Solo Diving

[ffdiver5597]

That's the only way to solo in a cave. I breathe one-third of an AL80 in, and don't touch backgas. If I want a longer dive, I breathe one-fourth each of two AL80s.

That would just about get me past pot hole. From your past posts about air consumption you can probably get to Olsen on that?

[CaveMD]

Olson on 1/3's of an al80 wouldn't be difficult at all. The traverse can be done on 1/3's of lp85's by many people.

[Sludge]

The keys to a low sac rate are relax and slow down your breathing. Long, slow inhale and long, slow exhale.

[diverdarren]

The keys to a low sac rate are relax and slow down your breathing. Long, slow inhale and long, slow exhale.

A method I was taught to slow my sac rate is what I call " the hum". Essentially, you hum as you exhale slowly to lengthen the respiration cycle. It works great, and it sort of forces you to be more concious of your breathing. If your respiration begins to increase for whatever reason,you have a tendency to stop humming, and this is a reminder to get your breathing under control.

[a64pilot]

My SAC rate sucks, just life, but I notice that if I turn on 1/3's, I exit with 50% of my gas remaining. First part of the dive I use a lot more gas, I assume it's from all the moving around getting ready etc.

[floridakid]

My RMV is way better when solo. I get just as far solo on side gas only as what I do with a stage and a buddy

[Bobby]

The keys to a low sac rate are relax and slow down your breathing. Long, slow inhale and long, slow exhale.

My SAC rate sucks, just life, but I notice that if I turn on 1/3's, I exit with 50% of my gas remaining. First part of the dive I use a lot more gas, I assume it's from all the moving around getting ready etc.

We have found with Xenia that her SAC goes up on the inward part of the dive with systems she is not as familiar with or dive plans that are outside her experience. As she has become more comfortable her SAC has evened out between inward and outward parts of the dive. We also focus on taking as much time coming out as we used going in. I believe this lowers the anxiety on the inward portion of the dive as we are focused on seeing and enjoying the cave on both legs of the journey instead of how far in we are. As sludge said concentrate on slowing down and having relaxed smooth breathing.

[Dsix36]

When I solo cave dive with my rebreather, I will take more risk with tight openings. I feel safer when alone and not having to worry or deal with a buddy when SHTF or I get stuck. I only have to take care of myself.

I have had some instances where my SAC rate went through the roof and if on OC might not have had enough gas to survive the ordeal. Damn, I love my rebreather!!! I just take all the time I want and relax and slowly solve the issue at hand.

On another note - my first cave dive after training was a solo dive. I started to second guess myself and turned after about 30 minutes.

[a64pilot]

I think my initial high SAC rate is due more to anything else to the exertion at the beginning of the dive, gearing up etc. I've found that if I just lay in the water and rest for a few minutes before I begin the dive it helps a lot.

[MORGAN]

I think my initial high SAC rate is due more to anything else to the exertion at the beginning of the dive, gearing up etc. I've found that if I just lay in the water and rest for a few minutes before I begin the dive it helps a lot.

Yup, I do this too. Just a minute or two of being weightless in the water, getting all relaxed and ready to go.