By Josie on Thursday, August 2, 2001 - 1:09 pm: |
I'm doing my Open Water classes in Rochester (arriving in Bonaire in just a week!!!), and last night had the first session in a deep pool (13ft).
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By sherry baker on Thursday, August 2, 2001 - 1:28 pm: |
i had more trouble equalizing in the pool than i did once i was in the open water. i really concerned my that i may not be able to equalize when i went to open water. the pool sessions at first were difficult for me. but once in the open water, it went fine. now i never have trouble equalizing so long and i take my time and do it often. i just have to remember not to rush.
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By bob neer on Thursday, August 2, 2001 - 1:44 pm: |
sounds perhaps more like a problem with the chorinated water than with equalization. perhaps you can try to remove water from your ear after your pool sessions...
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By sherry baker on Thursday, August 2, 2001 - 2:05 pm: |
thanks bob, but after my first sessions, i never have had trouble when i did my advanced or rescue dive training or any other dives in the pool. i now am dive master. it was really exciting to get that certification this spring.
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By bob neer on Thursday, August 2, 2001 - 2:10 pm: |
i suspect the more one is in the water, the more tolerant one's systems become...josie comments made it sound more like a reaction to the water rather than a problem with equalization.
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By Kelly on Thursday, August 2, 2001 - 4:37 pm: |
Josie,
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By Cecil Berry on Thursday, August 2, 2001 - 5:08 pm: |
Josie, agreed with what Kelly said. I have that problem after pretty much every dive, it's disconcerting but not a problem. It's just water trapped behind your eye drums, sometimes it will clear by laying on your side, it will always go away after a few days. Using a q-tip after the dive will probably not help. The only possible issue is getting an ear infection, that has not happened to me but I guess is a possiblity.
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By Josie on Thursday, August 2, 2001 - 5:33 pm: |
Thanks, everyone. I love this board, I can always rely upon good information. I'll pick up some Auri-dry on my way home.
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By Anonymous on Thursday, August 2, 2001 - 5:34 pm: |
Josie, I had a reverse squeeze on my last trip to Bonaire. Unfortunately, my sinuses becamed a little clogged on one of my dives and on the way up there was no room for the air to expand. Didn't really feel any pain, just a little blood in my mask when I reached the surface. The air ruptured some small blood vessels and pushed more water into the ear canal. All I heard for two days was echos and swooshing water. Also, the doctor thought that the massive sinus infection that developed afterwards was a bacterial infection that took advantage of the rupture sites. I suspect that there was some nasty little bacteria in the water at the time since everyone was reporting a little brown tinge to the water and visibility was not as good as usual. Anyone else out there have problems similar to this? I know that Captain Don is very concerned about the use of septic systems all over the island and the potential harm of the contents on the coral. We need to also think about the potential exposure of Divers to the nasty little bugs that can grow in those sorts of systems. Similar problems can also be caused by cleaning/flushing out the heads on boats.
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By Cecil Berry on Friday, August 3, 2001 - 11:41 am: |
I had trouble with reverse blocks toward the end of my Belize vacation in March. During ascents one ear would delay clearing, this would kick me into instant motion sickness, not fun. I would stop my ascent and wait for the two ears to even out. Since then I've heard that you squeeze your nose and suck gently to clear. I've not tried this so really don't know how it works.
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By Cynde Lee on Friday, August 3, 2001 - 7:33 pm: |
Just caught this but conversation, I am with Cecil in that after every dive, I feel like I am in a tunnel. Water seems to just want to stay in the cannal. It really bothered me at first, but then I did what Kelly suggested with the OTC ear drops. Mostly just alcohol, it doens't clear up right away, but it definetly helps. Since I discovered this secret over a year ago, I now have a bottle in my dive bag and never leave home without it! Josie, I suggest you give it a try...good luck on your dives this weekend!
