Why I like Nitrox
May 18th, 2007 Filed Under Uncategorized
Nitrox seems to be a somewhat debated/controversial issue in recreational diving. I think the controversy is around what the expected benefits are. For example, there are rumors/opinions that Nitrox makes you warmer than if you were diving with air. When I inquired about Nitrox certification at my local dive shop, one of their questions was along the lines of “What are you trying to achieve with Nitrox?” I like that they asked that…like they are looking out for the consumer/diver to make sure the diver will actually get what they think they are going to get.
There is one and only one benefit to Nitrox as stated by PADI and other dive organizations, and that is that, when compared to a dive profile using air, you get either a longer bottom time or a shorter surface interval. All other benefits are opinions, topics for debate and subjects of personal experiences.
What I was wanting to get from Nitrox was some alleviation from the headaches I get when I finish a dive. I am pretty sure it is caused from CO2 buildup. I don’t skip breathe or use other methods to conserve air. I am not trying to compete with myself or others on how long I can stay down. I try to keep my breathing as natural as possible, which ends up being a deep breath in and a slow exhale…then repeat. Still, I tend to get ill…and the headaches are often accompanied by nausea. When I was reading up on the CO2 thing, it seems some people are just more prone to CO2 buildup in their body, and I guess I am one of them. I hoped Nitrox would help make diving more enjoyable by feeling better after a dive. So….I got the Nitrox certification and did some dives with and without Nitrox. I did notice a difference and was getting the benefits I was hoping for.
This relates to my previous post about a dive operator saying that you don’t need Nitrox for a dive. That may be true in terms of the surface interval and dive planning for the boat trip for the day, but it is not true for the benefits I get from Nitrox. I see Nitrox as another piece of equipment for recreational diving, so let me have Nitrox just like I might want to bring a flashlight, camera, dive sausage, etc.
The owner of the shop where I got the cert from told me he likes Nitrox because it makes him feel less exhausted after being in the water most of the day teaching students. He said that when under water for a class he is constantly going here and there to help students with their exercises, get them untangled fro each other, etc.
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