Staying under longer

[landman]

In the past I used a hooka in the 10-25 ftt depths with a degree of success. However I sold it and I believe I will try the tank method. At 10-20 foot underwater what kind of times can you stay down with a cconservative breathe rate? What tips can you offer that will help in getting the max from one tank?

 

[kaptainkosmic]

if you're a certified diver you should know and LIVE by these rules.
if your're not certified you should take the time to get certified.
bottom time is important to know and track due to decompression. i wish you good luck in your endeavors, please be safe. steve

 

[landman]

I am certified but do not know how long a tank will last only going down 10-20 feet. Decompression is not an issue at that depth. However the cost of filling a tank and the amount of down time one can expect from a single tank is of importance to me. Do you know the answer?

 

[kaptainkosmic]

lots of variables, tank size, human size, do you smoke etc.
i have an 80 cubic foot tank that well last just over an hour with moderate exertion @ 20'. it well cost considerably more to dive with tanks than it does with hookah. hh steve

 

[Macaco]

What you're asking about is a practice called "skip breathing". Don't do it. It's bad news. I know from personal experience.

If you're lucky, the first time you try it, you'll get a real bad headache that will last for hours after you leave the water. If you're unlucky.....you may die.

I got lucky. That headache cured me of the idea of "conserving" air in my tank.

The best rule for breathing while on SCUBA is just to breath at a rate that's comfortable. That's it. When the tank is low....come to the surface. Any variation of "skip breathing" is a really bad idea.

That's my advice.

 

[Goldringer]

Staying down longer is not a matter of skip breathing. You will require a given amount of air and if you skip you will eventually have to make it up.

Learn how to relax. Maintain good physical conditioning. I do Ironman triathlons for that purpose. Move purposefully and use no unnecessary energy. glide with the wave action and be one with the water. I usually get 1.5 hours on an 80 CF tank, more when in calm water down to 20 feet. I have been diving professionally and recreationally since 1955 logging thousands of hours. The water is my element to relax in. It can become yours in time.

 

[Casper-1]

I have a hookah system too - and dive alone- If you get cerified for diving - you can see about setting up a snuba system - you can get a large tank or double tank and hook up same kind of hose as hookah uses - you float tanks and just use respirator and weight belt ---being totally relaxed is the secret to air consumption and don't over exert to fan or dig targets.

 

[Lokigrins]

To stay down longer, carry more air...and being a US Navy diver, I also agree, kick the idea of skip breathing out the damn door. You're trying to stay down longer AND stay alive. That being your criteria, get a double tank config. It's heavy out of the water, but no problems in.

 

[J@J Salvors]

Get Certified
No offence meant but that is taught on the first day of class
Joe

 

[landman]

I am...No offence taken