Difficult Breathing

Question
I had my first scuba diving lesson yesterday and it was not good one.  I couldn't slow my breathing down or relax enough to even get through one exercise.  Do you know of any tips or techniques that could help?  Also, how many people are not physically capable of finishing the  scuba certification because of this?

Thank You for your time,

Tiffany M

Answer
Hi Tiffany,

I'm very sorry to hear that you're having problems with your scuba lessons.  Anxiety is normal although most students will learn to cope with their fears and eventually relax.  It is possible that you're the exception but please don't give up on it yet.  

Your problems are probably more emotional than physical.  Scuba diving is a mind-game.  Nature has not equipped us to breathe underwater and we have a natural hesitation when asked to do so.  You need to convince yourself that this equipment will actually work like your instructor tells you.  Breathing through a regulator is a little different than breathing normally above the water.  You will have to overcome a little resistance when you first start to inhale.  This resistance is necessary to open the air valve to deliver air to you.  The noise you experience when the air valve is open may also alarm you somewhat.  Finally, the noise produced by your exhaled bubbles can also startle you.  The air in your tank will make your mouth very dry.  This is also normal so don't be surprised.  All of this just adds to your stress level and, for some students, it's hard to overcome.  Trust me, if you really want to do this, you'll succeed!!

Have you ever snorkeled?  If so, you've experienced what it's like to breathe while your face is actually under the water.  If you can do this, then exchanging your snorkel for a scuba regulator is a small step.  If you've never snorkeled, then I'd suggest spending a few hours just breathing through your snorkel in very shallow water (a bathtub will do) until you get comfortable with the feeling.  Wear your mask, if you like, to keep water out of your nose.  The idea here is just to learn to relax so try to slow your breathing.  Think about something pleasant and relaxing while you're doing this.

By all means, tell your instructor about your fears.  A good instructor can help you relax and give you time to overcome your fears.  A technique that I use for nervous students is to have them start breathing through the regulator while kneeling in shallow water with their head ABOVE the water.  Then, when they're ready, simply bend over and put all or part of your face in the water while continuing to breath through the regulator.  Keep this up until you're comfortably able to put your entire face under the water.  Next, try laying down in very shallow water and breathing through your regulator.  You need to breathe slowly and DEEPLY to avoid a feeling of suffocation.  You can accomplish this by counting slowly to 3 while inhaling and also counting slowly to 3 while exhaling.

Tiffany, this may take some time so don't rush it.  You must convince yourself that your scuba gear really works and you can comfortably breathe from it while submerged.  Don't let your instructor rush you.

Be aware that you may remain very nervous and the least little problem  can send you into a panic.  You MUST overcome this in order to dive safely.  Remember...as long as you have air, you can deal with any problems you encounter underwater.  All of the air you need is right there in your regulator.  Keep it in your mouth while you fight your nervousness.  You must believe you can do this and the more you practice, the easier it gets.

Tiffany, I wish you all the best in your scuba lessons and please write back and let me know how you're doing!!

Sincerely,
Mike Giles
Mike's Dive Center
mikescuba.com