed I got a new mask (Mares x-comfort), the old one kept letting water in around the laugh line area just above the pie hole. This one has a much wider flange and seals better to my face although it still let water in because in my haste this morning I forgot to shave. Helps too to use a razor on the upper lip, as opposed to an electric. Really makes a difference to get my mask to seal
Holy calamari Batman, an Architeuthis!!!