100% Free flow at 135Ft and 41F water

[TSandM]

Of course, doubles would be much better, but overkill for petite little me.

Oh, but the looks on people's faces when you climb the ladder in more than your body's weight worth of gear are worth it! (Actually, doubles aren't that bad.)

 

[MasterGoa]

Well guys, guess what?

I went diving this morning!

I went to the King for a first dive.
I used only my main wetsuit, not the second layer
so as not to go too deep. I went to 65ft and everything was fine.

I tried to freak myself out by going down the slanted wreck
and looking up, the same view as with my incident, but I felt
nothing wrong...

I sucked a bit more air on that dive, but then the Newaygo went fine.

I have no problems diving and I am back to normal...

Now I have reviewed everyones suggestion: Doubles, H-Valve and Pony and
the pony is the best solution for me at this time. I dove doubles and
frankly, I have it. Also, my breathing is low enough that I can pass NDL
with my 80 anyday.

So my free flow plan will be extensive free flow practice,
which already started today, and practicing turning my tank off
by taking off my vest underwater, which I also practiced and
did at depth this week.

I will update this thread as I figure new stuff out
in my tests and pratices...

Thanks again to all!

MG

 

[ektess1]

You should be able to reach you valves without taking anything off.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

What passes for flexibility in South Florida and what passes for flexibility in the frozen north in extemely cold water can vary. Many dry suits and or heavy under garments do not allow quite enough range of motion unless they are overly large or are custom cut (altough I have noted the White's Fusion is the stock size suit exception in this regard). A 7mm wet suit can have a similar limiting effect in some cases.

But overall I agree that you should be able to reach your tank valve without taking anything off. Ensure the tank is mounted high enough and or try mounting it a bit higher (lower on the BC). Also see if loosening the waist strap/cumberbund is enough. That should allow you to pull the tank up (by pulling on a hose and/or pushing up on the bottom of the tank) high enough to reach the valve.

There are exceptions that are planned for but generally speaking it is a really bad idea to remove a tank/BC/BP/wing under water especially at depth and most especially if it carries any portion of your negative buoyancy.

 

[ianr33]

One other point on reaching the valve on a single tank: It may help if you rotate the tank a little so the valve is closer to your head. Maybe at a 45 degree rather than a 90 degree angle. You dont have to reach so far back that way.

 

[MasterGoa]

Thanks guys, I will definately inspect my setup to make sure I can shut off
without taking off the BC.

BTW, what would be the consequence of shutting off the air and just letting
enough out to breath normally?
I am building a free flow plan and want all angles.

Kind regards.

Pierre

 

[ianr33]

BTW, what would be the consequence of shutting off the air and just letting
enough out to breath normally?
I am building a free flow plan and want all angles.

Pierre

You mean open the valve to breathe,close it as you pause and exhale?

That will work fine IF you can manipulate a valve on your back.Very much doubt I could do that. Would work better with a slung pony/sidemount tanks where the valves are easy to access.

 

[MasterGoa]

Stuff extremely relevent to our present discussion:

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/2421499-post10.html

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/2424795-post17.html

 

[ianr33]

Stuff extremely relevent to our present discussion:

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/2421499-post10.html

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/2424795-post17.html

Yep,that DA guy writes good stuff !

Here is another interesting and very sobering post showing how cold water can bite even very experienced divers

The Deco Stop

 

[MasterGoa]

Here is my incident profile in 30 seconds increments.