breathing

Question
Dear Jesse..I recently did my c-out dives in a quarry here in Maryland, and our final dive was to be to 50 ft and i opted to go without my hood roughly at 40 ft i could start to feel some pressure and my breathing began to get just a little out of control and the next 3 ft my head went numb in a matter of an instant and at that point my breathing was totally out of control, and could not regain control so i decided to do a controlled ascent and the divemaster that was with me said he couldn't take it either, neither of us was wearing hoods with a hood I'm fine but how can i learn to control my breathing with the pressure on my body...thank you    Kenney

Answer
Hi Kenney.  I'm sorry you had a less than optimal experience on that dive.  The good news is, you learned some new information about diving.  Even with several hundred dives, I still learn new stuff on every dive.

If you would like, reply back to this question with the water temperature at 40 to 50 feet if you know it.  Quarries, like the one I used to dive at in NC tend to be chilly at depth and have distinct thermoclines that vary depending on the time of year.  My guess is that you crossed the barrier around 43 feet.  These thermoclines can be dramatic in temperature difference.

I have had a similar experience at my local quarry at a different depth but with exactly the same results as you.  The pain and pressure was unbelievable and it became very difficult to focus in anything correctly.  Everything I normally keep under good control began to get out of control.

Fortunately, we both did the same, and correct, thing.  We aborted the dive at that depth and moved to a depth where the dive was once again under control.  You were most wise in your decision.  Other than wearing your hood and other appropriate exposure protection for the water temperature, I doubt there would have been anything else you could do.  Next time you know what to do.

By the way, as you dive more an more you will learn greater breathing control and other things that make you an ever better diver.  As always, keep diving, and good luck, Jesse