Ever finished a dive and wondered how your buddy still has plenty of air left while you’re already checking your pressure gauge? Don’t worry — good air consumption isn’t simply about how much experience you have. With a few small changes to your technique, buoyancy and breathing, you can make every breath count and enjoy longer, more relaxed dives.

Master your buoyancy
Good buoyancy is one of the biggest factors in air consumption. When you are perfectly balanced in the water, you don’t need to constantly fin, adjust your BCD or change depth. Every unnecessary movement uses energy — and more energy means more oxygen. Spend time practising neutral buoyancy and aim to move smoothly and effortlessly through the water.

Slow down
There’s no need to race around the reef. Slow, controlled movements are more efficient and allow you to enjoy your surroundings while using less energy. Keep your fins streamlined and use gentle, purposeful kicks rather than large, powerful movements.

Focus on your breathing
Try to establish a calm, natural breathing rhythm. Avoid holding your breath or deliberately taking extremely shallow breaths. Instead, breathe slowly and comfortably, allowing your regulator to do its job. A relaxed diver generally uses less air than one who is anxious, excited or working hard.

Streamline your equipment
Anything that creates drag makes you work harder. Keep hoses, gauges and accessories neatly positioned, and avoid carrying unnecessary equipment. A streamlined configuration allows you to glide through the water with less effort.

Stay warm and hydrated
Your body works harder when it is cold, and dehydration can contribute to fatigue. Make sure you are appropriately protected for the water temperature and drink plenty of water before and after your dive.

Relax and enjoy the dive
Perhaps the most important tip is simply to relax. If you find yourself using more air than your buddy, don’t feel pressured to match their consumption. Divers have different bodies, metabolisms and experience levels. Concentrate on becoming a calmer, more efficient diver rather than chasing a particular number.

If you’d like to take your buoyancy skills to the next level, ask one of our Prodivers instructors about the PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy course. It’s a great way to refine your weighting, trim and buoyancy control while learning how to move more efficiently through the water.

In the Maldives, there’s no reason to hurry. Take a slow breath, settle into the blue and let the reef come to you. You may be surprised by just how much longer you can stay beneath the surface.