Diving| 5 tips to recover after scuba diving

Flying and going to high-altitude locations after diving might be one of the most widely known risks for divers. As you know, nitrogen air from the gas tank dissolves in your blood after each deep dive and takes time to eliminate from your body. If you ascend quickly to high-altitude places, the air pressure lessens and the nitrogen will form into bubbles in between your tissues and joints, that can cause intense pain and possibly fatal! 

To avoid this, the common practice is to wait 12 hours after a single no-decompression dive, and at least 24 hours after multiple dives before flying in a plane or going on high altitude hikes!

It sounds nice to go relax in a hot spring, or visit the spa after an intense underwater adventure… Still, there are some possible risks of doing so! Especially deep-tissue massage may merge smaller nitrogen air to larger bubbles, causing pain in joints. Bathing in hot water can promote bubble formation and cause discomfort. A conservative method is to wait at least a couple of hours before going to massage or hot tubs, then you can truly unwind and enjoy the relaxation after each dives.

It is no secret that divers love to have a drink or two after diving. But drinking alcohol right after diving is not recommended as it affects the way our bodies eliminate hydrogen. It also potentially causes lower body temperature and dehydration. We suggest you sit for a couple hours before drinking, and remember to stay warm and hydrated after your dives.

During the surface intervals, divers usually love to go sunbathing. Still, do not forget about sun-protection! Apply reef-safe sunscreen to the back of your neck, limbs and face. An alternative can be wearing UV-protection clothing. Also, as salt-water tends to dry out your skin, remember to apply lotion, use lip balm or aloe gel to moisturize your skin!

A commonly overlooked practice is to have sufficient rest after a day of diving. Some common symptoms after diving could be fatigue, nausea and headache due to the rapid pressure change. To alleviate these symptoms, drink plenty of water and make sure you get enough sleep after diving.