Question about Drift Diving

[flopnfly]

Question for all you experienced divers.

How do you control yourself in a strong current?

This past trip to Cozumel, the current was very strong, and I found myself flying out of control ahead of the group.

We were in the canyon, so there was nothing to duck behind, so what I did was turn around and try to station keep until the group caught up.  It was exhausting, and no sooner had the caught up but I was sucked away again.

I found it very frustrating and not enjoyable at all.

Why was I flying, and what can I do to avoid it next time?

[Glow Below]

Hi Flopnfly

Drift diving is all about relaxing, and there really isnt any secret technique or answer to your problem, other than to relax and try to enjoy, and try not to get tired out and frustrated. The more relaxed you are, the better your breathing will be and also the better your bouyancy, which I am sure you are aware. If you find yourself too far out in front, then facing the current and gently kicking should hold you relatively still, the more relaxed you are and the more controlled your breathing is the better. As soon as you start to fight the current which you will never win, will just make the dive such hard work, unenjoyable and as you say, frustrating.

Don't be afraid to just hold onto a rock and hold yourself steady and wait for the group to catch up, sometimes the currents can be fierce in Cozumel, so use your surroundings to help you. There is nothing wrong in doing this, especially if you are getting tired, as long as its rock and not coral, then just steady yourself and try to maintain a steady breathing pattern.

The more drift diving you do the more you will become comfortable with it, and you will find it the most enjoyable. Sometimes adjusting your position and depth in the water can reduce or increase your drift as well, but as I say, there is no secret answer to your problem other than relax yourself, dont fight the current and enjoy your surroundings. The more dives you do, and the more drift diving you do will make you more familiar and you will pick up your own techniques that help you.

Glow Below

[flopnfly]

thanks Glow !!!

I'm quite new at diving so I am learning as I go along.  I guess all I need is more practice.   

I really enjoyed the marine life in Cozumel, but I found the current was very strong in the second half of our week. 

How on earth are you supposed to stop and smell the roses when you're flying by at mock speed? 

I will try drift diving again, but I think I might prefer the calm waters of Curacao, only because I can stop and smell the roses if I choose to. 


thanks for your help and welcome to the forum.   

[Glow Below]

Thanks for the welcome.

When is your next dive trip and where are you planning on going ?

I am heading to Egypt soon, just booked it today, an unscheduled trip, but need to get away from the stresses of work and life, but looking forward to it. I have dived Egypt many times with my friends, it has some great diving, although it can be busy and a little hectic, but it will be nice to get some winter sun!

Glow Below

[flopnfly]

The 7 Days Dive Team will be going somewhere in January, but I don't think I'll be joining them.

It's not a great time for me to be taking off, and I really don't have enough vacation time in a year to do everything that I want to.

I'm sure the rest of the team will jump in and tell you about their plans.