THE INCIDENT Barracuda attacks on humans, including completely unprovoked ones, are far more common than recognized. After an unprovoked barracuda attack amputated my left little finger and the side of my hand in Cozumel, DAN saved my life. No diver should be without DAN coverage! I was on a dive boat in Cozumel run by … Read more
(Q) Dear DocV, I got OW certified only a few months ago. When I did, the water was warm enough to wear a swimsuit and a rash guard. This past weekend I took a buoyancy class and spent a couple hours of each day in a pool wearing a wetsuit. The wetsuit is new and … Read more
“You smoked four packs of cigarettes a day?” “Yes.” “Four?” “I said yes.” “Three belts of scotch and fatty shortribs for lunch?” “That’s right.” That was forty years ago. I don’t think I could have entered my ninth decade without having made some major changes. At the time I signed up for a YMCA scuba … Read more
Both of us hit the big 60 a few months back. We didn’t think it mattered much, we felt great and have stayed in shape between dive trips by swimming, hiking, and practicing yoga. Besides, as our friend Brian Skerry so tactfully reminded us, “60 is the new 59.” Encouraging words indeed. But just after … Read more
(Q) Hello DocVikingo, I tend to swallow air while diving and get gas with cramping and belching upon ascent. This is very unpleasant. Anything I can do? Thanks. t-d-g. (A) Hi t-d-g, Swallowing air during a dive, called aerophagia, is not uncommon in newer divers. Also, divers who are overweight seem to have an increased … Read more