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By Sarah on Saturday, August 4, 2001 - 5:41 pm: |
Just picked-up on this too. I have just recently finished reading the Scuba Magazine. It has some very useful tips about ears and diving.. off the top of my head points mentioned were:
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By Josie on Saturday, August 4, 2001 - 6:37 pm: |
Thanks, Cynde, I did get the OTC stuff, and it definitely helps. Also, Sarah thanks for those hints. I had a little trouble on my first open water dive today (I think I was so nervous I didn't actually realize we were going down a couple of times, and didn't equalize).
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By Sarah on Saturday, August 4, 2001 - 7:43 pm: |
Josie, first of all, I have to say "WELL DONE YOU". It takes a lot of courage to do what you did today.. I can relate to you completely.. though I never did reach certification, as I had a lousy instructor here in the UK that lost his patience with me, I will try again, when I'm ready to.. I love to snorkel, and am always happy doing that on vacation. I hold my breath quite well, and so get close to the fishes anyway.. All that aside, I also feel that if I go ahead and try again, I will most certainly want to have "one-on-one" training. I want the instructor to concentrate on me, and only me. And if it means holding my hand, so be it!!!!!.. I'm a good swimmer, but didn't feel very comfortable with the equipment. All those hoses and things!!!!! I am fortunate in that Hugh is a Divemaster and I know that he will always be my buddy.. I'm sure that once you get to Bonaire, they'll sort you out.. I know that the instruction at Plaza Resort is 1st class!!!!
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By Kerri Freeman on Saturday, August 4, 2001 - 8:35 pm: |
JOSIE: I'll second the WELL DONE! I don't know that either gender is necessarily more sympathetic as a group...never had a lot of luck with woman doctors, either. It doesn't sound so much like diving per se is a problem, as it is your underlying concern about your swimming skills. Maybe that's the area to concentrate on for a bit. You have mentioned it before, so I'm wondering if it bothers you at surface,or is more bothersome when you think of diving? Do you think you might relax a bit if you spent some time just improving whatever you feel is weak, such as power or distance. Just a thought...
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By Josie on Saturday, August 4, 2001 - 8:59 pm: |
Kerri, you're right about my concern about my swimming skills, and it is something I intend to concentrate on also. I only learned to swim about 10 years ago, after being so afraid of water all my life, and went with the one-on-one instruction for that, because regular lessons had never worked for me. I wanted to be able to snorkel, so I actually did most of the lessons with the snorkel and fins, so I've never really "swum". Mainly, I learned to float, kick my legs and breathe through the snorkel. I still don't particularly like being in the water, except I have to to snorkel...and to dive.
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By Sarah on Saturday, August 4, 2001 - 9:21 pm: |
Josie, here's a little something for you...
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By Josie on Sunday, August 5, 2001 - 3:16 pm: |
FAILED THE OPEN WATER DIVES today!!
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By Kelly on Sunday, August 5, 2001 - 3:48 pm: |
Josie,
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By Sarah on Sunday, August 5, 2001 - 5:08 pm: |
Josie, I'm sorry to hear that you aborted.. but your decision to do a couple of private lessons on Bonaire is a very good one. Perhaps the atmosphere (nice clear water, friendly folks etc..) will make you feel more relaxed.. I certainly hope so.. I too have decided to "get on with it" as it were... and get certified soon. I'll do a weekend intensive here in the UK (again) and perhaps the rest on Bonaire.. I will most certainly finish-up with Toucan Diving though.. I should have done it on the Caymans, but I was too busy sunbathing/snorkeling and drinking!!!!!whoever you choose, is up to you.. I hope you find an excellent Instructor that will give you the nurturing you need.. When will you be on Bonaire? All the best, Sarah
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By Josie on Sunday, August 5, 2001 - 7:14 pm: |
Thanks, Ladies.
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By Kelly on Sunday, August 5, 2001 - 7:38 pm: |
Sorry to Buddy Dive/BonBini...Manunita does indeed work with BonBini. The water off the dock at BonBini is wonderfully warm and clear with a perfect sandy bottom and teeming with friendly critters. Just enjoy the experience and worry about the other stuff later.
