I'd like to compile a list of exercises I can do by myself or with my buddy at the surface at the end of a dive, if we have a little extra air. Everyone says you should practice these things, but I'd like a list to ensure useful skills aren't missed. I'll start with a couple and if others post more, I'll update this first post to include them.
For any of these not done at the surface, you should strive to have proper trim and buoyancy.Keep proper buoyancy and trim and all times.
For any of these not done at the surface, you should strive to have proper trim and buoyancy.Keep proper buoyancy and trim and all times.
- Weight check (note having the proper weight is separate from having proper buoyancy).
- Do the safety stop without holding on to a line, staying at the same depth with proper trim.
- Practice being able to stop movement and hold position with proper trim.
- Inflate BCD manually.
- Flood mask, breathe normally, clear mask.
- Remove mask, breathe normally, replace mask, clear.
- Remove regulator, throw over shoulder, retrieve it, finish exhaling completely, replace regulator, purge.
- Remove regulator, throw over shoulder, switch to alternate regulator, retrieve primary regulator, switch back.
- Remove regulator, signal buddy for air, switch to buddy's regulator.
- Throw alternate regulator over shoulder, retrieve it.
- Hand signals:
Ask buddy for air remaining.
How else to practice these? Maybe learn a few before the dive and go over them in the water? - Close and re-open your own tank valve (at surface only).
- Disconnect BCD hose, reconnect.
- Hold purge to free flow regulator and sip air from it.
- Deploy SMB.
- Clip and unclip various accessories to build muscle memory.
- Share a single regulator with buddy.
- Practice back kicks and helicopter turns.
- Practice CESA from a shallow depth. It can be very dangerous, so have a buddy and follow directions: at the beginning of dive only, from not more than 30', breathe out 50%, then swim to the surface at a safe ascent rate while keeping your airway open. Making a continuous "ahhh" sound will ensure your airway is open.
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