#1917
How many of you EAT before diving?
DiveGirl55 - 4/18/2007 1:00 AM
Category: General
Replies: 9

My first dive of the day in Belize, I had breakfast. Then the boat rocked and I watched my breakfast become lava, and I was the volcano! After that, I don`t eat anything before a dive. Just drink a lot of electrolyte stuff.
#3979
DalelynnSims - 4/18/2007 6:50 AM
I could do a thesis paper on seasickness AKA ‘Mal de Mer’ & while hardly fatal the symptoms such as nausea, stomach cramps and vomiting, it can put a damper on your diving. It can be hazardous for divers as the dehydration after vomiting increases your risk of decompression illness so it is important to keep up the fluids. I normally feel better once in the water & my SAC normally allows me to be first in & last out. I have been known to feed the fish through the regulator as well. That takes a special knack and an understanding dive buddy as it will surely test your octo as you swish about the primary getting rid of all the fish food. On the other hand it’s a great photo opportunity. There are many articles on the web but remember its never wrong to say your not going to dive if you don’t feel up to it & I have done this a few times because of Mal de Mer. I wish you all the best and hope this helps. For more information see: http://www.ehow.com/how_13191_prevent-seasickness.html
#51828
Greg - 4/18/2007 10:32 AM
I usually drink a lot of water or gatorade and have some fruit. But chuming the water isn`t always a bad thing...could bring around some nice fish :)
#3595
okmister1 - 4/18/2007 10:57 AM
I usually eat during the surface interval between two dives on the boat. I`ve never had much of an issue with motion sickness and for me, the cure was fresh air. Stay away from the engine exhaust and get up forward where there is a breeze. Down in the boat breathing the air crammed with bodies that doesn`t move is the killer for me. Close your eyes and take deep breaths through your mouth. Smells just make it worse.
#3442
Dorkfish - 4/21/2007 9:07 PM
Just a little tip about diving and meals. IF you are the kind of person who can not dive without something to eat prior to, treat it like you should when eating prior to going to bed.

Doctors say that you should not eat within 3 hours of going to bed due to the body turning those calories into stored body fat. The same should go for diving (as has been my personal experience). If you eat 3 hours prior to a dive, the rest is simply hydration. Your body should have sustainable calories in the system, as well as processed sugars (energy), to use for the dive.

This makes snack bars like Granola bars, cereal bars (if you want the excess junk), or protein bars an excellent item to munch right before or post-dive. Also, if you are a Gatorade drinker, try using Propel before/after rather than regular Gatorade. It tends to not irritate the stomach as much with motion or during a dive.
#556
urbaneve - 4/29/2007 3:25 PM
I DO -- always have before i hit the water. i just make sure it is good healthy meal. low sugar or none.
#2636
NWKatShark - 5/26/2007 7:39 PM
You`re probably going to h-a-t-e me, but I usually pig out before and after a dive. AND I still lose weight. Last weekend, I scarfed down a half a large pizza and some chips, dove, then went out for prime rib. Yeah, I know. Someone out there thinks I`m going to vapor lock at 100ft. I just live life as it comes. Someone before me said "chumming". Hey, go for it, most regs can handle it now, and the fish love it. They don`t seem to care for onions or beans though. Wonder why?