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By Sarah on Sunday, August 5, 2001 - 7:48 pm: |
Josie, I hope you have a wonderful trip, and everything goes well for you.. Frankly, I'm perfectly happy not diving, even though my partner does.. I have to try and get to grips with it for the sake of my studies.. If I don't, then I'll be reverting to Oceanography!!!!! Look forward to your report when you return..
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By Barry Gassert on Sunday, August 5, 2001 - 9:18 pm: |
Josie....that's too bad, but your attitude sounds okay to me - you won't quit!!!
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By Gail Currie on Monday, August 6, 2001 - 1:26 pm: |
Josie - good luck in Bonaire - one thing that strikes me that will happen - you'll get under the surface and the amazing sea life will make you forget your nervousness. You will be so busy taking in all the beauty that surrounds you that you'll do just fine.
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By Jake Richter - NetTech on Monday, August 6, 2001 - 4:42 pm: |
Gail,
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By Bea and Marvin Jones on Monday, August 6, 2001 - 9:00 pm: |
It will be much better in Bonaire. We did our open water in Lake Powell (wonderful place above water) and it was muddy and icky on the bottom. I thought - why am I doing this??
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By Kerri Freeman on Tuesday, August 7, 2001 - 1:20 am: |
Josie: You go girl! Be easy on yourself. Kelly's right. We all get some combination of excitement/tension early on.And Jake and Linda have it right,too. The wanting to, and the scenery gets some of us over the hump. If it doesn't..so be it. You've come a long way. I'm probably gonna be a snorkeller from now on so maybe you'll show me the best places.......
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By Ginger Hart on Tuesday, August 7, 2001 - 9:12 am: |
I agree with others. Doing your open water dives in clear water with all of the beautiful creatures to see will really help. I certified one year ago in a muddy quarry, visability limited, with a very thick suit, had to walk a considerable distance fully geared - not a particularly great experience for your first open water dives. Since then I have done several dives in Carib. and have loved it!! I certified alone (husband did not have interest- my son wants to scuba when he is older- he's 10 now). I'm headed to Bonaire Aug. 16th and can't wait to dive!!! Good luck with your dives Josie.
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By Cynde Lee on Tuesday, August 7, 2001 - 12:40 pm: |
Josie, I think Kelly said it best, find someone who can work with you one on one and that has a lot of patience. I taught swimming for years, and when you are dealing with fear in the water, a little hand holding can accomplish miracles!
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By Jason on Tuesday, August 7, 2001 - 2:52 pm: |
Josie,
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By Kerri Freeman on Tuesday, August 7, 2001 - 3:20 pm: |
Jason, I knew there was something I wanted to say. And you said it perfectly. JOSIE.....Like Jason sez!
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By Josie on Tuesday, August 7, 2001 - 6:49 pm: |
You guys are so good. Thanks for all the comments, and the direct emails. I am feeling much better today, and I just sent an email to Susan at BonBini to set up a time to go down and visit with them on Friday.
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By Sarah on Tuesday, August 7, 2001 - 7:09 pm: |
Josie, I'll look forward to that.. You take care...
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By Cecil Berry on Tuesday, August 7, 2001 - 7:49 pm: |
Josie, best of luck, we are all pulling for you. I have trouble explaining my thoughts on this subject. I naturally want you to be sucessful and futhermore be comfortable diving, it should be a fun relaxing interesting experence. But on the other hand as Jason explained, if it does not work out, I for one will not think the less of you. You have to overcome some very real fears. I hopefully will be going down this road with Sue in the near future.
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By Barry Gassert on Wednesday, August 8, 2001 - 1:26 am: |
Josie....I echo what everyone is saying. You go for it lady!!!!!
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By Susan Bolin on Sunday, August 19, 2001 - 5:17 pm: |
Hello, sorry to come late into this conversation, but I'm just back from Bonaire and would like to add my own experiences regarding the ear/sinus problem...
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