Search results

  1. markfm

    Lockheed scuba club

    I don't think NorCal is near Marietta (unless the big one finally hit...) Of course, there's a bunch of LM divers here in Syracuse, NY, too :)
  2. markfm

    Minimus Same Reg as Shadow+?

    I started with a Shadow+, switched to a Minimus for DM things. I'd like to convert my Shadow+ to another standard octo configuration, a la the Minimus. Is the actual Shadow+ 2nd stage the same as the Minimus left hand version? It looks exactly the same, with perhaps the adjustment screw on...
  3. markfm

    Do I need doctor's signature?

    PADI Instructors require an annual medical? (Not disagreeing, just hadn't heard of it before.)
  4. markfm

    DiveMaster/LDS conflict

    Apologies, I was not intending to add confusion -- I was trying to say "standard configuration" meaning the configuration used by the majority of recreational divers, which is not to say standards violation. I'm sure there are more divers using a long hose configuration over time, but overall I...
  5. markfm

    DiveMaster/LDS conflict

    If by "long hose", this is a long hose + bungied second, I'd not be surprised if an Instructor said "no" to someone using it as a DM or to a student at an Open Water level. A DM (the original topic of this thread), at least in PADI, is supposed to be able to work with students on skills after...
  6. markfm

    Poll on DIR forum to Opt or not to Opt

    Not being DIR, but actually being curious about some things DIR, I hope people think twice before pushing for the second option. I'm a member of Solo divers, an opt-in group that doesn't require mod approval, and it seems, overall, to be pretty effective. People know that they explicitly have...
  7. markfm

    Ascents and Air2

    TSandM -- My error, I read "manage" as "imagine". I absolutely agree that an Air2 would be a bear for me to manage -- I don't have a right-hand shoulder dump, it would be a hassle. Without being able to disconnect it from the dump hose it makes handling the OOA a bit more of a pain than I would...
  8. markfm

    Pony tank makes me roll to the side -- how to fix?

    According to the tank info from huron scuba, an S19 is neutral when empty, so moving 2 lb from front to a back trim pocket on the opposite side from the pony is reasonable. From a purely trim standpoint, I prefer to move 1 lb from each of the left and right front to that left rear. I switch...
  9. markfm

    Ascents and Air2

    Need to expand your imagination, people have done such ascents for years, lived to tell the tale. :) (I actually use a 5' hose because it gives me better options for some exits, and it's a left-hand regulator -- LPI hose enters from the left instead of the right, which makes for a cleaner...
  10. markfm

    Your max depth!

    There is some nice diving all around the Islander, including some pretty deep stuff if you know where you're going. Unfortunately the deeper stuff is not something for a newer diver, even gung-ho. It needs to be treated as virtual overhead (too much recreational traffic, even out of the main...
  11. markfm

    Multi level specialty or not?

    The Wheel isn't really all that hard to use, if you're patient, take a bit of time to just play with it. Nowhere near as convenient as a computer, mind you -- it's got a finite set of things that can reasonably be done. I'd still think of checking about for a low cost computer -- it really...
  12. markfm

    Your max depth!

    I've gone as deep as PADI allows for recreational diving. My console was just slightly deeper :) Seriously, if you're starting to play in deeper water, have you taken a deep diving or AOW class, or at least hooked up with a good mentor? Getting narced is a real thing, diving with someone...
  13. markfm

    Ascents and Air2

    That "what do we do now?" question is why I'm glad I went the Sherwood Maximus route -- it has a normal LP connection to the inflator/dump hose, so you don't have to switch to a single, integrated, hose. In theory you are switching to the Air2 because someone else is OOA. You nominally have...
  14. markfm

    Why NOT DIR?

    JeffG -- You cheat :) After all, you've got a huge amount of experience (for someone with 25 - 49 dives :) ), have taken multiple classes, yet appreciate the idea that "good enough" may indeed be just that (OK, but equally OK to take a different approach.) The misinformation unfortunately...
  15. markfm

    Question re: Bailout bottles

    I ended up with a 19CF. I did look at both Spare Air and the H2Odyssey, early on in diving. Not thinking solo really, at that time, but simple self-preservation My choice for bailout was based on consumption. I wanted to be able to get up from depth, with safety stop, and a little margin for...
  16. markfm

    Why NOT DIR?

    Thanks for the clarification.
  17. markfm

    Fresh Water vs. Salt Water - Wt.'s?

    It's based on the density difference between salt and fresh water. If you're perfectly weighted in fresh, and take the same setup (wetsuit, tank,...) to salt, you're dealing with the density difference -- 62.4 (fresh) vs 64 (salt) pounds per cubic foot. The value for salt is the norm -- you...
  18. markfm

    Why NOT DIR?

    Curious (a learning opportunity) -- what's the rationale for a 10 fpm descent? Ascent I totally appreciate, I tend to run near there coming off of my safety stop, but why on descent (short of having an equalization issue)? Thanks.
  19. markfm

    Why NOT DIR?

    Being a skinhead may make it easier to put a hood on, so it might actually enhance diving :) For me, I just don't find DIR necessary for the diving that I choose to do. Certainly nothing inherently wrong with it, but as in most things the concept of shades of gray is handy. It's the...
  20. markfm

    Peak Performance Buoyancy course ?

    Almost always, a bunch of dives with a good mentor, soliciting feedback, is a good way to go, but if you really only get limited opportunities to dive, a focused class can help get you over the initial hump, at least get you closer.
Back
Top Bottom