Surface Interval Time

[hapnincapt]

I was wondering if anyone out there could tell me if there is a general rule of thumb as to how long a proper surface interval should be. I imagine there are certain variables that factor into the equation such as dive depth, time, and the physical condition of the diver, but a point in the right direction would really be appreciated. I'm fairly new at this and the idea of becoming a victim of SWB scares the crap out of me! So far, I've just stayed at the surface long enough to where I feel good about going down again. I don't think I really go down any further than 30' at this point. I've read threads about some of you guys going down 40 to 60', that's nuts! I can't wait to do it though because I imagine that's where the big ones are. I plan on catching a white seabass this season so I'll have to practice holding my breath or something. I'm in good shape so I think this is a reasonable goal.
I have one more question and the I'll stop rambling on. Does anyone out there ever have bloody loogies after a dive session? I do sometimes and it doesn't really bother me but I'd like to avoid it if at all possible. My sinuses have always been jacked up and I imagine that has something to do with it.
Any and all replies are appreciated!


Not wanting to die from SWB,

JIM

[Bill McIntyre]

Jim,

I'd say a decent rule of thumb would be a surface interval about twice as long as the dive, but I'll be interested in seeing what others have to say. Of course if I see a fish it might be shorter, and if I know I'm going down to cut a white sea bass out of the kelp at a challenging depth then the interval will be longer.

You didn't say, but do you have a way to measure your surface interval? I ask because until I got a D3, I had no idea how long my intervals were. After I got one, I found that if I just waited until I felt recovered, it might be just 40 to 45 seconds, and that is not long enough. The information provided by the D3 makes me a better and safer diver. Knowing how deep and how long each dive is and how long my surface intervals are is a big help.

BTW, the big ones are generally not down at 40 to 60 feet. At least as far as I know, most white sea bass in kelp beds are in the top 25 feet of water. Once I figured that out, I started saving a lot of energy by making most of my dives in the 20 foot range. Its only after you shoot them that deep diving is required, and if its deep, you should have your buddy there to watch you.

Being scared shitless of SWB is a great start. Stay that way, and you will get to be an old diver.

[hapnincapt]

Bill,
Thanks for the feedback. It's funny you mentioned the D3 because my wife just surprised me with one 2 days ago. God bless her! I was flipping through the manual and reading about surface intervals when I realized that I had no idea how long to wait between dives. The manual didn't say anything about that.
It's good to hear that I don't have to become Aquaman to catch a WSB! I've never seen one since this is my first "serious" year in this sport, pastime, hobby...whatever!
My friend Dave and I recently met you. He's the lucky recipient of a beautiful custom Wong Hybrid. He hasn't had the chance to take it out more than twice due to the nasty conditions. Now that I have a D3 and he has the Hybrid, it seems the gods won't ever let us get out there! Thanks again Bill. Don't forget about us next time you take your boat out...just kidding. (Not really!)
JIM

[Bill McIntyre]

Jim,

I didn't realize that I had already met you when you came by with Dave.

About those white sea bass- they have this rep of being so hard to get, and it is true that you have to learn a few basic things like dropping your snorkel to avoid blowing bubbles at them, making a half-way quiet dive without splashing the surface, and avoiding the urge to swim fast. But once you have the basics, the main requirement is simply being at the kelp bed where they are. If there aren't any of them around, it doesn't matter how good you are. I can go for trips wondering what I'm doing wrong, and then when I happen to be in the right place, I wonder why I ever thought it was hard.

Sure, being really good and being able to hold your breath for two minutes certainly helps, but I have a shitty breath hold and don't dive deep, and I still manage to get a few fish. Some people don't think its sporting, but you can often shoot them from the surface. Its retrieving them after the shot that can require talent.

That fish in my avatar was taken last summer at a bed where they were really thick for a couple of weeks, and everyone I took there got fish. But the bottom was 55 feet down, and I saw divers who are much better than I am be unable to get to a fish tangled on the bottom when the current was so strong that all the kelp was under water and you had to swim so hard just staying over the fish that you couldn't get your breath. When it comes to a choice between risking my life or cutting off a precious fish and expensive gear, that is when I go back to the boat for the pony bottle.

[dness33]

I love my D3 that I recently purchased (thanks Erik). I think mine is busted though, because I know I'm going down to 50 ft, but the damn thing keeps telling me I'm maxin' out at 25'! I guess the truth hurts...............

I'm curious to see the different thoughts and ideas on this topic as well....

Dave Ness