Blowing Tank Air on a Regulator

[homerdoc]

I was in Bonaire last year in July, and I saw a lot of folks after a boat dive blowing air from their tank on their first stage.

I was never trained to do that, does anyone know why they did that? It seemed to be folks that were dutch, but I don't want to be stereotypical. I should have asked but I didn't.

I am going back in 20 days, so I want to be able to show off (ha) if that is the correct thing to do to my brother.

 

[CptTightPants21]

It is one of those really old school annoying habits that doesn't seem to want to die. It is a complete waste.

A towel or even blowing air from your mouth will do a better (and less noisy) job than the tank method.

 

[tbone1004]

it's not really kosher these days. makes a lot of noise. Just blow it off with your mouth or dry off with a towel

 

[guruboy]

They're blowing water off the dust cap. Not the 1st stage

 

[tursiops]

I was in Bonaire last year in July, and I saw a lot of folks after a boat dive blowing air from their tank on their first stage.

I was never trained to do that, does anyone know why they did that? It seemed to be folks that were dutch, but I don't want to be stereotypical. I should have asked but I didn't.

I am going back in 20 days, so I want to be able to show off (ha) if that is the correct thing to do to my brother.

One good reason to do it, two bad reasons. Remember, the goal is to get water off the dust cap before you put it over the valve. The good reason is it might dry the dust cap. One bad reason is it might also blow the salt water right into the first stage, which is what you are trying to prevent. The other bad reason is the sound is irritating to those around you. Just dry the cap off with your towel or teeshirt. The fact that a lot of people are doing something marginally stupid does not make it unstupid.

 

[CuzzA]

I palm/block the first stage outlet and hold the dust cap between two fingers and blow tank gas into the dust cap. It takes about 2 seconds and leaves the dust cap bone dry before I put it on the first stage opening.

 

[boulderjohn]

I blow the water off my dust cap. I do not blow it on the regulator because they could blow water into the regulator.

 

[dwellerbottom]

I saw some people doing this earlier this year in Cozumel, the only reason I can see to do it is to annoy everyone else on the boat.

 

[Goingforsound]

You guys have sensitive ears!.

 

[northernone]

I always use the dry tank air to high pressure blowdry the cap and 1st stage prior to freshwater soak... my one reg so far has a 31 year service interval and seems to be enjoying it's treatment.

Yes, in theory, done incorrectly it could possibly have a slight risk of introducing water into the first stage. Haven't encountered that personally.

And hurrah for good hearing.

Cameron

Ps. Are the Dutch famous for blow drying regs? I miss the stereotype.