If you have a choice.....

[g1138]

Never EVER swim a timed 900 with jet fins.

My calfs got wned:


I had my DM class tryout test today. Managed to pass everything except the timed skin dive swim. 900 yds in 18;30.
30 seconds above the cut off. Luckily there's enough space for me so I'm doing it again tomorrow during the scuba skills, except this time I'm bringing my paddle fins.

Edit: At least I know now that I can do a double cramp release and still be floaty enough to breath out of my snorkel =-=*

 

[N2DeepInAz]

Wow! That was a painful less to learn, I'll bet! Get yourself a nice pair of blade fins and you'll be fine.

When I did my DM swims, I lapped the guy in the lane next to me twice on that swim as he too was wearing splits. I missed getting the top score by 10 seconds.

 

[TSandM]

I didn't pass the swim the first time, using my Jets. I passed it with flying colors a few days later, using a pair of borrowed SeaWing Novas

 

[g1138]

Yeah lesson learned. Jet's aren't made for cruising.
I'm really glad I didn't sell my old paddles. They may be floppy and lacking umph by comparison. But they sure keep my calfs happy =]

 

[DevonDiver]

Personally, I think that you should be able to achieve the targets of the DM swim test in your regular fins. If doing this in Jets exposes some weaknesses, then that is a good learning point for you.

The DM swim test provides a clear indication of your capacity to cover distance quickly - which is a vital requirement should you ever need to rescue a diver in distress.

Whilst opting for an 'easier' set of fins to complete the test will achieve your short-term objective (pass the DM course), it does not achieve the long term objective (be a proficient DM who can ensure the safety of divers) if you just go back to your regular fins without making some form of adjustment to rectify the failings that you encountered.

What can you do?

1) Set yourself a personal goal to achieve the test in your regular fins (Jet fins) and then train harder to achieve that goal, by increasing your personal fitness; in particular your leg strength.

2) Acknowledge that Jet fins might not be the best fin option for you...and replace them with an alternative that causes less strain on the lower legs/calves.

 

[knowone]

Practical unbiased safe rock solid advice.

How unpopular of you.

 

[aquaregia]

I maintain that the answer to everything is frogkicking. I keep thinking about replacing my Avantis with Jets, but I guess I just don't have a big enough need yet. One day.

 

[waterpirate]

When I pulled my freediving fins out of my bag poolside the look on the cd's face was priceless. He followed that look up with "you have got to be shi**ng me!". I really enjoyed my time on the pool deck waiting for the others to finish.
Eric

 

[LakeCountyDiver]

Andy has a great point. If you always dive with jets (splits?) (paddle?) then that should be the fin you try to complete the test with.

I can second the Seawing Nova's those fins are nice and fast and powerful. The other equal fin I have used is the Atomic smoke on the waters (there split).

If you totally dont want that test to be a problem then of course a set of free diving fins would be the best.

I how ever train in the in the s***tiest set of fins I could find and then when you get your good fins on you have: endurance, stamina, strength, and comfort on your side.

Also Drink A LOT of water the night before and the morning before to be well hydrated for the test. That will help with cramps. Also eggs are a great breakfast because it has carbs and protein.

 

[waterpirate]

I would say that there is allways a choice "right gear for the dive". Giving up my jets for the free dive fins fell into that category. Had I continued to "herd cats" my gear would have reflected that mission and I would have allways dove with the free diving fins as the cats can get pretty squirrely and needed to be hearded quickly and from great distances. Not be reflective of my gear intensive efforts of late.
Eric