kanonfodr
Contributor
Well...I dive a "Tech"-ish setup even on my normal single-tank shore dives. I'll explain:
For doubles you will most likely want a Backplate/Wing BCD, something like this. Don't fret, they aren't all that expensive . The good news is that, by swapping the wing and, depending on your configuration, adding a Single Tank Adapter you can use the exact same setup for your regular single-tank diving.
Regulators: Well, it honestly becomes a pain in the rear swapping your regs between singles and doubles setups every weekend (or more often ) so I would honestly recommend getting a set of regulators specific to doubles when you are able to, but in the meantime you can just convert your current regulator to DIN and simply purchase another DIN 1st stage and swap back and forth as needed until you can purchase another regulator set and have dedicated regs for your configurations.
Training: I would honestly invest in either a good mentor who is diving doubles regularly or paying a technical instructor to help you become proficient with both your BP/W and doubles, as there is a bit of difference between doubles and singles, trim and stability-wise. A knowledgeable instructor or mentor can also teach you the valve drill, where you will learn to manipulate your valves underwater in case of failure. It's not really necessary to know the valve drill (in which case you are in effect diving one big tank) but being able to shut down my valves and solve a problem underwater has saved a dive before.
Hope this gives you a direction in which to look for more information.
Peace,
Greg
For doubles you will most likely want a Backplate/Wing BCD, something like this. Don't fret, they aren't all that expensive . The good news is that, by swapping the wing and, depending on your configuration, adding a Single Tank Adapter you can use the exact same setup for your regular single-tank diving.
Regulators: Well, it honestly becomes a pain in the rear swapping your regs between singles and doubles setups every weekend (or more often ) so I would honestly recommend getting a set of regulators specific to doubles when you are able to, but in the meantime you can just convert your current regulator to DIN and simply purchase another DIN 1st stage and swap back and forth as needed until you can purchase another regulator set and have dedicated regs for your configurations.
Training: I would honestly invest in either a good mentor who is diving doubles regularly or paying a technical instructor to help you become proficient with both your BP/W and doubles, as there is a bit of difference between doubles and singles, trim and stability-wise. A knowledgeable instructor or mentor can also teach you the valve drill, where you will learn to manipulate your valves underwater in case of failure. It's not really necessary to know the valve drill (in which case you are in effect diving one big tank) but being able to shut down my valves and solve a problem underwater has saved a dive before.
Hope this gives you a direction in which to look for more information.
Peace,
Greg