Mask off anxiety
Hi,'m a retired NAUI/PADI instructor with 25 years teaching experience.
The anxiety you're describing is common for newbies.
I found the following exercises to work quite well.
1) at home in the shower put your mask on, pop it open at the top and let it get half full (enough to sub-merge the end of your nose) keep it on for a while get used to breathing with your nose in water.
A hint: don't look up (look down) when your mask has water in it!
Your nose becomes a funnel to the back of your throat.
2) In the pool, with scuba practice removing & replacing your mask in shallow end. Talk to local clubs & shops. most will allow you in for practice time.
When you have your mask off keep it off for five full breaths & exhales, then put it back on. clear etc.
I found that when students are profficient with this skill, they have no issues with mask-off breathing.
regards
Mike D
Last edited by mddolson; 03-02-2009 at 12:25 PM.
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