If you dive at altitude, you know that your risk of decompression sickness is greater in the mountains than it is at sea level. There are a number of factors that increase risk, but the good news is that you can take some easy steps to stay ahead of the game, enjoy your dives, and maintain your health. Here, we take a quick look at four main concerns for altitude divers.
Gauges and Computers May Require Adjustment - Altitude Diving Tips
While fewer divers are using old-fashioned analog depth gauges, it’s still worth mentioning that a gauge manufactured to perform properly in sea water at sea level will not work right in the mountains. If you’re using a depth gauge, you will need to learn how to use mathematical equations to adjust. If you are like most divers, and prefer using a dive computer, you may have one that automatically adjusts for altitude. You may also have one that won’t adjust or one that must be manually adjusted. Check the user manual that accompanied your dive computer at the time of purchase to ensure you are prepared to make adjustments if necessary.
Adjust Your Ascent Rate to Compensate - Altitude Diving Tips
Nowhere is a slow, controlled ascent as important as in a high mountain lake. Because the atmosphere is thinner at high elevations, the pressure changes upon ascent are more dramatic than at sea level. There are various equations you can use to determine a safe ascent rate; if you want to play it extra safe, you can ascend at a rate no faster than 30 feet per minute. You should never go without safety stops while diving, and this is even more true for altitude diving. Take a long safety stop to allow your body to adjust. Taking care during ascent is one of the best ways to stay safe while diving at altitude.
Know Your Nitrogen Status - Altitude Diving Tips
If you’ve been at sea level for longer than about six hours and you then drive to altitude at a normal rate, your tissues are automatically saturated with oxygen. In essence, you’ve done a dive without ever going underwater! For this reason, it is absolutely vital that you give yourself an appropriate amount of time to acclimatize before diving. Use a dive table to determine what your surface interval should be and begin that time when you arrive at altitude. If you’re lucky, your dive computer will handle this for you.
Understand the Physiology of Altitude and Take Your Time - Altitude Diving Tips
Relax, take your time, and don’t be in a hurry to hop in the lake. Being at high altitude affects your body in various ways, and understanding how your heart, lungs, and tissues interact with the environment is a great method for easing those antsy feelings that tend to occur when you’re eager to dive. Breathe the mountain air, take a walk, and double-check your equipment while you’re waiting.
By taking extra precautions and understanding how altitude diving works, you increase your level of safety while enjoying the clear, cool beauty of mountain lakes.