For a Scuba Diver being conservative with one’s air supply is as important as having money in the bank! The standard response I usually give when asked how to reduce one’s air consumption while diving is ” the more you dive, the better your air consumption will be.” While this is true, it doesn’t really answer the question so let me recommend a method you can try that will help you stop being an air pig!
The Scuba Diver and the Laws of Physics
Firstly lets remind ourselves of the laws of physics in that the deeper you dive the more air you use, so keep an eye on your depth. And also remember that overexertion leads to more air consumption so keep yourself streamlined. Don’t flail with your arms, keep them tucked in, and don’t swim in a vertical position as this not only will screw around with your buoyancy as you will naturally be kicking yourself upwards but swim horizontally. Focus on your kicking style. Frog kicks are the most conservative way to kick and remember diving isn’t a race. Take it easy. Scuba diving is the laziest sport there is so take it easy.
Then there is your breathing technique. Lets get to grips with that for a minute. When you breathe in you are using the sir in your tank. When you breathe out you don’t use any air from your tank! So here it is… the best way to stop being an air pig is to exhale long and slow. You can breathe in as much air as you want to fill your lungs but now on the exhale take it easy. Relax and breathe out as slowly as you feel comfortable. Let the air slowly leak out of your lungs like a slow leak on a bike tyre. Don’t breathe in and out as normally as you do on land. Breathe in sure, but take your time breathing out, thereby reducing the amount of times you need to breathe in the air from your tank. Take a slow breath in, which should take 2 to 3 seconds, and then exhale very slowly for roughly 8 to 15 seconds, for however long it’s comfortable, and then repeat. Use your tongue and your teeth to restrict your exhale, so that you can easily do so for 8 to 15 seconds. This should all feel very comfortable. If you’re trying to exhale for as long as you can and then you’re dying to take your next breath, you’re not doing it right. This exercise should feel 100 percent comfortable and relaxed.
Practise this technique the next time you go diving. You will be amazed how effective it is and how much longer and more relaxed your dives will be.
