Older Diver - air consumption

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Rob Graham - 28 Sep 2003 19:49 GMT

I've just completed my open water training and have done 18 dives. My
consumption must have improved a bit since I started but I'm not
noticing it particularly.

At 61 is it likely that my whole lung efficency has dropped off a bit
and that my consumption will not fall significantly? Certainly I
recognise that during training exercises there is added physical
demand and I'm hopeful now that that is over things will improve but I
would be interested to know if there is anyone about who started
diving as late in life as I have and get their input.

Rob

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Rudy Benner - 28 Sep 2003 20:08 GMT

I am 55 and have been diving since 1997, my air consumption has improved
dramatically. There is hope.

Email me for more details if you like.

Rudy

benner @ personainternet dot com

> I've just completed my open water training and have done 18 dives. My
> consumption must have improved a bit since I started but I'm not
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
> Rob

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Philip Herlihy - 28 Sep 2003 20:44 GMT

Good buoyancy control is essential for decent air consumption. This BSAC
diver found the PADI "Peak Performance Buoyancy" course (90 minutes) soon
doubled my dive times! General cardio fitness has to help, of course.

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## PH, London ##
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> I've just completed my open water training and have done 18 dives. My
> consumption must have improved a bit since I started but I'm not
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
> Rob

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Cliff Coggin - 28 Sep 2003 21:12 GMT

Yes, your lung function will certainly have decreased with age, nevertheless
your air consumption will drop dramatically over the next hundred dives.
Physical fitness has a part to play, but only a minor one. The greatest
factor will be experience, causing a reduction in adrenaline levels and a
reduced desire to breathe so rapidly, i.e. you become more relaxed. Keep
practising and your air usage will drop.

Cliff. (52, unfit, and a smoker.)

> I've just completed my open water training and have done 18 dives. My
> consumption must have improved a bit since I started but I'm not
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
> Rob

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