Technically Speaking

Back to Basics

By Bill Nadeau

A common problem among divers is their inability to breathe properly. Many divers are vulnerable to over exertion, fatigue, hyperventilation, carbon dioxide retention (headaches) and stress because they do not maintain efficient breathing patterns while underwater. It is easy to think that you breathe efficiently, but in reality proper breathing techniques take a long time to master. Good breathing skills are as important to recreational divers (especially new divers) as they are to technical divers. So what can we do to start improving our breathing habits? There are a few basic concepts behind breathing properly and they must be practised religiously. Discipline and patience are essential to optimizing your respiratory patterns. Once mastered you will not only find your diving more enjoyable but also your day to day disposition may become more relaxed.

This column cannot begin to outline the requirements and actions necessary for one to begin to master breathing control but perhaps we can address a few of the issues that might help you get started in the right direction. It is also important to keep in mind that good mental and physical fitness are distinct parts of diver composure.

If I take my time in the water and relax why should I have to develop any special breathing skills?

The underwater world is much different than our air-breathing environment. We are not only subject to increased ambient pressure but a breathing system far different and physically demanding than the natural techniques we employ back on land. For that reason we are vulnerable to stress both physically and emotionallyespecially during times of problem solving and unexpected physical exertion. While underwater the mechanics of gas management can easily (and quickly) lead to many physiological problems that we are not necessarily predisposed to on the surface. If not handled properly a relaxed diver can quickly turn into an uncomfortable or panicky diver.

I have been diving for some time and feel that my breathing skills are pretty good. Do I still need to consider reassessing my breathing efficiency underwater?

A good diver is always working to improve his skills and knowledge of diving. There are also many signs that your breathing techniques can use improvement. If you surface with headaches, find that you are using your buoyancy compensator a lot, feel vulnerable to narcosis at depths around 80-130fsw, go through gas more than your buddy or feel fatigued at the end of the dive then you may need to improve your breathing skills. These are all signs that indicate you may not be utilizing optimal respiratory exchange.

What is a good way to determine if I am not breathing as well as I could underwater?

Sit down and focus on something simple but impressive to youlike a favourite painting, photo or sculpture; anything that stimulates you mentally but not in an overwhelming fashion. Keeping your attention on the focal point, begin to slow your breathing down and strive to maintain what is a called a 6:3:6. That is a slow 6 second inhalation, followed by a 3 second pause (not a hold) followed by a slow 6 second exhalation. Breath using your stomach (diaphragm) muscles, not your upper chest (intercostal) muscles. If it is difficult or requires any effort to maintain for any period of time then you likely need to spend some time working on your breathing technique. A diver with good breathing skills will be able to maintain an 8:3:8 even under circumstances where physical exertion is required.

How can I develop these special breathing techniques?

Deep slow diaphragm breathing is not a difficult way to breathe. Most people are used to breathing shallow and through their nose drawing gas in and out of the upper portions of their lungs. Once in the water and under pressure an individual is subject to the greater partial pressures of different gases where flushing the bad gases with the good is important. To do this we want to draw the fresh oxygenated gas to the lower portions of our lungs where there is a greater flow of blood and gas exchange potential. A diver needs to train his body and specifically his mind to comfortably draw gases in and out with his diaphragm muscles without putting much mental or physical effort into it. This requires practice and trainingand lots of it. It also requires that a diver become accustomed to mouth breathing where the intake brings in cold, dry compressed gas. Yoga and breathing workshops are excellent places to work on breathing skills. Some even adopt a great deal of the eastern philosophies that include the application of energy centres and meditation.

How long does it take to develop?

Proper breathing techniques can take months and even years to master. You will know when you have begun to master them when your breathing rate remains consistently deep and slow even during moments where you are experiencing stress and exertion. Breathing skills should be practised every night before you go to bed and 5-10 minutes before each dive.