The Male v Female issue!

[Dive Bunnie]

Hi Girls,

This thread got started under "conservation" the other day, and in a Women's forum we feel that this subject really deserves a category all of its own.
Whilst the whole board is aimed at women anyway, there are topics that are particularly relevant, such as the issues of pregnancy, menstruation, contraception, fit of your kit and how this can affect your diving experience to a greater or lesser degree.
Whilst we are not qualified doctors, so any serious, specific issues should be taken to your GP, this forum is a place for discussion where we can share our concerns or queries without feeling that we are succumbing to or acknowleding a "weakness" or difference between us. (men and women, that is)
So feel free to put up these issues for discussion.

[divergirl]

Hey DB,

Was just wondering… do you get problems when instructing blokes at all? It's one thing putting me off, that as a woman, I might find it hard to gain the respect of my male students.

[Dive Bunnie]

Hey Divergirl,

I guess gaining the respect of your students is your aim whatever sex they are, and using your head, being a good role model and knowing your stuff does go a long way towards winning someone over.

I generally find that if I have done my homework and got everything well planned I have already won half the battle. People tend to feel uncomfortable if they start to wonder about your abilities. If you make sure you are on top of everything, they are not going to get the chance to start feeling this way.

Of course on top of all that, you need to be able to do this whilst coming across totally relaxed, and with a smile on your face. If people are enjoying themselves, again they are less likely to start querying you.

The male v female aspect doesn't really come into it if you have nailed all of the above.

Do bear in mind that there will always be the odd exception to the rule, and I guess you just learn to take that in your stride. ;D

[Rubyru]

Don't be put off instructing worrying about whether other people will judge you for being a woman in the job, that says much more about them than it does about you.

As with all jobs dealing with the public you get all sorts. The ones that test me most are the arrogant so and so's who don't listen or believe they know better than you. But when you have done a 45 minute dive and come out with more air from a 10 litre cylinder than your big macho diver on a 15 litre then they seem to accept that you might know a thing or two.

Sometimes I even let them into the secret that I am good with air BECAUSE I am a seven stone skinny woman!

The other side is that we often get female customers that are pleased that they can dive with a female instructor and not have to worry about being with a big macho bloke that won't give them time, listen to or understand their concerns.

As with any job we all bring our unique abilities and talents to diving, if some big lunk can't appreciate that or us, its their loss.

Happy diving.

[anon]

Hee hee...

I sooo know what you mean..! Have had that many a time.. "don't worry about me love... I know how much weight I need" and twenty minutes later they have drunk half their tank.

Anyway, I s'pose it would be boring without the odd "character" eh.

[waterbabe]

Oooo sounds like you have had fun. Hmm maybe I'll put that DM course on hold.

[diver246]

I heard recently that there is a condition in some women over 40 that causes them to have lung problems (fluid or something) when diving. Have you heard anything about this, as a woman over 40 and a diver, this is understandably a bit of a concern for me.

[Dive Bunnie]

I have heard of this potential problem. Dr Ahmed here at the chamber in Sharm has received a few visits from women of this age who have had incidents regarding fluid in the lungs.
I shall find out more and let you know as soon as I have that information, and a name for the condition.

[luckyliz]

Any further news on the 'fluid on the lungs when over 40' issue...I'm 50 in two week's time...eek! Seriously tho' there was a bit of an article about it (pulmonary oedema) in Sept's Sport Diver but nothing about it being particularly likely in us 'older ladies'.

[Dive Bunnie]

I have created a new page "Health and the Female Diver" where I have put my reply to this thread. Unfortunately I can't move individual posts, so feel free to head to that page to continue this particular discussion.