USVI-On-Line

do you go when snorkling to get such great pics
no more lerking for me!

Max 25'-35'. This is when I dive off the rocks on the south side.

Most great pics you can get at around 5' - 8', but we'll go down to around 20 - 25' using the technique to equalize the pressure in your ears.

Bob & Anita wrote:Most great pics you can get at around 5' - 8', but we'll go down to around 20 - 25' using the technique to equalize the pressure in your ears.

What is the technique? I get about 10-15 feet and the pressure is killer.

Pictures generally come out better when taken in shallower water than deeper. You get more sunlight in the shallows.

It depends on the beaches, but you don't necessarily have to go deep to see good stuff.

I've gone out to approx. 30 ft. deep but I have to stay on the surface because I can't dive. Shame. I have bad ear pressure problems. Envious of you, Bob & Anita! Diving (and flying) means "pain" to me...

hoosierdaddy, you can equalize the pressure in your ears while diving down by pinching your nose and gently exhaling into it. This should make your ears "pop" and release the pressure. If you look at Bob and Anita's photo you can see their son doing this.

It does not work for everyone, and it especially won't work if you have any sinus congestion. I have success with this technique, but it never works for John.

hoosierdaddy wrote:What is the technique? I get about 10-15 feet and the pressure is killer.

You should never have to feel pressure or pain in your ears when you dive down. To prevent any discomfort you should frequently (every 5 feet) hold and blow into your nose to relieve the pressure in your ears. You must do this frequently in smaller 5' depth increments to easily and painlessly relieve the pressure in your ears. It very hard to equalize the pressure if you wait until you are deep and feeling the pain. This is because you are now blowing/pushing against a stronger pressure. In other words, perform frequent pressure equalizations before you feel pain.

Becky and Bob or Anita
Thanks for the assist. I can't wait to try it out next month!

good to know about the ears but my prob has always been that i have trouble swimming downward like i'm too floaty...i've always blamed it on the carbonation from all the beer in me.

overman wrote:good to know about the ears but my prob has always been that i have trouble swimming downward like i'm too floaty...i've always blamed it on the carbonation from all the beer in me.

Try holding your nose and peeing the carbonation out before diving!

the carbonation that does manage to escape actually serves as a form of propulsion...i guess i just need to aim more downward.

These are great shots. What kind of camera are you using?

I am looking for an inexpensive (under $250), good quality, underwater digital camera...if such a thing exists.

overman wrote:good to know about the ears but my prob has always been that i have trouble swimming downward like i'm too floaty...i've always blamed it on the carbonation from all the beer in me.

You can rent a weighted swim belt at Low Key watersports to help you stay underwater.

robbin,

equalizational also proper for mask, just easier. all you have to do is do slight breath out your nose into mask and bingo only enough pressure to keep mask in place.

papabou

Rbaron721 wrote:These are great shots. What kind of camera are you using?

I am looking for an inexpensive (under $250), good quality, underwater digital camera...if such a thing exists.

It's one of the Canon PowerShot models with the underwater case.