why hate safety devices?

[MXGratefulDiver]

Actually I think that's my misunderstanding. I somehow thought you meant that I was kicking to maintain buoyancy during the dive, rather than to establish depth at the start. Due to my fairly shallow depth range, I'm heavy enough to be able to descend by breath or surface dive without kicking. Indeed, if I were wanting to weight myself for a deeper dive I might need to exert myself more. I don't really dive deeper than about 40-50' though, due to my aforementioned dive contour.

... another skill that isn't taught that much anymore ... the pike dive ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[aquaregia]

Wow really? Luckily it was a part of my NAUI OW last year. Are no skin skills required to be covered?

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Wow really? Luckily it was a part of my NAUI OW last year. Are no skin skills required to be covered?

Depends on the agency ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Blackwood]

I somehow thought you meant that I was kicking to maintain buoyancy

Just to scratch an itch, kicking in any direction has zero effect on buoyancy.

Regarding gear, at some point a BC becomes necessary. But within the confines of "basic Scuba" they are indeed an aid, as are fins, masks, regulators, depth gauges, etc.. I can dive with a just cylinder and a valve. Everything else I choose to bring either makes it more enjoyable, easier or *zomg* safer.

 

[DaleC]

I think the fact that there is a question on how to dive sans BC shows it is a skill that has been diminished.

Bob, love the Pike. Don't know why the foot first decent ever replaced it.

As N would say: swim down, swim around, swim back up.

 

[diver 85]

Try using a computer(any ole computer) that has no 'juice' going to it---that's dead as a door nail, you won't get far.........lol.....

I don't hate these "scuba innovations", I just don't necessarily use them all......I guess I feel like I'm gunna make it home safe & sound with----or without them......

 

[BoltSnap]

I think the fact that there is a question on how to dive sans BC shows it is a skill that has been diminished.

IMO it just means that different people believe in different things and it becomes "I like chocolate" vs. "I like vanilla." No one is going to change their mind.

 

[Paladin]

IMO it just means that different people believe in different things and it becomes "I like chocolate" vs. "I like vanilla." No one is going to change their mind.

By George! He finally got it! Took 'im long enough! There might be hope for the boy yet!

 

[Thalassamania]

White Shark,

Do you know if they still make the Fenzy?

I belive they do, but it has morphed into a double bag monstrosity.

You can't do it in a 7mm suit to modern day basic OW standards - the 3 minute safety at 15 feet is impractical, if not impossible, unless you "cheat" by leaving some weights on an ascent line (to attach as you ascend) or leave some on the bottom near your exit.

Edit: Thal pointed out that a three-minute safety is a work-around for poor ascent profiles. Regardless of whether this is true or not (and I believe that it is true), PADI, NAUI, etc., teach that the safety stop should not be omitted save for urgent situations. Divers can practice whatever they wish to practice. However, you can't teach the standard omission of the three-minute safety to basic OW divers. This thread is in Basic Scuba Discussions.

So let's all misinterpret the agency's misinterpretation and not teach that which is accurate and correct?

Since it is the air that gives the insulation, not the rubber, it is quite easy to visualise a situation in which a low-compression suit would not provide enough insulation.

Rather easy? I rather doubt that, unless you're prepared to freeze down there. Which is of course what many of the early divers did. I did at that time. They were prepared to put up with incredible discomfort and danger to indulge in their sport. Nowadays most people see the sport as a recreation, not a macho quasi-military exercise.

There is also the point that it isn't just because of an optional safety stop that you might want to be able to maintain neutral buoyancy near the surface. If you're in an area of high boat traffic you need to be able to judge when to pop up quite accurately, and an ability to maintain position can be crucial.

I've dove 9 mil suits in water as cold as it gets down to 190 feet without significant problem. Boat traffic is, as always, a consideration that may require special procedures.

I never said they were mandatory.

If you teach PADI, NAUI, etc., basic OW you will state that safety stops can be skipped if there is an urgent need to do so, but they should not be skipped otherwise.

They may be skipped any old time, they are not required.

I think the fact that there is a question on how to dive sans BC shows it is a skill that has been diminished.

Bob, love the Pike. Don't know why the foot first decent ever replaced it.

As N would say: swim down, swim around, swim back up.

Foot first became preferred because it saved time and many beginning divers find it easier to clear that way.

By George! He finally got it! Took 'im long enough! There might be hope for the boy yet!

There is always hope for the Commander.

Happy Holidays all.

 

[Dr Wu]

Dr. Wu,

I suppose you live in a different universe. It is easy to say "nope" when you ignore basic physics and common sense.

You need to retake basic dive physics.

Cannot say about the common sense part.